Making real neural nets: design criteria

Neural nets may be assembled with living nerve cells in vitro to test theories about neural processing and the ways in which patterns develop in the nervous system, and to test ideas about plasticity and learning in processing systems. This may benefit the design of computer systems and prosthetic devices. Extracting information from such nets can be achieved by means of intracellular and extracellular electrodes and fluorescent dyes. Patterning of cells may be achieved using microfabrication techniques, and extracellular electrodes can be combined within the patterned substrate.