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A Neuromorphic Prosthesis to Restore Communication in Neuronal Networks
Stefano Buccelli1, Yannick Bornat2, Ilaria Colombi3
1Rehab Technologies IIT-INAIL Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child science (DINOGMI), University of Genova, L.go P. Daneo 3, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
Iscience
|August 18, 2019
Summary
This study presents a real-time neuromorphic prosthesis to restore communication between neuronal populations, even when damaged. This brain-computer interface technology offers new possibilities for bioelectronic therapeutics in healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Bioelectronics
- Neural Engineering
- Neuromorphic Computing
Background:
- Brain-machine interfaces and neuroprostheses aid individuals with neurological disabilities.
- Neuromorphic computing is key for energy-efficient, real-time brain repair devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a real-time hardware neuromorphic prosthesis.
- To restore bidirectional interactions between neuronal populations, even with damage or absence.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in vitro modular cell cultures to model neuronal assembly interactions.
- Created a focal lesion to functionally disconnect neuronal populations.
- Employed a neuromorphic prosthesis for bidirectional bridging and hybrid replacement.
Main Results:
- Successfully reconnected two disconnected neuronal modules using the prosthesis.
- Replaced the activity of a damaged neuronal module with a Spiking Neural Network in real-time.
- Demonstrated artificial reconnection and functional replacement capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The developed neuroprosthetic system shows potential for neuromorphic devices in bioelectrical therapeutics.
- This technology opens new avenues for healthcare applications in brain repair.
- Highlights the efficacy of hardware neuromorphic systems for restoring neural function.
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