A metal-organic framework neuron

Area of Science:

• Neuromorphic Engineering
• Materials Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• The development of artificial neurons is crucial for human-machine fusion.
• Mimicking neuronal spiking in aqueous environments presents significant challenges.
• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer potential for aqueous-compatible neuromorphic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first MOF neuron with dopamine-tunable spikes.
• To demonstrate the emulation of sophisticated neuronal functions using a MOF neuron.
• To explore the application of this MOF neuron in controlling peripheral equipment.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a novel MOF-based artificial neuron.
• Utilizing dopamine (DA) as a neurotransmitter for spike modulation.
• Implementing integration-and-firing, synaptic facilitation, and DA-tunable spiking characteristics.
• Interfacing the MOF neuron with peripheral equipment for functional control.

Main Results:

• Successfully created a MOF neuron capable of mimicking neuronal spiking in aqueous environments.
• Demonstrated DA-mediated modulation of neuronal functions, including spike number and width.
• Achieved emulation of integration-and-firing and synaptic facilitation-induced spike broadening.
• Successfully used the DA-tuned MOF neuron to control external devices.

Conclusions:

• Introduced a novel MOF neuron capable of real neurotransmitter (dopamine) tunable spiking.
• Showcased the potential of MOFs in developing advanced artificial neurons for neuromorphic engineering.
• This work provides a new avenue for creating artificial neurons that interface with biological systems in fluidic environments.