Memristive synapses connect brain and silicon spiking neurons

Title	Memristive synapses connect brain and silicon spiking neurons
Authors	Alexantrou Serb, Andrea Corna, Richard George, Ali Khiat, Federico Rocchi, Marco Reato, Marta Maschietto, Christian Mayr, Giacomo Indiveri, Stefano Vassanelli, Themistoklis Prodromakis
Magazine	Scientific Reports
Date	02/25/2020
DOI	10.1038/s41598-020-58831-9
Introduction	The brain's ability to function depends on networks of spiking neurons, where synapses merge transmission with memory storage and processing. Advances in electronics have facilitated the emulation of neurons and synapses, and brain-computer interfaces that connect brain and brain-inspired devices are now emerging. This study presents memristive connections between brain and silicon spiking neurons that mimic the transmission and plasticity of actual synapses. A memristor combined with a metal-thin film titanium oxide microelectrode links a silicon neuron to a rat hippocampus neuron. Memristive plasticity allows for adjusting connection strength, while transmission is facilitated by weighted stimuli through the thin film oxide, evoking responses akin to excitatory postsynaptic potentials. The reverse connection from brain to silicon is achieved through a microelectrode-memristor pair. We demonstrate a three-neuron brain-silicon network where memristive synapses experience long-term potentiation or depression, influenced by neuronal firing rates.
Quote	Alexantrou Serb, Andrea Corna and Richard George et al. Memristive synapses connect brain and silicon spiking neurons. Sci Rep. 2020. Vol. 10. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58831-9
Element	Silicon (Si) , Titanium (Ti)
Materials	Oxides , Chemical Compounds
Topics	Biomedical Materials
Industry	Electronics