Preventing Neurodegenerative Memory Loss in Hopfield Neuronal Networks Using Cerebral Organoids or External Microelectronics

Figure 1

Recent technologies are enabling more sophisticated interfaces between brains and auxiliary networks which could take the form of an organoid, external electronic device, or artificial neuronal network. (a) Cultured neural cells adhere directly to a glass Petri dish with small electrodes inserted. Microelectrode array (MEA) technology is an essential component to hybrid biological-electronic systems of neuronal networks grown in vitro. Image adapted from Pizzi et al. [34]. (b) Neurons grown on a semiconductor chip, adapted from [1]. (c-d) Neuron wrapping a silicon nanowire and hippocampal neurons coupled with germanium nanowires, adapted from [35]. (e) Cerebral organoid grown in vitro from stem cells. Image adapted from Lancaster et al. [8]. (f) Microbioelectrodes implanted into a rat cortex, adapted from [36]. In all cases, the devices could advance neural prosthetics and aid damaged or aging brains to perform their original motor and cognitive functions.