Selective Release of Different Neurotransmitters Emulated by a p-i-n Junction Synaptic Transistor for Environment-Responsive Action Control

The design of the first p-i-n junction synaptic transistor (JST) based on n-type TiO2 film covered with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and with a p-type P3HT/PEO nanowire (NW) on top. Except for basic synaptic functions that can be realized by a single neurotransmitter, the electronic device emulates the multiplexed neurotransmission of different neurotransmissions, i.e., glutamate and acetylcholine, for fast switching between short- and long-term plasticity (STP and LTP). This is realized by the special p-i-n junction with hole transport in the p-type P3HT NW to form STP, and electron transport in the n-type TiO2 layer and trapped under the PMMA inversion layer to form LTP. Altering the external input induces changes of the polarity of the charge carriers in the conductive channel, promoting fast switching between STP and LTP modes. When stimulated using two parallel inputs, the response of PMMA/TiO2 emulates the synergistic effect of taste and aroma on the control of food-intake in the brain. Because of the bipolarity, the p-i-n JST has excellent reconfigurability, which importantly is attributed to simulate the plasticity of synapses and to mimic how distinct types of gustatory receptor neurons respond to different concentrations of salt. The electronic device lays the technical foundation for the realization of the future complex artificial neural networks.

Automated summary

The p-i-n junction synaptic transistor emulates fast switching between single neurotransmitters and multiple neurotransmissions, as well as the synergistic effect of taste and aroma on food intake control in the brain. Its bipolarity allows for excellent reconfigurability, simulating synaptic plasticity and the response of gustatory receptor neurons to different salt concentrations. This electronic device lays the foundation for future complex artificial neural networks.