A flexible biohybrid reflex arc mimicking neurotransmitter transmission

The simulation of neurotransmitter transmission in the biological nervous system holds great potential for the next generation of implantable neurological devices. Two challenges are (1) the fabrication of synaptic devices with selectivity to neurotransmitters in artificial reflex arcs and (2) the direct construction of biocompatible interfaces between biological tissues and devices to form biofeedback. Herein, we report the construction of a flexible biohybrid artificial motor biofeedback inspired by neuromuscular transmission of acetylcholine (ACh). Biocompatible interfaces are built by seeding biological cells on the gate of the organic synapse. The ACh secreted from rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC-12) cells is converted by the organic synapse into electrical signals to modulate the excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) to drive the soft actuator. This reflex arc enables memory consolidation on exposure to ACh, exhibiting both short-term plasticity and specificity. This method may provide a way for nerve repair and development of neural prosthetics and facilitate human-machine interfaces.

Automated summary

This article reports a method for constructing a flexible biohybrid artificial motor biofeedback inspired by neuromuscular transmission. Biocompatible interfaces are built by seeding biological cells on the gate of the organic synapse. This reflex arc enables memory consolidation and has selectivity to neurotransmitters.