Learning from the Brain: Bioinspired Nanofluidics

Abstract

Figure 3. Nanofluidic transistors with different geometries and responsiveness to different ambient stimuli. (a) Asymmetry characteristics of the I− V curve of nanofluidic diodes. 56 Reproduced from ref 56 with permission from the PCCP Owner Societies 2003. (b) Theoretical schematics of the nanofluidic diodes and nanofluidic bipolar transistor. 36 Reproduced with permission from ref 36.

Synaptical Tunability of Multipore Nanofluidic Memristors

“…Previous work identified these characteristics on the ion transport dynamics at different potential and scan rates in single conical nanopores, emphasizing geometrical and surface effects together with charge storage processes. − However, the potential of fluidic nanopores for synaptic function has not been addressed. Here, progress with respect to previous nanofluidic devices − is found for a wide range of external signals, thus suggesting potential applications in chemical inductors and bioelectrochemical systems. ,− …”

“…Ion-based neuromorphic devices have attracted wide interest both in fundamental and applied chemistry audiences. − The basic building block of neuromorphic signal processing is the memristor. − Here, we describe a multipore nanofluidic memristor with conical pores on a polymeric substrate that shows a wide range of ionic conduction properties, including current rectification. This electrochemical memory resistor exhibits a robust history-dependent behavior based on the electrical interaction between the functionalized charges on the conical pore surface and the nanoconfined ionic solution. − We show that the memristor active response can be switched in current and polarity by pH control, which provides additional functionality for chemical computation and neuromorphic applications.…”

“…Also, it does not demand difficult operational procedures because the physicochemical signals involved here are usual in electrochemical systems and can be easily handled. This wide modulation of ionic conduction and rectification is highly desirable for implementing logic functions, , memory, , and transistor ,, characteristics that are central to complex neuromorphic phenomena. Further, a chemical gating of the memory effect and set operation can be switched between the first and third quadrants of the I–V curve by modifying the pH.…”

Ionic Transistors

“…Moreover, while electrons and holes may recombine and disappear, anions and cations can be assembled into a variety of ion clusters, providing ionic devices with a greater degree of diversity. 79,224 After conducting extensive research on integrated circuits in electronic devices, it is important to shift focus toward the development of ionic circuits that transfer signals through ions. Such ionic circuits are expected to emulate the brain and achieve neuron and synapse functions (e.g., various pulse signals based on action potential, biological oscillations, longterm and short-term memory, etc.)…”

Iontronic Nanopore Model for Artificial Neurons: The Requisites of Spiking

“…Currently iontronic and nanofluidic devices are investigated for brain-like computation. , Some arrangements of microfluidic memristors have been suggested for functional iontronic neurons. , These previous works construct the neuron using the combination of different memristive channels in antiparallel polarity, following closely the structure of the HH model shown in Figure a, that represents the dynamics of biological neurons …”