Hydrophobically gated memristive nanopores for neuromorphic applications

Gonçalo Paulo, Ke Sun, Giovanni Di Muccio, Alberto Gubbiotti, Blasco Morozzo della Rocca, Jia Geng, Giovanni Maglia, Mauro Chinappi and Alberto Giacomello ()
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Gonçalo Paulo: Sapienza University of Rome
Ke Sun: Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute
Giovanni Di Muccio: Sapienza University of Rome
Alberto Gubbiotti: Sapienza University of Rome
Blasco Morozzo della Rocca: Tor Vergata University of Rome
Jia Geng: Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center
Giovanni Maglia: Groningen Biomolecular Sciences & Biotechnology Institute
Mauro Chinappi: Tor Vergata University of Rome
Alberto Giacomello: Sapienza University of Rome

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Signal transmission in the brain relies on voltage-gated ion channels, which exhibit the electrical behaviour of memristors, resistors with memory. State-of-the-art technologies currently employ semiconductor-based neuromorphic approaches, which have already demonstrated their efficacy in machine learning systems. However, these approaches still cannot match performance achieved by biological neurons in terms of energy efficiency and size. In this study, we utilise molecular dynamics simulations, continuum models, and electrophysiological experiments to propose and realise a bioinspired hydrophobically gated memristive nanopore. Our findings indicate that hydrophobic gating enables memory through an electrowetting mechanism, and we establish simple design rules accordingly. Through the engineering of a biological nanopore, we successfully replicate the characteristic hysteresis cycles of a memristor and construct a synaptic device capable of learning and forgetting. This advancement offers a promising pathway for the realization of nanoscale, cost- and energy-effective, and adaptable bioinspired memristors.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44019-y

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