IEM Distinguished Lecturers Seminar: Biomolecular synapses and neurons for neuromorphic signal processing at the edge of biology
Abstract
The efficiency and adaptability of the human brain have inspired significant research into developing neuromorphic devices, networks, and algorithms that can sidestep limitations of transistor-based architectures and which offer greater functionality for information processing applications at the edge of computing networks. In general, neuromorphic systems draw inspiration from the functions and, especially, the activity-dependent adaptations of pulse-generating neurons and neural synapses. Despite significant progress in solid-state materials, devices, and circuits that collocate synaptic plasticity and memory, most emulate only basic synapse and neuron functions and few are bio-compatible. These gaps motivate research on new material systems that could enable a greater suite of neural functionalities, including the ability to integrate sensing and neuromorphic computing in close proximity to living cells and tissues—at the edge of biology. Establishing such capabilities could enable new types of implantable or wearable, smart bioelectronics and transform how we monitor, predict, and control biological activities that benefit health, physical performance, and diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury. In this presentation, I will discuss my group’s research on an emerging class of ionic neuromorphic computing systems consisting of biomolecular membranes that closely emulate the voltage- and ion-responsive neuronal cell membranes. Specifically, I will show how membrane-based biomolecular synapses can exhibit various types of short-term synaptic plasticity in response to voltage-stimuli, including memory resistance, memory capacitance, and sensory adaptation. I will also describe efforts to explore the computational power of these synapse-inspired behaviors, and discuss our recent efforts to integrate stimuli-responsive biomembranes with organic electrochemical transistors for hybrid functionality.
Bio
Andy Sarles is a Professor and the James Conklin Faculty Fellow in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Sarles received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Tennessee and M.S. and PhD. degrees in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech. He joined the MABE faculty at University of Tennessee in 2011. Sarles also holds joint faculty appointments in the departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). Sarles’ interdisciplinary research interests include engineered smart materials, transport and signaling through biomimetic interfaces and tissue-inspired materials, revealing nanomaterial-membrane interactions, and artificial synapses and neurons for neuromorphic computing. He is a Fellow of ASME and is the recipient of a 2018 NSF CAREER Award, the 2017 Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award from ASME, and a 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Grant. He is currently an associate editor for npj Unconventional Computing and an editorial board member for Smart Materials and Systems.
The efficiency and adaptability of the human brain have inspired significant research into developing neuromorphic devices, networks, and algorithms that can sidestep limitations of transistor-based architectures and which offer greater functionality for information processing applications at the edge of computing networks. In general, neuromorphic systems draw inspiration from the functions and, especially, the activity-dependent adaptations of pulse-generating neurons and neural synapses. Despite significant progress in solid-state materials, devices, and circuits that collocate synaptic plasticity and memory, most emulate only basic synapse and neuron functions and few are bio-compatible. These gaps motivate research on new material systems that could enable a greater suite of neural functionalities, including the ability to integrate sensing and neuromorphic computing in close proximity to living cells and tissues—at the edge of biology. Establishing such capabilities could enable new types of implantable or wearable, smart bioelectronics and transform how we monitor, predict, and control biological activities that benefit health, physical performance, and diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury. In this presentation, I will discuss my group’s research on an emerging class of ionic neuromorphic computing systems consisting of biomolecular membranes that closely emulate the voltage- and ion-responsive neuronal cell membranes. Specifically, I will show how membrane-based biomolecular synapses can exhibit various types of short-term synaptic plasticity in response to voltage-stimuli, including memory resistance, memory capacitance, and sensory adaptation. I will also describe efforts to explore the computational power of these synapse-inspired behaviors, and discuss our recent efforts to integrate stimuli-responsive biomembranes with organic electrochemical transistors for hybrid functionality.
Bio
Andy Sarles is a Professor and the James Conklin Faculty Fellow in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Sarles received a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Tennessee and M.S. and PhD. degrees in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech. He joined the MABE faculty at University of Tennessee in 2011. Sarles also holds joint faculty appointments in the departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). Sarles’ interdisciplinary research interests include engineered smart materials, transport and signaling through biomimetic interfaces and tissue-inspired materials, revealing nanomaterial-membrane interactions, and artificial synapses and neurons for neuromorphic computing. He is a Fellow of ASME and is the recipient of a 2018 NSF CAREER Award, the 2017 Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award from ASME, and a 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Grant. He is currently an associate editor for npj Unconventional Computing and an editorial board member for Smart Materials and Systems.
Practical information
- General public
- Free