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A contribution to neuromorphic engineering: neuromodulation implemented through photochromic compounds maintained out of equilibrium by UV–visible radiation

  • Statistical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics
  • Published:
Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Neuromodulation is the alteration of neuronal and synaptic properties in the context of neuronal circuits. It allows anatomically defined circuits to produce multiple outputs reconfiguring networks into different functional circuits. In this work, neuromodulation is mimicked using a solution of two direct photochromic compounds, a naphthopyran and a spirooxazine, which are models of phasic excitable neurons, sensitive to UV radiation. When the system, constituted by the two photochromic compounds, receives a UV signal, it behaves as a recurrent network with mutual inhibitory actions. The network responds to different UV wavelengths by changing its photo-excitability, synaptic strength, wiring of the circuit, and dynamics. These results contribute to the development of neuromorphic engineering. They will promote the design of artificial neural networks with a larger number of nodes, communicating through optical signals. These networks will be the essential ingredients of the new-generation brain-like computing machines complementing current electronic computers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Via elce di sotto 8, 06123, Perugia, Italy

    Beatrice Bartolomei & Pier Luigi Gentili

  2. Department of Chemical Sciences, School of Applied Science, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK

    B. Mark Heron

Authors
  1. Beatrice Bartolomei
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  2. B. Mark Heron
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  3. Pier Luigi Gentili
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Correspondence to Pier Luigi Gentili.

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This paper belongs to a Topical Collection originated from presentations at the Conference Statistical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics: far away from equilibrium held at the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei in Rome, 25–26 June 2019. under the auspices of the Foundation Guido Donegani. Program and abstracts at the link https://www.lincei.it/it/manifestazioni/statistical-thermodynamics-and-chemical-manifestazione.

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Bartolomei, B., Heron, B.M. & Gentili, P.L. A contribution to neuromorphic engineering: neuromodulation implemented through photochromic compounds maintained out of equilibrium by UV–visible radiation. Rend. Fis. Acc. Lincei 31, 39–52 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-020-00869-y

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