Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst have achieved what can truly be described as a breakthrough — they have created an artificial neuron that can communicate directly with living cells, without requiring intermediary signal amplifiers. The neuron is built using protein nanowires produced by the bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens, which act as ionic conductors and operate at native biological voltages (around 0.1 V).
The core component of this innovation is a memristor (short for “memory resistor”) — an electronic element that “remembers” the current that has passed through it, even after power is disconnected — combined with a layer of protein nanowires. When the voltage from biological tissue exceeds a threshold, a conductive filament of ions forms inside the memristor, allowing the signal to pass. The filament then dissolves, mimicking the activation process of a biological neuron.
In tests with heart tissue, researchers demonstrated that the artificial neuron responds only when cellular activity increases — for example, after exposure to noradrenaline — proving that it can detect genuine biological signals.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this new design is its energy efficiency. It consumes ten times less voltage and up to one hundred times less power than traditional artificial neurons that require amplifiers. This efficiency makes it a promising candidate for implantable medical devices, neuroelectronic hybrid systems, and biocompatible brain–computer interfaces.
If such artificial neurons become widely adopted, they could be used in advanced prosthetics, brain–computer communication systems, and other applications where low energy consumption and seamless biological integration are crucial.
However, producing protein nanowires remains a significant challenge — the process is time-consuming and yields only small quantities of material (around 100 micrograms over several days). Moreover, it requires highly advanced manufacturing equipment. These obstacles could potentially be overcome with sufficient investment from interested partners or research institutions.
