A bio-inspired memory device based on interfacing Physarum polycephalum with an organic semiconductor

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2015 · APL materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4902817· OSTI ID:22415241

Romeo, Agostino; Dimonte, Alice; Tarabella, Giuseppe; D’Angelo, Pasquale; Erokhin, Victor; Iannotta, Salvatore ^[1]

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1. IMEM-CNR, Institute of Materials for Electronics and Magnetism-National Research Council, Parma 43124 (Italy)

The development of devices able to detect and record ion fluxes is a crucial point in order to understand the mechanisms that regulate communication and life of organisms. Here, we take advantage of the combined electronic and ionic conduction properties of a conducting polymer to develop a hybrid organic/living device with a three-terminal configuration, using the Physarum polycephalum Cell (PPC) slime mould as a living bio-electrolyte. An over-oxidation process induces a conductivity switch in the polymer, due to the ionic flux taking place at the PPC/polymer interface. This behaviour endows a current-depending memory effect to the device.

• OSTI ID: 22415241
• Journal Information: APL materials, Vol. 3, Issue 1; Other Information: (c) 2014 Author(s); Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 2166-532X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ANIMAL CELLS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTROLYTES
INTERFACES
IONIC CONDUCTIVITY
MEMORY DEVICES
ORGANIC POLYMERS
ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTORS
OXIDATION
PHYSARUM
SWITCHES