Biomimetic Spiking Neural Network (SNN) Systems for ‘In Vitro’ Cells Stimulation

Millions of people are affected by neurological disorders. Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMIs) and neuroprosthesis have been the object of extensive research and may represent a valid treatment for diverse neurological diseases. The realization of neuroprostheses requires technologies to interact with neuronal cell assemblies in the nervous system, and to drive them into a desired state or to produce a specific behavior. One of the best solutions to design this kind of neuroprostheses is to implement a real-time hardware Spiking Neural Network (SNN). Not only will it mimic the electrical behavior of one biological neuron but also the dynamic of a neural network with plasticity rules. In this work, we present digital hardware implementation of biomimetic SNNs for stimulating in vitro cells. By connecting living neurons with electronic SNNs, we are intending to develop a model system for a brain-electronics interface.