Printed artificial neurons demonstrate direct communication with living brain tissue

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:16:00 +0200

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed printed artificial neurons that are capable of directly communicating with living brain cells, marking a significant step forward in neurotechnology and brain-inspired computing. Unlike previous artificial neuron models that only mimic basic electrical behavior, these newly engineered devices generate complex, biologically realistic electrical signals that can activate real neurons in living brain tissue.

The artificial neurons are fabricated using flexible, low-cost materials through aerosol jet printing. They incorporate nanoscale flakes of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as a semiconductor and graphene as a conductor, embedded within a polymer matrix. A key innovation lies in how the polymer is partially decomposed during operation, forming conductive filaments that constrain electrical current into narrow pathways. This process produces spiking behaviors that closely resemble the timing, shape, and variability of biological neuron