Project description
Personalised interfaces for intelligent bioelectronics
The advancement of brain-computer interfaces and bioelectronic devices necessitates personalised signal processing. Current technologies rely on energy-intensive cloud processing, but they lack the ability to localise and individualise signals effectively. Additionally, silicon-based devices face limitations in biocompatibility and flexibility. In this context, the ERC-funded INFER project will develop organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs). Specifically, it focuses on in-operando electropolymerisation of OMIEC monomers to create intelligent bioelectronics. Goals include understanding molecular impacts on device learning, achieving bio-realistic speeds and memory, and prototyping devices for localised sensing and stimulation. Ultimately, INFER aims to establish a brain-inspired bioelectronic platform, revolutionising in-sensor computing interfacing with biology.
Objective
The development of advanced brain-computer interfaces, wearable and implantable bioelectronic devices, prosthetics, and soft robotics requires the ability to process signals in a highly individualized and localized manner. To achieve this, new materials and devices must be developed that can sense their surroundings, process information locally, and translate it into a format our body can interpret. Currently, (bio-)electronic devices rely on remote and energy-intensive cloud processing, but electronic devices that mimic the design of the human brain offer a solution. However, silicon-based devices have limitations such as rigidity, poor biocompatibility, and operating principles that differ from the ion signal modulation of biology. Organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) have emerged as a promising option in the field of bioelectronics, as they are solution processable, potentially biocompatible, and can transport both electronic and ionic signals.
The goal of INFER is to create next-generation intelligent bioelectronic devices using in-operando electropolymerization of OMIEC monomers. The proposed research activities aim to 1) understand how the molecular properties of OMIEC monomers impact their in-operando electropolymerization and the learning capabilities of the resulting biomimetic devices, 2) achieve biorealistic speeds, memory functionalities, and energy efficiencies without the use of auxiliary devices, and 3) prototype devices that can locally sense, process, and actuate/stimulate. The long-term goal is to create a brain-inspired intelligent bioelectronic platform that brings a new paradigm for in-sensor computing at the interface with biology.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC GrantsHost institution
581 83 Linkoping
Sweden