Scientists create synthetic neurons for the first time

A group of scientists from Oxford University in England succeeded in producing what they called “”.neurons “Bio-inspired synthetics made of soft, flexible biomaterials that can transmit chemical signals rapidly from inches.” Artificial nerve cells were produced synthetically for the first time in a laboratory. The innovation could be used in artificial tissues to repair human organs in the future.

These synthetic neurons are made of nanoliter aqueous droplets and hydrogel fibers with a diameter of about 0.7 millimeters, according to the study. This which makes them 700 times wider than their human counterparts. These synthetic nerve cells, made up of lipid bilayers, can reach 25 millimeters in length, which is the same as the distance from the human optic nerve to the brain.

How do synthetic neurons work?

Lead researcher Hagan Bayley explained to the journal New Scientist functioning of the synthetic neuron. According to the biology professor, it is activated by the glow of a light that activates proteins that begin to pump hydrogen ions into the cell. These positively charged ions carry an electrical signal throughout the neuron’s body. so fast that there is still no equipment that can measure it..

When it reaches the tip of the neuron, the positive charge transfers adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy-carrying molecule in living things, from one drop of water to another. The team then joined seven neurons to work in parallel as a true synthetic nerve.

Despite all the level of sophistication achieved, artificial neurons still have one serious limitation: there is no way in a synthetic system to recycle or create new neurotransmitters that give such “equipment” a few hours of operating autonomy. But Bayley says that “using light” these neurons can be useful for standard and rapid simultaneous administration of different types of drugs.

ARTICLE – Nature Chemistry – DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.17122127.v1.