Computer-controlled fluidic delivery system and multiplexed microelectrode array for research in basal cognition in cells and tissues
Abstract
Huge knowledge gaps exist with respect to life as it can be - the option space of possible living beings and the deep properties of true biology beyond the zoology and botany of standard life forms. Specifically, the degree of plasticity of cell behaviors toward specific goals (and cell behavior trainability) is largely unknown. This is a critical area for research in two ways. First, applied bio-robotics- combined biology-technology constructs can fill capabilities by exploiting the strengths of living systems and engineered machines in areas where neither alone is sufficient. Second, bio-inspired machine learning- by understanding how cells and tissues process information, we get closer to implementing novel forms of intelligence in synthetic media. Currently, a cutting-edge AFOSR-funded project in the lab focuses on embodying tissue in a virtual world through closed-loop electrical stimulation by coupling electrical activity of the neurons to action in the virtual world and action-environment relations in the virtual world back to neuronal cultures. Overall, we seek to understand general principles of tissue level learning by treating neurons as a trainable collective. However, how collectives couple together (similar to connected brain regions) to form more robust collective-of-collectives was previously technologically intractable. Likewise, it was not possible to use timed, automated drug stimulation of the culture system to ask specific questions about temporal encoding of experience and its mechanisms. To address these needs, we are requesting three pieces of equipment- 1) a multiplexed microelectrode array system for recording real-time electrical activity in cultured cells, which will allow us to understand the scaling of cognition beyond single hybrots, 2) a real-time, computer-controlled chemical dosing platform that will greatly expand the nature of stimuli we can give such systems as inputs (and cognitive modifiers) to understand its computational capabilities, and 3) specialized cell culture incubators for housing these devices and the cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310753
Entities
People
- Michael Levin
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Tufts University
- United States Air Force