Elements of a unique bacteriorhodopsin neural network architecture

Abstract

A rapidly reprogrammable neural network architecture with the possibility for a large synapse matrix is presented. The concept is based on the use of bacteriorhodopsin as a molecular computational element with electrooptical characteristics that are associated with a series of intermediates that are photochemically initiated. One of these states has been stabilized by several orders of magnitude with specific environmental conditions, and this allows the concentration of intermediates to be readily affected without the need for continuous holding illuminations. Thus, the photoelectrical characteristics at each synapse can readily be modulated, and a scheme has been devised to read the synaptic matrix without erasing the impressed synaptic strengths. Electrical measurements are presented to test specific aspects of the overall neural network implementation, and the results of these measurements are encouraging for the development of such a distinctive neural network device.

Artificial Chemistries—A Review

“…In addition, the current conformational state can be easily detected by using light because the adsorption spectra of bacteriorhodopsin depends on its conformational state [18]. Potential applications of bacteriorhodopsin are high-density memories [23], hybrid electro-optical neural networks [60], and optical pattern recognition [59]. DNA Computing Because DNA Computing is now a well established special branch of RCC, we will not discuss it in much detail here, but only give a short introduction.…”

Molecular Information Technology

“…Nevertheless the possibility to interface BR electrically is the basis for several suggested applications. The use of BR in optical sensors for acquiring and low-level processing of the input signal [164,165,166], and the BR-based optically reprogrammable artificial neural network design [167,168] illustrated in Fig. 10, are examples.…”

Humidity-dependent open-circuit photovoltage from a bacteriorhodopsin/indium tin oxide bioelectronic heterostructure

“…A limited number of bR studies in non-aqueous environments have been previously reported [9][10][11][12][13][14] as well as studies of current flow through PM patches [15,16].…”