Organic synaptic transistors for flexible and stretchable artificial sensory nerves

Abstract

This article reviews artificial nerve electronics (nervetronics), an emerging field in which the goal is to develop bioinspired electronics that implement biological sensory functions. An artificial synapse is a fundamental core technology of artificial sensory nerves that can emulate functional properties of a biological synapse. Use of artificial synapses reduces the energy consumption and increases the sensitivity of low-level perception in artificial sensory nerves. Wearable and implantable devices require artificial sensory nerves that are flexible and stretchable. Therefore, development of organic artificial synapses that have these qualities is a central focus in nervetronics. Here, we review the concept and mechanism of organic artificial synapses for use as basic elements of flexible and stretchable artificial nerves. Next, we outline the research direction of the flexible and stretchable artificial sensory nerves so far, and finally, identify challenges of artificial sensory nerves that must be solved to enable actual application of this developing technology.