Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed an artificial neuron using protein nanowires from electricity-producing bacteria, operating at just 0.1 volts to mimic natural brain cells. This breakthrough enables direct communication with biological systems and promises energy-efficient computing. The innovation could transform wearable electronics and bio-inspired computers.
Engineers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have engineered an artificial neuron that replicates the electrical activity of natural brain cells, powered by protein nanowires derived from the bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens. Published in Nature Communications on October 13, 2025, the study highlights how this device functions at a mere 0.1 volts—matching the voltage of human neurons—compared to previous artificial versions that required 10 times more voltage and 100 times more power.
The human brain processes vast data with remarkable efficiency, using about 20 watts for tasks like writing a story, while large language models such as ChatGPT can demand over a megawatt for similar operations. "Our brain processes an enormous amount of data," said Shuai Fu, a graduate student in electrical and computer engineering at UMass Amherst and lead author of the study. "But its power usage is very, very low, especially compared to the amount of electricity it takes to run a Large Language Model, like ChatGPT."
This low-voltage design overcomes a key barrier in neuromorphic computing, allowing seamless integration with living tissue without the need for power-intensive amplifiers. "Ours register only 0.1 volts, which about the same as the neurons in our bodies," noted Jun Yao, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and senior author. Earlier attempts failed to connect directly with biological neurons due to their sensitivity to higher voltages.
Potential applications include bio-inspired computers that operate like living systems and advanced wearables. For instance, sensors could run on sweat-generated power or harvest electricity from the air, eliminating amplification steps that increase complexity and energy use. The research builds on prior work by Yao's team, which has produced efficient devices like sweat-powered biofilms and an "electronic nose" for disease detection.
Funding came from the Army Research Office, the U.S. National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.