journal article·2025-10Open access

Aptamer‐Mediated Artificial Synapses for Neuromorphic Modulation of Inflammatory Signaling via Organic Electrochemical Transistor

Yuqing Ding, You Kuai, Rongpei Li, Xinzhao Xu, Bo Wang, Zhihui Wang, Yanfang Liu, Yuchao Dong, Shunjie Chen, Meng Guo, Yunqi Liu, Yan Zhao

Advanced Science· Volume 12· Issue 40

Abstract

Abstract Artificial synaptic devices that mimic neuromorphic signal processing hold great promise for bioelectronic interfaces. However, most systems remain limited to physical stimuli or electroactive small molecules, lacking the ability to transduce biologically relevant protein signals. To address this limitation, an aptamer‐mediated aqueous artificial synaptic transistor is developed capable of selectively responding to the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) signal, a specifically expressed protein of inflammatory stress, via gate‐voltage‐induced synaptic modulation in biologically relevant electrolyte environments. Guided by molecular docking simulations, high‐affinity aptamer sequences are identified for robust recognition of IL‐6. The device demonstrates precise IL‐6 capture and translation into neuromorphic electrical signals across various biological electrolytes (PBS, albumin, serum), with linear detection from 0.5 p m to 50 n m . Moreover, the device can convert IL‐6 binding events into time and concentration‐dependent electrical outputs, exhibiting significant synaptic plasticity and memory retention. When implanted into the caudal vein of sepsis mice, the device stably monitors IL‐6 level and maintains reliable synaptic response to inflammatory‐triggered elevations. Machine learning analysis enables accurate discrimination between normal and pathological states from device‐generated signals. By bridging biochemical signals with neuromorphic encoding, this system outlines a conceptual framework for future integration between artificial and biological neural units, contributing to the hybrid neurosensory systems.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Conducting polymers and applications · Advanced Memory and Neural Computing · Analytical Chemistry and Sensors

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Materials Science Fudan University Shanghai 200433 P. R. China

Department of Nephrology Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital School of Medicine Tongji University Shanghai 200434 P. R. China

National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology &Institute of Immunology Navy Medical University Shanghai 200433 P. R. China

Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Changhai Hospital Naval Medical University Shanghai 200433 P. R. China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Municipality

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