Biocomputers, once considered science fiction, are becoming today’s reality as scientists have edged closer to the creation of living computers powered by human brain cells.
The creation of biocomputers is the vision of Dr Fred Jordan who is also the co-founder of FinalSpark lab.
The breakthrough will involve creating neurons in the form of clusters called organoids. These cultures can be connected to electrodes, so they can be tested as tiny biological computers.
Dr Jordan acknowledges that the concept of biocomputing feels awkward for the majority. "In science fiction, people have been living with these ideas for quite a long time," he said.
"When you start to say, 'I'm going to use a neuron like a little machine', it's a different view of our own brain and it makes you question what we are,” he added.
FinalSpark lab has grown small and white spherical mini-brains, made from living stem cells cultured into clusters of neurons, showing the same anatomy as a human brain.
After months of growth, these tiny brains are attached to an electrode for signal transmission. For testing, simple keyboard commands are used to send an electrical signal to organoid, prompting visible response in the form of EEG.
According to researchers, the electrical stimulations are important for triggering learning in biocomputers’ neurons which will help them to perform different tasks.
However, the project is not bereft of challenges. Unlike the human brain, these organoids do not have blood vessels, making it hard for the team to keep them functional.
"The human brain has blood vessels that permeate throughout it at multiple scales and provide nutrients to keep it working well. We don't yet know how to make them properly. So this is the biggest ongoing challenge,” said Simon Schultz, professor of Neurotechnology and Director of the Center for Neurotechnology at Imperial College London.
Fortunately, FinalSpark has made a breakthrough as its organoids can survive for up to 4 months.
Dr Lena Smirnova, who leads the research at Johns Hopkins University, believes biocomputing is scientifically intriguing - but at an early stage.
"Biocomputing should complement – not replace – silicon AI, while also advancing disease modelling and reducing animal use," she said.
Prof Schultz agrees: "I think they won't be able to out-compete silicon on many things, but we'll find a niche.”