Neuromorphic spiking systems based on Melanin/PEDOT:PSS transistors

• Grant number: 25/03495-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Frederico de Oliveira Graeff
• Grantee: Natan Luis Nozella
• Supervisor: Jonathan Rivnay
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Northwestern University, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/00410-3 - Obtation and characterization of organic electrochemical transistors based on melanin, BP.DD

Abstract

Neuromorphic computing offers a promising alternative to conventional architectures by mimicking the brain's efficiency in processing and learning. Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have gained attention for neuromorphic applications due to their ability to modulate ionic and electronic transport. Among organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs), PEDOT:PSS is widely studied, but integrating bioinspired materials could enhance its properties. Melanin, a natural biopolymer, exhibits unique electronic and ionic characteristics, including redox activity and proton conductivity. This project explores the incorporation of melanin into PEDOT:PSS-based OECTs for neuromorphic spiking systems. Previous studies demonstrated that adding melanin increases volumetric capacitance, enables time-dependent spike tuning, and enhances long-term retention, moving toward non-volatile memory. By optimizing melanin/PEDOT:PSS transistors, this research aims to develop energy-efficient neuromorphic systems based on Melanin/PEDOT:PSS OECTs. These expected findings could advance brain-inspired computing, ultra-low-power AI, and bioelectronic interfaces, contributing to the next generation of bioinspired electronics.