'Mind in Vitro' open hardware: From versatile, robust single-unit neural interfaces to robot-assisted mini-clusters

Motivated by the unexplored potential of in vitro neural systems for computing, control, and sensing, and by the corresponding need of versatile, scalable interfaces for multimodal interaction, we present accurate, modular, fully customizable and portable recording/stimulation solutions that can be easily fabricated, robustly operated, and broadly disseminated. Central to our approach is a single-unit neural interface that combines reconfigurable platforms, open-source electronics, and custom Micro-Electrode Arrays (MEAs). Designed with built-in versatility, the utility and robustness of our device is demonstrated across multiple neural culture types and applications. Finally, by coupling this single-unit apparatus with a robotic system, we demonstrate a mini neural computing cluster that allows automated and remote operation of tens of neural samples. Overall, our technology provides open-source and adaptable solutions to in vitro electrophysiology, paving the way to a novel neural computing paradigm.