Artificial intelligence, despite its sophistication, still relies on the same silicon-based hardware that has been the foundation of computing since the 1950s. However, a new frontier is emerging: biocomputing. This field utilizes living biological matter to create computer architecture, offering a potential alternative to the ever-growing energy demands of traditional AI systems.
One prominent player in biocomputing is FinalSpark, a Swiss company that has developed the “Neuroplatform.” This platform uses brain organoids, miniature clusters of lab-grown brain cells, as processing units. These organoids, each about 0.5 millimeters wide, are connected to electrodes that stimulate the neurons, mimicking the human brain’s natural learning process. The organoids are also exposed to dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward, further enhancing their learning capabilities.
While the technology is still in its early stages, FinalSpark envisions a future where organoids can perform complex computations similar to modern CPUs and GPUs. The company offers access to its Neuroplatform to researchers, allowing them to explore various aspects of biocomputing. For example, the University of Michigan is investigating ways to control organoid activity, effectively creating a language for organoid-based computers, while scientists at Lancaster University Leipzig are exploring how these biological systems can be integrated into existing AI learning models.
The potential benefits of biocomputing extend beyond simply mimicking silicon-based systems. Researchers like Ángel Goñi-Moreno at Spain’s National Center for Biotechnology are exploring “cellular computing” – using modified living cells to create systems that can replicate the functions of conventional computers. This approach could be particularly beneficial in environmental monitoring, where biological systems can respond to changes in their surroundings in ways that traditional computers cannot.
Andrew Adamatzky, a researcher at the University of the West of England, is exploring the computational potential of fungi. He has observed that mycelia, the fungal networks, exhibit electrical potentials similar to neurons, suggesting they could be used for brain-like computing. His team has already successfully trained fungal networks to perform certain mathematical functions.
While biocomputing offers exciting possibilities, there are also challenges to overcome. The lack of standardized manufacturing processes for organoids and their relatively short lifespan (around 100 days) are significant hurdles. Ethical considerations also arise, particularly concerning the possibility of developing consciousness in these mini-brains. Nonetheless, researchers are actively working to address these concerns and refine biocomputing techniques.
The future of computing may lie in the realm of living organisms. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of biocomputing, we may soon see a new era of computational power based on the remarkable abilities of nature itself.
