Ion-specific effects in confined nanochannels and neural network

Abstract

Since the discovery of biological ion channels and their role in physiology, scientists have been trying to create artificial structures that mimic biological ion channels. Nanochannels such as biological/solid-state nanopores and porous nanostructures can have fine-tuned ion behaviors in a confined space where ions are “aggregated”. Thus, one of the most exciting applications of nanochannels is artificial neurons and neural network based on the ion-specific effects and nanofluidics. In this review article, it is the first time that the ion aggregation behaviors inside the confined nanochannels are summarized, and their connection to neuroscience, especially the artificial neurons and neural network, is explored and envisioned.