Editing Tissue engineering (section)

== Constructing neural networks in soft material ==
In 2018, scientists at Brandeis University reported their research on soft material embedded with chemical networks which can mimic the smooth and coordinated behavior of neural tissue. This research was funded by the [[United States Army Research Laboratory|U.S. Army Research Laboratory]].<ref>{{cite web |date=20 March 2018 |title=Scientists mimic neural tissue in Army-funded research that could lead to artificial skin |publisher=U.S. Army Research Laboratory|url=https://www.army.mil/article/202281/scientists_mimic_neural_tissue_in_army_funded_research_that_could_lead_to_artificial_skin |access-date=2020-09-22}}</ref> The researchers presented an experimental system of neural networks, theoretically modeled as [[Reaction–diffusion system|reaction-diffusion systems]]. Within the networks was an array of patterned reactors, each performing the [[Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction|Belousov-Zhabotinsky]] (BZ) reaction. These reactors could function on a nanoliter scale.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal | vauthors = Litschel T, Norton MM, Tserunyan V, Fraden S | title = Engineering reaction-diffusion networks with properties of neural tissue | journal = Lab on a Chip | volume = 18 | issue = 5 | pages = 714–22 | date = February 2018 | pmid = 29297916 | doi = 10.1039/C7LC01187C | arxiv = 1711.00444 | s2cid = 3567908 }}</ref>

The researchers state that the inspiration for their project was the movement of the blue [[ribbon eel]]. The eel's movements are controlled by electrical impulses determined by a class of neural networks called the [[central pattern generator]].&nbsp; Central Pattern Generators function within the [[autonomic nervous system]] to control bodily functions such as respiration, movement, and [[peristalsis]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.fradenlab.com/research/soft-robots/|title=Soft Robots|website=fradenlab|access-date=2018-08-22}}</ref>

Qualities of the reactor that were designed were the network topology, [[Boundary value problem|boundary conditions]], initial conditions, reactor volume, coupling strength, and the synaptic polarity of the reactor (whether its behavior is inhibitory or excitatory).<ref name=":1" /> A BZ emulsion system with a solid [[elastomer]] [[polydimethylsiloxane]] (PDMS) was designed. Both light and bromine permeable PDMS have been reported as viable methods to create a pacemaker for neural networks.<ref name=":0" />