Closed-loop electrophysiology: Past, present and future perspectives and applications

The combination of recording and stimulation into closed-loop electrophysiological systems is one of the most challenging topics in neuroscience and neural engineering. The application of such systems can range from basic neuroscientific questions to neurorehabilitation purposes. In this review, we summarize the main results obtained with a hybrid neurorobotic platform that we developed in the past to perform closed-loop experiments. To minimize the complexity of the biological network, we used cultured neuronal networks kept alive over Micro Electrode Arrays. The robot is characterized by proximity sensors and wheels, allowing it to navigate within an arena with obstacles. The neurorobotic architecture can become an experimental environment for studying the interaction between brains and machines. We also discuss other possible applications of similar closed-loop architectures related to neuroprosthetics and neurorehabilitation.