# EAGER: Closed-loop Bioelectronic Control of Computing through Bacterial Gene Regulatory Artificial Neural Networks

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Nebraska-Lincoln (NE) · $299,998

## Abstract

Society is entering into a new era of technology that is dominated by artificial intelligence (AI). While conventional AI has been inspired from biology, recent studies suggest that biological cells themselves can be directly connected to computers as AI machines to harness the intelligence inherent in living cells. This project aims to discover natural AI structures in bacterial gene regulatory networks that can be leveraged for computing applications. This project seeks to develop a bio-hybrid computing system, where the gene regulatory networks of bacteria are used to perform AI computing. The team of researchers will establish an electrical - chemical - electrical communication mechanism, where information signals from a computer will stimulate bacterial gene regulatory networks to perform chemical-based computing. The output of this network will produce electrical signals that can be interpreted by a computer. By offloading computing to the bacteria, the impact of this research may transform the design of energy-efficient computing architectures with novel implications for healthcare and environmental sensing. This research will enhance both the PI and Co-PI's curriculums in Molecular and Nanoscale Communications and Environmental Biotechnology. In addition, this work will support multidisciplinary trainee-training to prepare the biotechnology workforce. 

Using the electroactive bacterium, Shewanella oneidensis, the project seeks to utilize gene regulatory artificial

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2544845
- **Awardee organization:** University of Nebraska-Lincoln (NE)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HTQ6K6NJFHA6
- **PI:** Sasitharan Balasubramaniam
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), EAGER, BIO COMPUTING, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $299,998
- **Funds obligated:** $299,998
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 02/28/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2544845

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2544845, EAGER: Closed-loop Bioelectronic Control of Computing through Bacterial Gene Regulatory Artificial Neural Networks. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2544845. Licensed CC0.

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