Physarum in Hybrid Electronic Devices

Physarum polycephalum was widely used for the realization of systems for unconventional computers. The integration of this living being into electronic or optical devices will increase the computational capabilities. In this chapter we will discuss several systems where the slime mold was interfaced with organic electronics devices. In particular, we will demonstrate the realization of slime mold Schottky diode and organic electrochemical transistor. A central part of the chapter is dedicated to the integration of the Physarum polycephalum into organic memristive device electronic element with synapse-like properties. We have described an architecture and working principles of the device as well as variations of its electrical and optical properties as a result of the interaction with slime mold. As it was demonstrated by the presented results, Physarum polycephalum slime mold can be considered as a smart candidate for the implementation of functional properties of smart living systems into electronic devices.