Biohybrid nanointerfaces for neuromodulation

Neural prostheses are bio-hybrid devices that interface electrodes with human tissue to stimulate neurons or record their activity. Conventional neural interfaces require surgical insertion of electrodes into the tissue to form contact with target cells and do not coherently integrate with the surrounding tissue. To overcome these limitations, advanced micro/nano-implants are proposed, which incorporate soft and nanomaterials featuring biophysical responsiveness, biocompatibility, and compliant design. In this review, we describe how stimuli-responsive nanotechnology and deformable materials have contributed to miniaturization, high-resolution operation, and biocompatibility in neuromodulation strategies, with a focus on nanoscaled neurotechnologies that affect neural tissue growth and functionality. We conclude by highlighting future directions for biocompliant and translatable neuromodulation across a combination of nanotransducers, soft implantable materials, and computationally guided interface design.