Carbon-based flexible neural interfaces for multimodal brain activity analysis

Understanding the functionality and complexity of neural networks in the brain represents a significant frontier in neuroscience and neural engineering. Accurate and reliable assessment of neural activities demands innovative implantable devices capable of multimodal measurements over prolonged and varying timescales. Recent advances emphasize the integration of multiple modalities such as electrophysiological recording, neurochemical sensing, imaging, electrical stimulation, and optogenetics to yield richer insights into neuronal dynamics and brain function. Carbon-based flexible neural devices have emerged to address these demands, leveraging materials such as graphene, glassy carbon, boron-doped diamond (BDD), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and fuzzy graphene. The properties of these carbon materials—including outstanding electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, electrochemical stability, and excellent biocompatibility—enable high-quality, stable, and simultaneous multimodal recordings. Despite significant progress, researchers face persistent challenges such as scalable fabrication, in vivo device longevity, enhanced biocompatibility, seamless integration of imaging and recording modalities, and robust interpretation of complex multimodal datasets. These challenges underscore the need for continued exploration and innovation in device materials, fabrication approaches, system integration, and data processing strategies.

This Research Topic aims to present a detailed perspective on the newest advances in flexible carbon-based neural devices for multimodal brain interrogation, facilitating improved understanding and discovery in neuroscience. Key objectives include assessing current approaches, exposing unresolved challenges, and investigating novel solutions in materials science, device engineering, interventional methodologies, and data analysis. The Topic welcomes original research articles and comprehensive reviews highlighting innovative device designs, novel fabrication approaches, renewable materials development, and strategies to enhance biocompatibility, stability, and integration for neural probes. The ultimate goal is to bridge technological advances with impactful neuroscientific discoveries to enable unprecedented insights into the inner workings of complex neural circuits.

To gather further insights into the capabilities and limitations of flexible carbon-based neural devices, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Novel carbon-based materials and composites for flexible neural probes
• Advanced scalable manufacturing technologies including laser-induced carbonization
• Strategies for enhancing device biocompatibility, flexibility, and long-term in vivo stability
• Integration methodologies combining optical, electrophysiological, electrochemical, and optogenetic approaches
• Insights gleaned from multimodal studies in neuroscience using carbon-based flexible devices
• Machine learning algorithms and data analytics for decoding complex multimodal neural data

We particularly encourage contributions that demonstrate promising findings from novel experimental setups, creative device designs, and integrative multimodal approaches.