In the field of neural engineering, recent advances in nanotechnology are unveiling transformative opportunities. Nano-enabled neural interfaces employing nanoscale materials and devices, such as carbon nanotubes, nanowires, graphene, and memristors, have shown unprecedented potential for interacting with neural tissue at both cellular and subcellular levels. These interfaces provide enhanced resolution suitable for long-term implantation due to their superior biocompatibility, chronic stability, and optimized energy efficiency and form factor. This positions them as ideal candidates for next-generation brain-machine interfaces, neuroprosthetics, and therapeutic interventions targeting a range of neurological disorders. Situated at the convergence of neuroscience, materials science, nanoelectronics, and bioengineering, this burgeoning field promises not only to deepen our understanding of brain function, but also to revolutionize diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in medicine.
This Research Topic aims to provide an in-depth overview of the latest advances in nano-enabled neural interfaces that are poised to reshape the future of neuroscience, neurotechnology, and medicine. The focus is on highlighting novel materials, devices, and system-level innovations utilizing nanoscale engineering to enhance the precision, scalability, and long-term stability of neural interfaces. Particular emphasis will be on technologies facilitating high-resolution sensing, stimulation, and in situ signal processing. Contributions are sought from a wide array of disciplines, including materials science, nanoelectronics, and biomedical engineering. By bridging fundamental research with translational applications, this Research Topic aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the development of next-generation brain-machine interfaces, neuroprosthetic systems, and therapeutic solutions for neurological disorders.
The exploration of nano-enabled neural interfaces will encompass a broad scope without definitive boundaries. However, articles focusing on the following themes are highly encouraged:
o Nanoscale materials and nano-fabrication techniques that facilitate highly precise, scalable, long-term, minimally invasive neural interfacing.
o Innovative neural interface device architectures and system-level advancements driven by nanotechnologies, including novel neural sensing and stimulation modalities.
o Flexible or stretchable neural interface devices and systems.
o High-level integration of sensors, read-out electronics, and signal processing hardware for neural interfacing facilitated by nanotechnology.
o Large-scale, closed-loop, fully wireless neural interfacing systems.
o Applications of nano-enabled neural interfaces in neuroscience and clinical settings.
This Research Topic invites the submission of Original Research articles, Reviews, and Perspective papers addressing the abovementioned issues.
Dr. Romeo Racz is the co-founder of Metacognis Ltd and IRT Medical Ltd. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
- Brief Research Report
- Editorial
- FAIR² Data
- Methods
- Mini Review
- Original Research
- Perspective
- Review
- Technology and Code
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Keywords: Neural interface, neural engineering, nanoscale neurotechnology, nano neuroscience, brain-computer interfaces
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
