Next-Generation Nano-Neurointerfaces for Interrogating the Nervous System

Neural interfaces are undergoing a major transformation driven by breakthroughs in nanoscale engineering and the integration of multiple physical modalities for sensing and modulation. In place of rigid or monolithic electrodes, emerging platforms feature ultrathin, soft, and often molecularly tailored materials to engage neural tissues with minimal disruption. Concurrently, multimodal transduction—spanning electrical, optical, acoustic, magnetitic, and biochemical sensing modalities—provides access to neural activity far beyond the limitations of traditional electrophysiological methods. These technologies enable more precise, selective, and information-rich interrogation of neural circuits across both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Nevertheless, unifying such diverse approaches into cohesive, reliable, and high-performance systems remains a significant challenge. A dedicated venue is therefore needed to showcase advances that integrate nano-engineered materials, multimodal physics, and biologically informed interface design into the next generation of neurotechnology.

This Research Topic seeks to define the next generation of neurointerfaces by gathering contributions that integrate nano-engineered materials, diverse transduction mechanisms, and systems-level strategies for neural access. We invite contributions that span multiple spatial scales—from nanoscale device architectures and molecular surface engineering to organ-level deployment within the central or peripheral nervous system, including applications in model organoid systems that recapitulate key aspects of neural structure and function. Submissions may focus on individual or multimodalities, including electrical, optical, ultrasound, magnetic, or electrochemical approaches for sensing or modulation. Technologies that demonstrate advances in specificity, spatial or temporal resolution, biocompatibility, or minimally invasive operation are of particular interest. We also encourage work that provides mechanistic insights into device–tissue interactions, as well as studies that reveal new opportunities for circuit mapping, neuromodulation, functional restoration, or bioelectronic medicine. The overarching goal is to establish a conceptual and technological roadmap for nano-enabled neural interfaces that overcome traditional limitations and open new experimental and therapeutic horizons.

We invite submissions that advance the design, fabrication, characterization, or application of nano-engineered neural interfaces across diverse modalities.

Topics of interest include ultrathin, soft, or flexible probes; electrical, optical, ultrasound, magnetic, or electrochemical approaches for neural sensing and modulation; and platforms that incorporate multiple modalities within a unified system.

We also welcome contributions on biointegrated materials, molecularly tailored surfaces, and strategies for targeted access to cortical, deep-brain, peripheral nerve, autonomic, or organ-innervation pathways. Studies addressing device–tissue interactions, biocompatibility, immune response modulation, long-term stability, or performance benchmarking are encouraged. Submissions may emphasize fundamental mechanisms, engineering innovations, or translational demonstrations in animal or human models.

We welcome Original Research, Methods, Technology Reports, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, and Perspectives that collectively expand the capabilities and impact of next-generation nano-neurointerfaces.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: no-engineered neural interfaces, multimodal neural technologies, neural recording, neural stimulation, Brain-machine interface

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.