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Recent advances in neurotechnologies with broad potential for neuroscience research

Nature Neuroscience volume 23, pages 1522–1536 (2020)Cite this article

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An Author Correction to this article was published on 09 February 2021

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Abstract

Interest in deciphering the fundamental mechanisms and processes of the human mind represents a central driving force in modern neuroscience research. Activities in support of this goal rely on advanced methodologies and engineering systems that are capable of interrogating and stimulating neural pathways, from single cells in small networks to interconnections that span the entire brain. Recent research establishes the foundations for a broad range of creative neurotechnologies that enable unique modes of operation in this context. This review focuses on those systems with proven utility in animal model studies and with levels of technical maturity that suggest a potential for broad deployment to the neuroscience community in the relatively near future. We include a brief summary of existing and emerging neuroscience techniques, as background for a primary focus on device technologies that address associated opportunities in electrical, optical and microfluidic neural interfaces, some with multimodal capabilities. Examples of the use of these technologies in recent neuroscience studies illustrate their practical value. The vibrancy of the engineering science associated with these platforms, the interdisciplinary nature of this field of research and its relevance to grand challenges in the treatment of neurological disorders motivate continued growth of this area of study.

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Fig. 1: Advanced neuroengineering and neurotechnology platforms that support diverse methods in neuroscience.
Fig. 2: Neural interfaces and materials for electrical recording and stimulation.
Fig. 3: Uses of advanced platforms for electrical recording and stimulation in neuroscience research with small and large animal models.
Fig. 4: Neural interfaces for optical stimulation, recording and imaging.
Fig. 5: Uses of advanced platforms for optical recording and stimulation in neuroscience research with small animal models.
Fig. 6: Neural interfaces for programmed pharmacology and other advanced functions in neuromodulation.
Fig. 7: Uses of advanced platforms for programmed drug delivery in neuroscience research with animal models.
Fig. 8: Emerging strategies for sensing of chemical biomarkers in vivo, and associated opportunities for advanced neurotechnology platforms.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics at Northwestern University.

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Author notes

  1. These authors contributed equally: Abraham Vázquez-Guardado, Yiyuan Yang, Amay J. Bandodkar.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Bio-Integrated Electronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Abraham Vázquez-Guardado, Amay J. Bandodkar & John A. Rogers

  2. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Yiyuan Yang & John A. Rogers

  3. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    Amay J. Bandodkar & John A. Rogers

  4. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    John A. Rogers

  5. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA

    John A. Rogers

  6. Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    John A. Rogers

  7. Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    John A. Rogers

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  1. Abraham Vázquez-Guardado
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A.V.-G., Y.Y., A.J.B., and J.A.R. cowrote and co-edited the manuscript.

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Correspondence to John A. Rogers.

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Competing interests

J.A.R. is cofounder in a company, Neurolux Inc., that offers related technology products to the neuroscience community.

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Peer review information Nature Neuroscience thanks Sebastian Haesler and the other, anonymous, reviewer(s) for their contribution to the peer review of this work.

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Vázquez-Guardado, A., Yang, Y., Bandodkar, A.J. et al. Recent advances in neurotechnologies with broad potential for neuroscience research. Nat Neurosci 23, 1522–1536 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-020-00739-8

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