Current Developments and Challenges in the Field of Biohybrid Neural Interfaces—A Scoping Review

Abstract

Biohybrid neural interfaces (BNIs) will be pivotal for the future of advancing neuroprosthetics and neuromodulation technologies, though they have not yet been widely adopted into routine practice. This scoping review aims to consolidate recent advancements, identify ongoing challenges, and examine methodologies in biohybrid neural interfaces to highlight knowledge gaps and inform future research. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) framework, electronic literature searches of Medline/Embase, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, covering studies from 2000 onwards, focus on peer reviewed articles in English. A total of 25 articles are included in this scoping review, comprising 15 primary research studies, 7 review articles, and 3 related reports. These studies explore the integration of living cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), neurotrophic factors, hydrogels, and conductive polymers to enhance neural function and biocompatibility. Despite encouraging advances, challenges such as immune response, device durability, and signal fidelity remain critical barriers to clinical translation. Despite advancements, the field faces challenges that require further research. Future efforts should focus on refining bioactive coatings, advancing biohybrid designs, and developing next-generation neural recording systems to improve long-term integration and performance.