Critical perspectives on thermally-drawn multimaterial and multifunctional fiber-based neural interface for...

Advanced healthcare and biomedical research require innovative approaches in the design and integration of materials for next-generation implantable biomedical devices. Recently, thermally drawn multimaterial and multifunctional fibers have been developed, which have significantly advanced biomedical implants with multifunctionality, miniaturization, and mechanical compliance with biological tissue. However, advances in their capabilities, particularly in vivo electrochemical sensing and modulation, remain limited. This review aims to bridge the gap between electrochemical sensing, thermally drawn fiber technology, and neurochemical monitoring and modulation. Recent advances in fiber-based electrochemical sensors are highlighted, with a focus on material selection, surface modification methods, and detection techniques. Despite significant progress in this interdisciplinary field, challenges persist in ensuring the long-term stability, biocompatibility, and scalability of these sensors within complex physiological environments such as the brain. In addition to mentioning the current limitations, we emphasize the potential of fiber probes to elevate fundamental life-science research and clinical diagnostics to a new level.