Bioinspired organic materials for seamless neurohybrid interfaces: from material design to living electronics

The brain architecture is multi-layered, with billions of neurons organized into intricate neural networks that communicate via synapses. Since synapse dysfunction is a main hallmark of neurological disorders, understanding the mechanisms underlying their failure is necessary for designing novel treatments. Neuroelectronic devices are powerful tools for recording and stimulating brain activity. Therefore, they can be used to understand and potentially treat neurological disorders. Achieving this requires the seamless integration of neurohybrid interfaces into neural tissue, enabling bidirectional communication. This focus article highlights the roles of organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors, advanced polymer chemistry, and soft materials with tunable properties in enabling seamless integration. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic structure of neurons, we cover materials that mimic neuron structure and function. We explore novel approaches, including in vivo polymerization and synthetic biology, that hold promise for realizing living neuroelectronics and advancing the frontiers of neuroscience, bioengineering, and clinical medicine.