Brainy biomaterials: Latest advances in smart biomaterials to develop the next generation of neural interfaces

Neural interfaces (NIs) are neuroengineering tools that enable a mutual communication pathway with the nervous system. To date, the grand technical and scientific challenge is to probe neurons over a chronic timescale with high precision and fidelity. Smart biomaterials (SBMs) such as stimuli-responsive and shape memory biomaterials emerged as novel materials with exceptional properties. SBMs enhance neural implants' biointegration and performance to provide stable, implantable, minimal-invasive, untethered NIs with controllable spatial resolution. SBMs can diminish biological inflammatory response and open a wealth of future possibilities in neuroscience studies and neuromodulation therapies. SBMs can intelligently respond to electrical, optical, mechanical, and magnetic stimuli for powering NIs implanted in the deep brain and/or reciprocal communicating with neurons. In the current review, we address state-of-the-art research in the development of the various type of SBMs as extraordinary materials to improve and enhance NIs’ function.