Multi-Channel Neural Interface for Neural Recording and Neuromodulation

Abstract

Neural interfaces have emerged as pivotal platforms for advancing digital neurotherapies by enabling the real-time acquisition and monitoring of neural signals. Traditional single-channel systems are inherently limited in their capacity to capture the complex and large-scale interactions among diverse neuronal populations. In contrast, multi-channel systems provide the high spatiotemporal resolution necessary to decode the dynamic activity of neural circuits across multiple brain and spinal cord regions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in multi-channel neural interface technologies, encompassing both penetrating and non-penetrating systems for high-resolution electrophysiological recording, as well as multifunctional platforms that integrate additional modalities such as drug delivery, optical stimulation, and chemical sensing. Recent progress in this field has been driven by advances in structural and material design, including the development of soft, flexible architectures and materials for both substrates and electrodes, which improve long-term stability and minimize tissue damage. In parallel, emerging data analysis techniques have enhanced the capacity to decode complex neural activity patterns from high-dimensional, multi-channel recordings. These technological advancements have broadened the potential applications of neural interfaces in brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), facilitating precise neuromodulation, real-time monitoring of neurological states, and integration with immersive systems such as virtual and augmented reality.