Silicon and ZnO Nanowire-Based Sensors: Fabrication, Integration, and Applications in Neural Technology

Silicon and ZnO nanowire-based sensors have emerged as powerful platforms for interfacing with neural tissue, offering high sensitivity and molecular specificity for detecting neuroactive substances and neural biomarkers. While traditional microelectrode arrays have supported decades of neural interfacing research, limitations remain in achieving the spatial resolution, selectivity, and long-term biocompatibility required for continuous monitoring and advanced brain–machine communication. The unique electronic and chemical properties of silicon and ZnO nanowires present new opportunities for real-time sensing of neurotransmitters, metabolites, and neurotoxins relevant to neural function, injury, and disease.Although progress in nanowire fabrication has been significant, key challenges remain. These include optimizing surface functionalization, ensuring reliable integration within complex neural microenvironments, and achieving stable, low-noise signal output in physiological conditions. Recent work demonstrates that nanowire sensors can selectively detect neural biomarkers as well as environmental or explosive compounds that may indirectly affect neural health, yet continued research is needed to translate these advances into fully deployable neural technology platforms.A critical next step is device-level implementation for neural monitoring. This includes incorporating nanowire sensors into implantable or wearable systems, developing scalable fabrication and packaging strategies, and engineering robust electronics and signal-processing architectures that enable continuous operation in vivo or in clinical settings. Such efforts are central to advancing from laboratory demonstrations toward practical neurodiagnostic tools.This Research Topic provides a forum for interdisciplinary research bridging neuroscience, nanofabrication, sensor engineering, and applied device technologies. We aim to highlight fundamental advances, engineering solutions, and translational pathways that bring silicon and ZnO nanowire-based systems closer to real-world application in neural monitoring, diagnostics, and environmental detection relevant to nervous system health.We welcome contributions including, but not limited to:• Development and optimization of silicon and ZnO nanowire sensors for neural applications• Practical device implementation for neural monitoring and recording• Surface functionalization strategies improving molecular selectivity• Integration of nanosensors into neural interfaces and brain–machine systems• In vitro and in vivo performance evaluation• Multiplexed sensing of neurotransmitters, metabolites, and neurotoxins• Wireless data acquisition and high-throughput communication• Approaches to enhance stability, biocompatibility, and long-term implantation• Comparisons with existing neural sensing and recording techniques• Translational pathways toward clinical and applied neurotechnology• Environmental or explosive compound detection relevant to neural safetyDr. Luca Berdondini is a co-founder and shareholder of Corticale Srl, and acts as a scientific advisor with no active role in the company. Topic editors: Bruce Kim, Rijo Rajeev, Luis Guillermo Hernández-Rojas, Raghu Solanki, Luca Berdondini Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76862/silicon-and-zno-nanowire-based-sensors-fabrication-integration-and-applications-in-neural-technology