Vertical Nanostructures as Novel Interfaces for Brain Research

Unravelling the fundamental mechanisms behind brain function is the biggest challenge of this century. This challenge is increasingly being addressed by supporting neuroscience research with novel technological developments from complimentary research fields. From the field of materials research, high aspect‐ratio vertical nanostructures, such as nanopillars and nanoneedles, have emerged as useful entities in neural interfacing platforms. These nanostructures, with a finite height of a few microns and sub‐micron diameters, interface with neurons in a unique way and can modulate various neural cell behaviors. Utilizing the unique features of vertical nanostructures to study neurons and neural networks promises to help uncover a number of unsolved mysteries in the field of brain research. This review provides an overview of recent developments in this cross‐disciplinary field. Various characteristics of vertical nanostructures, such as material selection, fabrication methodology, and structural designs, are discussed in relation to their specific use for neuroscience applications. Further, their unique use in engineering neuronal cell growth, neurite guidance, intracellular delivery of biomolecules, and electrophysiology is discussed by highlighting examples from recent literature. Finally, a discussion on current challenges and future strategies to advance this unique and novel nano‐bio interface in vivo and clinical research round off this review.