Implantable neural interfaces are important tools to accelerate neuroscience research and translate clinical neurotechnologies. The promise of a bidirectional communication link between the nervous system of humans and computers is compelling, yet important materials challenges must be first addressed to improve the reliability of implantable neural interfaces. This perspective highlights recent progress and challenges related to arguably two of the most common failure modes for implantable neural interfaces: (1) compromised barrier layers and packaging leading to failure of electronic components; (2) encapsulation and rejection of the implant due to injurious tissue–biomaterials interactions, which erode the quality and bandwidth of signals across the biology–technology interface. Innovative materials and device design concepts could address these failure modes to improve device performance and broaden the translational prospects of neural interfaces. A brief overview of contemporary neural interfaces is presented and followed by recent progress in chemistry, materials, and fabrication techniques to improve in vivo reliability, including novel barrier materials and harmonizing the various incongruences of the tissue–device interface. Challenges and opportunities related to the clinical translation of neural interfaces are also discussed.

可植入神经接口是加速神经科学研究和转化临床神经技术的重要工具。人类神经系统和计算机之间双向通信连接的前景令人信服，但必须首先解决重要的材料挑战，以提高植入式神经接口的可靠性。这一观点强调了与可植入神经接口的两种最常见故障模式相关的最新进展和挑战：（1）阻挡层和封装受损导致电子元件故障；(2) 由于有害的组织-生物材料相互作用而导致植入物的封装和排斥，这会侵蚀生物-技术接口的信号质量和带宽。创新材料和设备设计概念可以解决这些故障模式，以提高设备性能并拓宽神经接口的转化前景。简要概述了当代神经接口，随后介绍了化学、材料和制造技术方面的最新进展，以提高体内可靠性，包括新型屏障材料和协调组织-设备接口的各种不一致性。还讨论了与神经接口临床翻译相关的挑战和机遇。