The development of new tools to interface with the nervous system, empowered by advances in electronics and materials science, has transformed neuroscience and is informing therapies for neurological and mental conditions. Although the vast majority of neural engineering research has focused on advancing tools to study the brain, understanding the peripheral nervous system and other organs can similarly benefit from these technologies. To realize this vision, the neural interface technologies need to address the biophysical, mechanical, and chemical challenges posed by the peripheral nerves and organs. In this Perspective, we discuss design considerations and recent technological advances to modulate electrical signaling outside the central nervous system. The innovations in bioelectronics borne out of interdisciplinary collaborations between biologists and physical scientists may not only advance fundamental study of peripheral (neuro)physiology but also empower clinical interventions for conditions including neurological, gastrointestinal, and immune dysfunction.

电子和材料科学的发展推动了与神经系统对接的新工具的开发，已经改变了神经科学，并为神经和精神疾病提供了疗法。尽管绝大多数神经工程研究都集中在研究大脑的先进工具上，但是了解外周神经系统和其他器官同样可以从这些技术中受益。为了实现这一愿景，神经接口技术需要解决外围神经和器官带来的生物物理，机械和化学挑战。在此“观点”中，我们讨论了在中枢神经系统外部调制电信号的设计注意事项和最新技术进步。