Interest in deciphering the fundamental mechanisms and processes of the human mind represents a central driving force in modern neuroscience research. Activities in support of this goal rely on advanced methodologies and engineering systems that are capable of interrogating and stimulating neural pathways, from single cells in small networks to interconnections that span the entire brain. Recent research establishes the foundations for a broad range of creative neurotechnologies that enable unique modes of operation in this context. This review focuses on those systems with proven utility in animal model studies and with levels of technical maturity that suggest a potential for broad deployment to the neuroscience community in the relatively near future. We include a brief summary of existing and emerging neuroscience techniques, as background for a primary focus on device technologies that address associated opportunities in electrical, optical and microfluidic neural interfaces, some with multimodal capabilities. Examples of the use of these technologies in recent neuroscience studies illustrate their practical value. The vibrancy of the engineering science associated with these platforms, the interdisciplinary nature of this field of research and its relevance to grand challenges in the treatment of neurological disorders motivate continued growth of this area of study.

对破译人类思维的基本机制和过程的兴趣代表了现代神经科学研究的核心驱动力。支持这一目标的活动依赖于能够询问和刺激神经通路的先进方法和工程系统，从小型网络中的单个细胞到跨越整个大脑的互连。最近的研究为广泛的创造性神经技术奠定了基础，这些神经技术可以在这种情况下实现独特的操作模式。本综述重点关注那些在动物模型研究中证明实用性和技术成熟度水平的系统，这些系统表明在相对不久的将来有可能广泛部署到神经科学界。我们简要总结了现有和新兴的神经科学技术，作为主要关注解决电气、光学和微流体神经接口相关机会的设备技术的背景，其中一些具有多模式功能。在最近的神经科学研究中使用这些技术的例子说明了它们的实用价值。与这些平台相关的工程科学的活力、该研究领域的跨学科性质及其与治疗神经系统疾病的重大挑战的相关性推动了该研究领域的持续发展。