Engineered neuromodulation approaches to treat neurological disorders

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Background

Despite the undeniable importance of first-line treatments (i.e., pharmacological, surgical, behavioral, etc.) in mitigating the suffering of individuals afflicted by different neurological disorders, they often fall short of controlling life-threatening symptoms, restoring quality of life to the patient, and inducing long-term improvement. Novel hope has been found in the development of neuromodulation technologies, as they may circumvent many limitations inherent to primary treatment. In the last decades, scientists and engineers have proposed a myriad of different approaches to interfere with the functioning of the nervous system and induce brain rewiring. Benefiting from recent advancements in the understanding of neural dysfunction, coupled with the unprecedented methodological and technological development in neural tissue interfaces, embedded digital signal acquisition and processing, real-time closed-loop system control, and hybrid/neuromorphic approaches, the neuromodulation field is currently taking a major step forward: the transition from trial-and-error empiricism to a precision neuroengineering practice.

This Research Topic will focus on gathering contributions from groups and experts around the globe enrolled in significant progress on the science and technology supporting a “precision neuroengineering” approach to neuromodulation therapeutics. By this, we mean truly interdisciplinary research that is based on the most recent and relevant neurobiology knowledge and neuroprosthesis technology, with methods and parameters finely tuned to the neurophysics and neurophysiology underlying the application in hand. The main goal is to create a collection of articles that together will engage scientists and students into a most needed discussion of the field, showcasing its state-of-the-art, while identifying major challenges and the most promising strategies to overcome them.
A broad scope of contributions, which can be original research papers or reviews, encompassing all levels of scientific investigation, from theoretical to clinical studies, is welcome in this Research Topic.

We welcome manuscripts on Topics such as:
- in silico, in vitro, in vivo, animal experimentation, and translational work with human patients;
- any form or method of neuromodulation including, but not limited to: microES, DBS, SCS, VNS, TNS, tDCS and its variations, TMS, optogenetics, magnetogenetics, ultrasound, and novel unseen alternatives.

Neuromodulation techniques may be:
- carried out in open-loop fashion or integrated with responsive/triggered/activity-dependent closed-loop systems, that can incorporate hybrid approaches such as AI control or neuromorphic solutions;
- applied to neurological disorders of different etiologies (including traumatic injury), such as motor disorders, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, major depression, sleep disorders, epilepsy, sensorial deficits, disorders of the peripheral nervous system, and also neglected disturbs.

In any case, manuscripts may describe world-class research of significant impact, while focusing on the description of novel technologies or on the knowledge advancement that they have enabled.

Keywords: Neuroengineering, Neural engineering, Neuroprosthetics, Neurorehabilitation, Neuromodulation, Electroceuticals, Neuromorphic engineering, Electrical stimulation, Electrophysiology, Closed-loop systems

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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