Novel Technologies for Exploring the Skin–Brain Axis

Advanced Sensor Research, vol. 5

Abstract

ABSTRACT The skin–brain axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the cutaneous physiology and the central nervous system. Dysregulation of this axis contributes to a wide range of dermatological and neurocutaneous disorders, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic wounds, pruritus, and alopecia, which together impose a substantial medical, psychological, and socioeconomic burden. Despite increasing recognition of its biological and clinical significance, progress in this field has been limited by the absence of experimental approaches capable of resolving the multimodal signals that characterize skin–neural interactions. In this Review, we examine recent advances in microscale and nanoscale sensing technologies and bioelectronic interfaces, including high‐density microelectrode arrays, impedance and transepithelial resistance monitoring, organic electrochemical transistors, electrochemical biosensors, ion‐selective electrodes, acoustic devices, and emerging quantum sensors. We discuss how these platforms can be integrated into advanced skin models and organ‐on‐chip systems to enable real‐time, multiplexed readouts of neuronal activity, barrier dynamics, and neuroimmune signaling. Finally, we highlight key engineering and translational challenges, such as biofouling, sensor drift, mechanical mismatch, and long‐term stability, and outline strategies to address them, providing guidance for the development of next‐generation sensor‐integrated platforms to study the skin–brain axis.

Authors 2

1. Dahiana Mojena Medina corresponding Aachen Neuroelectronic Interfaces

   RWTH Aachen University · Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Biological Information Processing – Bioelectronics (IBI‐3) Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich Germany

   Neuroelectronic Interfaces RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany

2. Francesca Santoro Aachen Neuroelectronic Interfaces

   RWTH Aachen University · Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Biological Information Processing – Bioelectronics (IBI‐3) Forschungszentrum Jülich Jülich Germany

   Neuroelectronic Interfaces RWTH Aachen Aachen Germany