Novel Technologies for Exploring the Skin–Brain Axis

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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Sensor Research
Published
2026-02-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adsr.202500155
Primary Topic
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Novel Technologies for Exploring the Skin–Brain Axis

Dahiana Mojena Medina, Francesca Santoro
Advanced Sensor Research
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
article

Novel Technologies for Exploring the Skin–Brain Axis

Dahiana Mojena Medina, Francesca Santoro
article en

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.

Advanced Sensor ResearchVol. 5(2)
Forschungszentrum Jülich (DE), RWTH Aachen University (DE)
European Commission, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme
Openalex Percentile: Top 50%
Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials
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