Bioengineered brain-computer interfaces: an introductory overview of technologies, clinical applications and ethical-legal challenges

A.U. Zammoev, R.N. Abutalipov

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Abstract: Bioengineered brain-computer interfaces (BBCIs) constitute a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field at the intersection of neuroscience, bioengineering, materials science, and artificial intelligence. This introductory overview provides a concise synthesis of the current state of research across key domains: invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive platforms; emerging technologies (biohybrid interfaces, nanowire probes, in vitro neuromuscular models); clinical applications in neurorehabilitation and communication; and ethical-legal challenges – from neuroprivacy to cognitive rights. Special attention is given to regional development strategies, including the human-centered approach of the Russian scientific community. The review does not claim to offer a comprehensive analysis but aims to delineate conceptual boundaries and establish an informational foundation for forthcoming hematic publications focused on in-depth comparative assessments, regulatory modeling, and strategic priorities for clinical translation of BBCIs.

Keywords: bioengineered brain-computer interfaces (BBCIs), invasive interfaces, neurorehabilitation, biohybrid interfaces, ethical and legal aspects, cognitive rights

For citation. Zammoev A.U., Abutalipov R.N. Bioengineered brain-computer interfaces: an introductory overview of technologies, clinical applications and ethical-legal challenges. News of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of RAS. 2025. Vol. 27. No. 5. Pp. 125–142. DOI: 10.35330/1991-6639-2025-27-5-125-142

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Information about the authors

Aslan U. Zammoev, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Head of the Scientific-Innovation Center “Biomedical Engineering” of Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences;
2 Balkarov street, Nalchik, 360010, Russia;
zammoev@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7966-3557, SPIN-code: 6317-3115
Renat N. Abutalipov, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Senior Researcher of the laboratory “Bionanorobotics and Neuroengineering” of the Scientific-Innovation Center “Biomedical engineering” of Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences;
2 Balkarov street, Nalchik, 360010, Russia;
bnt_nat_2016@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0187-563X, SPIN-code: 6219-9432