Nanoscale materials enable unique opportunities at the interface between the physical and life sciences, for example, by integrating nanodevices with cells to make possible communication at the length scales relevant to biological function. This presentation will discuss the results focused on the development and application of nanowire/nanoparticle-based devices aimed at cellular and subcellular resolution. First, a brief introduction to the interface of modified nanowires on the neuronal cell membrane and how these materials uniquely meet the requirement of cell membrane internalization will be highlighted. Second, the fabrication of new nanoelectronic probes capable of recording and stimulating at sub-cellular scales not possible with existing techniques will be discussed. Third, ultrafast magnetic nanodevice designed for addressing and activating mechanotransduction system in auditory hair cell system will be discussd. This presentation is focused on ‘active’ nanodevices and demonstrates the possibility of achieving precise control of the nanomaterial/neuron interface at the nanoscale, which can open up new research directions in the field of cellular electrophysiology.