Abstract
Conductive hydrogel-based materials are attracting considerable interest for bioelectronic applications due to their ability to act as more compatible soft interfaces between biological and electrical systems. Despite significant advances that are being achieved in the manufacture of hydrogels, precise control over the topographies and architectures remains challenging. In this work, we present for the first time a strategy to manufacture structures with resolutions in the micro-/nanoscale based on hydrogels with enhanced electrical properties. Gelatine methacrylate (GelMa)-based inks were formulated for two-photon polymerisation (2PP). The electrical properties of this material were improved, compared to pristine GelMa, by dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) acting as conductive nanofillers, which was confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. This material was also confirmed to support human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hPSC-CMs) viability and growth. Ultra-thin film structures of 10 µm thickness and scaffolds were manufactured by 2PP, demonstrating the potential of this method in areas spanning tissue engineering and bioelectronics. Though further developments in the instrumentation are required to manufacture more complex structures, this work presents an innovative approach to the manufacture of conductive hydrogels in extremely low resolution.
Highlights
We have demonstrated the ability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNCTs) to act as conductive nano-fillers of 2PP-processed polymeric structures based on pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETrA) [18]
To induce the photocross-linking of the Gelatine methacrylate (GelMa), P2CK is added to the solution, which gelates the material after exposure with the 2PP laser (Figure 1b)
We have presented a strategy of the manufacture of conductive hydrogel nano-/microstructures by 2PP for potential applications in bioelectronics
Summary
Conductive hydrogels are gaining significant interest from the bioelectronics community as they can act as soft interfaces between biological and electronic systems, offering an alternative to traditional inorganic materials [1]. Hydrogels are highly hydrated polymeric networks with water contents similar to that of soft tissues [2]. To mimic in vivo conditions more accurately, it is common to develop three-dimensional (3D) cellular scaffolds based on hydrogels for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications. This is due to their biocompatibility and because they can create porous, soft and elastic interfaces [3]. The mechanical properties of hydrogels are comparable to biological tissues. Some examples of biomimetic hydrogel scaffolds with therapeutic applications include alginate and collagen-based hydrogels for applications in wound healing, cartilage repair, bone regeneration or drug delivery [4,5]
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