Abstract
Glucose-gelatin nanofiber scaffolds were made conductive and electroactive by chemical (conductive fiber scaffolds, CFS) and additionally electrochemical polypyrrole deposition (doped with triflouromethanesulfonate CF3SO3−, CFS-PPyTF). Both materials were investigated in their linear actuation properties in cell culture medium (CCM), as they could be potential electro-mechanically activated cell growth substrates. Independent of the deposition conditions, both materials showed relatively stable cation-driven actuation in CCM, based on the flux of mainly Na+ ions from CCM. The surprising result was attributed to re-doping by sulfate anions in CCM, as also indicated by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy results. Overall, the electrochemically coated material outperformed the one with just chemical coating in conductivity, charge density and actuation response.
Highlights
Tissue engineering materials can aid in repairing, retaining or improving tissue function [1].In many cases electro-spun nanofiber scaffolds [2] from natural biomaterials such as cellulose [3], collagen [4] and gelatin [5] have been applied
Such materials can support and stabilize damaged muscle fibres [9]; after tissue has regenerated [10] they must degrade [1]. It has been demonstrated recently [11] that gentle agitation or actuation of such scaffolds can enhance healing. Such active nanofiber scaffolds could be adapted in smart patches
While deposited differently and containing different dopant anions, both electroactive coatings showed cation-activity based on the flux of mainly solvated Na+
Summary
In many cases electro-spun nanofiber scaffolds [2] from natural biomaterials such as cellulose [3], collagen [4] and gelatin [5] have been applied Other materials such as conductive graphene composites [6,7] with hydroxyapatite forming hybrid bio-scaffolds composites have been shown to be effective in bone repair and regeneration [8]. Such materials can support and stabilize damaged muscle fibres [9]; after tissue has regenerated [10] they must degrade [1]. Further studies have shown that the delicate mechanical actuation originating from volume change can lead to the enhanced growth of epithelial cells [15]
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