Conductive scaffolds, defined as scaffold systems capable of carrying electric current, have been extensively researched for tissue engineering applications. Conducting polymers (CPs) as components of conductive scaffolds was introduced to improve morphology or cell attachment, conductivity, tissue growth, and healing rate, all of which are beneficial for cardiac, muscle, nerve, and bone tissue management. Conductive scaffolds have become an alternative for tissue replacement, and repair, as well as to compensate for the global organ shortage for transplantation. Previous researchers have presented a wide range of fabrication methods for conductive scaffolds. This review highlights the most recent advances in developing conductive scaffolds, with the aim to trigger more theoretical and experimental work to address the challenges and prospects of these new fabrication techniques in medical sciences.
Spinal
cord injury (SCI) causes severe motor or sensory damage
that leads to long-term disabilities due to disruption of electrical
conduction in neuronal pathways. Despite current clinical therapies
being used to limit the propagation of cell or tissue damage, the
need for neuroregenerative therapies remains. Conductive hydrogels
have been considered a promising neuroregenerative therapy due to
their ability to provide a pro-regenerative microenvironment and flexible
structure, which conforms to a complex SCI lesion. Furthermore, their
conductivity can be utilized for noninvasive electrical signaling
in dictating neuronal cell behavior. However, the ability of hydrogels
to guide directional axon growth to reach the distal end for complete
nerve reconnection remains a critical challenge. In this Review, we
highlight recent advances in conductive hydrogels, including the incorporation
of conductive materials, fabrication techniques, and cross-linking
interactions. We also discuss important characteristics for designing
conductive hydrogels for directional growth and regenerative therapy.
We propose insights into electrical conductivity properties in a hydrogel
that could be implemented as guidance for directional cell growth
for SCI applications. Specifically, we highlight the practical implications
of recent findings in the field, including the potential for conductive
hydrogels to be used in clinical applications. We conclude that conductive
hydrogels are a promising neuroregenerative therapy for SCI and that
further research is needed to optimize their design and application.
The application of organic conducting polymers such as poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene): poly (4-styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) is vastly expanding for the development of advanced and flexible organic electronic devices, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). Also, PEDOT: PSS can perfectly replace high-cost Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films. In this study, PEDOT: PSS was synthesized via the chemical oxidative polymerization method. The film formation was carried out through a feasible drop-casting method onto a cleaned glass substrate. To further enhance the conductivity of pristine PEDOT: PSS, the PEDOT: PSS thin films were post-treated with different concentrations (3, 5, and 7% v/v) of ethylene glycol (EG). Based on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis, it was revealed that the post-treated sample had a higher conductivity value compared to the untreated sample (2.48 × 10-4 S/cm), with the highest recorded conductivity value of 2.67 ×10-3 S/cm at 5% v/v of EG. This result corresponds to the previous study, which highlighted that the optimum concentration of EG is 5% v/v to achieve the optimum conductivity value for thin film application. Furthermore, the structural properties of the thin films were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to confirm the presence of PEDOT: PSS and EG in the samples.
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