Electrically Conductive Micropatterned Polyaniline-Poly(ethylene glycol) Composite Hydrogel

Abstract

Hydrogel substrate-based micropatterns can be adjusted using the pattern shape and size, affecting cell behaviors such as proliferation and differentiation under various cellular environment parameters. An electrically conductive hydrogel pattern system mimics the native muscle tissue environment. In this study, we incorporated polyaniline (PANi) in a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel matrix through UV-induced photolithography with photomasks, and electrically conductive hydrogel micropatterns were generated within a few seconds. The electrical conductance of the PANi/PEG hydrogel was 30.5 ± 0.5 mS/cm. C2C12 myoblasts were cultured on the resulting substrate, and the cells adhered selectively to the PANi/PEG hydrogel regions. Myogenic differentiation of the C2C12 cells was induced, and the alignment of myotubes was consistent with the arrangement of the line pattern. The expression of myosin heavy chain on the line pattern showed potential as a substrate for myogenic cell functionalization.

Current Strategies for the Regeneration of Skeletal Muscle Tissue

“…In another study, the incorporation of the fibrinogen in PEG composite scaffolds rejuvenated adult skeletal muscle-derived pericytes, improved their myogenic differentiation and angiogenic capacities in vitro and in vivo [ 100 ]. Furthermore, by the incorporation of PANi in a PEG-hydrogel and the use of UV-induced photolithography with photomasks, electrically conductive hydrogel micropatterns were created [ 177 ]. Thereby, the myogenic differentiation of the C2C12 cells was induced and the alignment of myotubes was improved.…”

3D bioprinting of conductive hydrogel for enhanced myogenic differentiation

“…Following the formation and maturation of myotubes, myofilament organization, as well as ECM remodeling, the muscle tissue enters the final phase of the regeneration process [ 21–23 ]. Despite the success in harboring the cells, the growth and function of cells are affected by the required electrical signals in muscle tissues [ 24 , 25 ]. Basically, the bioelectrical character of the applied biomaterial may directly influence the migration and fusion of C2C12 cells.…”

“…Recently, the application of various conductive polymers, such as polyaniline (PANi), polypyrene, and polythiophene, has been widely investigated [ 24 , 25 , 36 , 37 ]. The conductivity of these polymers comes from the conjugated double bonds along the main chain and π electrons in the main chain that can delocalize to form a conductive band [ 38 , 39 ].…”

“…In addition, these polymers can be employed by incorporating them within the hydrogel matrices as 3D scaffold materials. For example, Soyoung et al demonstrated the fabrication of electrically conductive hydrogel micropatterns based on PANi within poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel matrix (PANi/PEG) [ 25 , 40 , 41 ]. C2C12 cells were then cultured on the PANi/PEG substrate, exploring the effective differentiation of C2C12 cells and improved alignment of myotubes [ 25 ].…”

“…For example, Soyoung et al demonstrated the fabrication of electrically conductive hydrogel micropatterns based on PANi within poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel matrix (PANi/PEG) [ 25 , 40 , 41 ]. C2C12 cells were then cultured on the PANi/PEG substrate, exploring the effective differentiation of C2C12 cells and improved alignment of myotubes [ 25 ]. Among various conductive polymers, poly-3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene (PEDOT), as a type of polythiophene, displays a superior conductivity and electrochemical stability due to the presence of the ethylenedioxy groups at the 3, 4 positions of thiophene as well as excellent biocompatibility [ 40 , 41 ].…”