Electroconductive hydrogels for biomedical applications

Abstract

Electroconductive hydrogels (EHs), combining both the biomimetic features of hydrogels and the electrochemical properties of conductive polymers and carbon‐based materials, have received immense considerations over the past decade. The three‐dimensional porous structure, hydrophilic properties, and regulatable chemical and physical properties of EH resemble the extracellular matrix in tissues, enable EHs a good matrix for cell growth, proliferation, and migration. Different from nonconductive hydrogels, EHs possess high electrical conductivity and electrochemical redox properties, which can be utilized to detect electric signals generated in biological systems, and also to supply electrical stimulation to regulate the activity and function of cells and tissues. Hence, this article provides a summary of the new development of EH for biomedical applications in the decade. We give a brief introduction of the design and synthesis of EHs, as well as current applications of EHs in biomedical fields, including cell culture, tissue engineering, drug delivery and controlled release, biosensors, and implantable bioelectronics. The development trends and challenges of EHs for biomedical applications are also discussed. This article is categorized under: Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Properties of conductive polymer hydrogels and their application in sensors

“…Wearable or implantable devices are in direct contact with the human body and are expected not to cause damage to human health . Due to the unique hydrated environment and adjustable physicochemical properties, CPHs as a good candidate of biocompatible material have been widely used in a large number of biological devices such as biosensor, tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery, and cell culture …”

“…[65][66][67][68] Due to the unique hydrated environment and adjustable physicochemical properties, CPHs as a good candidate of biocompatible material have been widely used in a large number of biological devices such as biosensor, tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery, and cell culture. [69][70][71] With the organic composition similar to extracellular matrix of biological tissues, CPHs have become a candidate for the next-generation bioelectronic interfaces as a bridge between biology and electronics. 72 In a rabbit model experiments, the phytic acid-doped PAni hydrogel-coated scaffolds showed enhanced biocompatibility, as manifested by the fact that the cell morphology was plumper and the cell diameter was larger than the counterpart in scaffolds without PAni hydrogel.…”

Graphene Oxide–Based Nanomaterials: An Insight into Retinal Prosthesis

“…In human tissues, the extracellular matrix (ECM), mainly composed of collagen, elastin, and fibronectin, provides a favorable environment for the growth, repair, support, and connection of tissues [64]. In order to enhance tissue-chip integration, some studies have used conductive hydrogels that form a soft interface on the electrode surface that provides a medium for cellular attachment [65][66][67][68][69]. This modification, in addition to facilitating cellular attachment, overcomes electrode limitations in mechanical properties, charge transfer, and charge storage.…”

Exosome-loaded conductive hydrogel with immune-modulating and neurogenesis-enhancing properties for synergistic spinal cord injury repair

“…Currently, conductive hydrogels have emerged as a promising class of hydrogel scaffolds combining a hydrophilic matrix with conducting components such as conductive polymers (CPs), metallic nanoparticles, or carbon materials [12]. Due to its tissue-like softness and the inherent presence of electrical fields similar to the innate nervous system, the conductive hydrogel can provide mechanical and electrical cues for enhancing neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and controlling neurite extension [11,13].…”