Polyaniline based polymers in tissue engineering applications: a review

Abstract

A number of conducting polymers (CPs), such as polyaniline (PANi), as well as functionalized aniline copolymers and composites, which are simultaneously biodegradable and conductive, have been conceptualized as electrically conductive polymer based scaffolds for tissue engineering (TE) in recent years. The rationale behind these scaffolds is to induce “electroactivity” in scaffolds, as many research works have shown that an intrinsic electrical activity leads to both increased rates and improved healing of damaged tissues. PANi is the conductive polymer of choice because it is economical and easy to process with a variety of methods. The resultant PANi based biomaterials have shown to exhibit excellent biocompatibility, conductivity, processability, positive cellular effects, as well as an intrinsic antibacterial effect in numerous research studies. The analysis of the literature has revealed that PANi based scaffolds have been investigated for TE applications including skin/wound healing, bone, cartilage, nerve/spinal cord, vascular, skeletal muscle and the treatment of infertility. Although PANi based materials find widespread applications in other sectors, they are still far away from being commercially exploited as scaffolds for TE despite the positive research results. This review aims to discuss and critically assess the current state of PANi based TE scaffolds for the different applications. A future perspective for utilizing PANi based biomaterials for applications in TE is discussed, including recent considerations about potential cytotoxic effects.

A Brief Review on Selected Applications of Hybrid Materials Based on Functionalized Cage-like Silsesquioxanes

“…This tremendous breakthrough has led to commercial applications of the Na 2 O-CaO-P 2 O 5 -SiO 2 system for bone repair, enamel-healing toothpaste, dental restoration, drug delivery, and so forth [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Then, the interests of scientists evolved toward polymeric materials, ceramics, and composites [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Currently, most attention is paid to mixed materials, often referred to as hybrid materials, mainly based on combinations of bioglasses and ceramics with appropriately modified polymer matrices [ 29 , 30 ] or hybrids in which a covalent bond connects individual components; for instance, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) and double-decker silsesquioxanes (DDSQs), in which the inorganic silsesquioxane core is bonded with organic side arms [ 7 , 20 , 31 , 32 ].…”

Application of Conductive Hydrogels on Spinal Cord Injury Repair: A Review

“…Additionally, copolymerization of altered biodegradable and electroactive macromers or block copolymers is another approach that could be utilized to achieve the biodegradability of conductive polymers while maintaining or enhancing electroconductivity. These methods enable the combination of advantageous features of both conductive polymers and biodegradable polymers. − …”

“…In vitro studies testing the hydrogel's cytocompatibility by culturing cells on the degraded products showed that the AT-containing hydrogel reduced inflammation compared to the AT-free hydrogel. However, in vivo studies on the biocompatibility of PANi have yielded conflicting results . Wang et al observed inflammation and encapsulation of implanted PANi in the Sprague-Dawley rat model, while Mattioli-Belmonte et al showed no significant inflammatory reaction after 4 weeks of implantation in the same rat model.…”

Deep eutectic solvent-assisted fabrication of bioinspired 3D carbon–calcium phosphate scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

“…16 In this context, the application of conductive materials with the capability to track cellular behavior in a three-dimensional environment is one of the most fascinating areas of future research. Thus far, several conductive materials have been recognized, i.e., polypyrrole (PPy), 17 polyaniline (PANI), 18 and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). 19,20 However, carbon-based materials, such as graphite, 21 ake graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanobers, and carbon multiwalled nanotubes, offer considerable prospects and are subjected to intensive evaluation for such applications.…”

“…Thus far, several conductive materials have been recognized, i.e. , polypyrrole (PPy), 17 polyaniline (PANI), 18 and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). 19,20 However, carbon-based materials, such as graphite, 21 flake graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanofibers, and carbon multiwalled nanotubes, offer considerable prospects and are subjected to intensive evaluation for such applications.…”