Self-doped and biodegradable glycosaminoglycan-PEDOT conductive 1 hydrogels facilitate electrical pacing of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Conductive polymers hold promise in biomedical applications owing to their distinct conductivity characteristics and unique properties. However, incorporating these polymers into biomaterials poses challenges related to mechanical performance, electrical stability, and biodegradation. This study proposes an injectable hydrogel scaffold composed of a self-doped conductive polymer, constituted of a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) with side chains of PEDOT (poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). This brush copolymer is synthesized via oxidative polymerization from an EDOT monomer grafted onto the backbone of the sulfated GAG. The GAG backbone offers biodegradability, while sulfate groups act as acidic self-doping agents. Conductive hydrogels form through oxime crosslinking, initially existing as a liquid mixture that undergoes gelation within the tissue, allowing for injectability. The conductive hydrogels show tunable stiffness and gelation kinetics influenced by both concentration and pH, and exhibit adhesive properties. They showcase dual ionic and electronic conductivity, where sulfate groups in the GAG backbone act as doping moieties, enhancing conductivity and electrical stability. These properties of conductive hydrogels are associated with the facilitation of electrical pacing of iPSC-cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, hydrogels exhibit biodegradation and show evidence of biocompatibility, highlighting their potential for diverse biomedical applications.
Date Issued
2025-04-04
Date Acceptance
2025-02-01
Citation
Advanced Healthcare Materials, 2025, 14 (9)
ISSN
2192-2640
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
e2403995
Journal / Book Title
Advanced Healthcare Materials
Volume
14
Issue
9
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). Advanced Healthcare Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/40018808
Subjects
biodegradable
conductive hydrogels
glycosaminoglycan
iPSC‐cardiomyocytes
self‐doping
Hydrogels
Glycosaminoglycans
Myocytes, Cardiac
Electric Conductivity
Humans
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Polymers
Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic
Biocompatible Materials
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
Germany
Article Number
2403995
Date Publish Online
2025-02-28