An electroactive oligo-EDOT platform for neural tissue engineering
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The unique electrochemical properties of the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) make it an attractive material for use in neural tissue engineering applications. However, inadequate mechanical properties, and difficulties in processing and lack of biodegradability have hindered progress in this field. Here, we have improved the functionality of PEDOT:PSS for neural tissue engineering by incorporating 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) oligomers, synthesised using a novel end-capping strategy, into block co-polymers. By exploiting end-functionalised oligoEDOT constructs as macroinitiators for the polymerization of poly(caprolactone) (PCL), we produce a block co-polymer that is electroactive, processable, and bio-compatible. By combining these properties, we were able to produce electroactive fibrous mats for neuronal culture via solution electrospinning and melt electrospinning writing (MEW). Importantly, we also show that neurite length and branching of neural stem cells can be enhanced on our materials under electrical stimulation, demonstrating the promise of these scaffolds for neural tissue engineering.
Date Issued
2020-10-15
Date Acceptance
2020-07-13
Citation
Advanced Functional Materials, 2020, 30 (42), pp.1-11
ISSN
1616-301X
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
1
End Page
11
Journal / Book Title
Advanced Functional Materials
Volume
30
Issue
42
Copyright Statement
© 2020 The Authors. Published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Sponsor
Commission of the European Communities
Commission of the European Communities
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Identifier
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202003710
Grant Number
660757
301445
MR/K026666/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Technology
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chemistry, Physical
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Physics, Applied
Physics, Condensed Matter
Chemistry
Science & Technology - Other Topics
Materials Science
Physics
3
4-ethylenedioxythiophene
biomaterials
electrospinning
neurite outgrowth
tissue engineering
ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTING POLYMERS
NEURITE OUTGROWTH
STIMULATION
SCAFFOLDS
HYDROGELS
FIBERS
GROWTH
DIFFERENTIATION
ORIENTATION
GENERATION
Materials
02 Physical Sciences
03 Chemical Sciences
09 Engineering
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2020-08-14