Preparation and characterization of self-stimuli conductive nerve regeneration conduit using co-electrospun nanofibers filled with gelatin-chitosan hydrogels containing polyaniline-graphene-ZnO nanoparticles

Abstract

The core-shell structure conduit with conductive, antibacterial, and highly piezoelectric properties was designed and fabricated by a multi-step process. First, the shell structure was fabricated by rolling the co-electrospun mats of polycaprolactone/polyvinylidene fluoride and gelatin incorporated with polyaniline/graphene (PAG) nanocomposites. Then, the fabricated mats were filled with gelatin/chitosan hydrogels containing PAG and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Characterization of the intermediate materials and the final conduit revealed high electrical conductivity and remarkable output voltage for shell and core materials. MTT assay and antibacterial tests confirmed bioactivity and antibacterial properties of shells and cores. The results confirmed appropriateness of the conduit for nerve regeneration applications.

Graphical Abstract

Keyword:

• Conductivity
• Nerve guidance channels
• Piezoelectricity
• Polyaniline/graphene
• PVDF

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.