Polypyrrole-chitosan hydrogel reinforced with collagen-grafted PLA sub-micron fibers as an electrically responsive scaffold

Abstract

Hydrogel/fiber composites (HFC) improved by bio-related modifications have emerged as compelling scaffolds for regenerative medicine. In this study, by adding collagen-grafted poly-L-lactic acid fibers and genipin as a chemical cross-linker to synthesize polypyrrole-chitosan precursor, conductive HFC scaffolds were prepared. Techniques, including microscopy, mechanical analysis, conductivity measurement, and cell culture studies, are used to assess fibers and HFC scaffolds' structural, electrical, and functional performances. The scaffold is biocompatible according to the results of MTT assay and attachment of PC-12 cells. In conclusion, polypyrrole-chitosan hydrogel reinforced by collagen-grafted PLA fibers is suggested to be a potential scaffold for electrically responsive tissue applications.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• conducting scaffolds
• collagen grafting
• gel/fiber composites
• PC-12 cells