An Electroactive Oligo‐EDOT Platform for Neural Tissue Engineering

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, the functionality of PEDOT:PSS for neural tissue engineering is improved by incorporating 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) oligomers, synthesized using a novel end-capping strategy, into block co-polymers. By exploiting end-functionalized oligoEDOT constructs as macroinitiators for the polymerization of poly(caprolactone), a block co-polymer is produced that is electroactive, processable, and bio-compatible. By combining these properties, electroactive fibrous mats are produced for neuronal culture via solution electrospinning and melt electrospinning writing. Importantly, it is also shown that neurite length and branching of neural stem cells can be enhanced on the materials under electrical stimulation, demonstrating the promise of these scaffolds for neural tissue engineering.

Progress in Synthesis of Conductive Polymer Poly(3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene)

“…In addition to the conductivity, the biocompatibility and non-toxicity of PEDOT are also deeply concerned by researchers (da Silva et al, 2018;Meng et al, 2019;Dominguez-Alfaro et al, 2021). In recent studies, a new type of conductive polymer-based biosensor has been obtained through monomer modification and polymerization (da Silva et al, 2018;Meng et al, 2020;Ritzau-Reid et al, 2020). In this review, we summarized the most used synthesis methods of PEDOT and their development trends.…”

Biomedical Implants with Charge‐Transfer Monitoring and Regulating Abilities

“…[ 139 ] In another work, Rizau‐Reid et al. [ 140 ] improved the functionality of PEDOT:PSS in neural tissue engineering by incorporating 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) oligomers, and then constructed an electroactive and biocompatible block copolymer. The neurite length and branching of neural stem cells can be enhanced on the prepared material under electrical stimulation, indicating the potential of these materials to be used to construct soft electrodes.…”

The Fourth Bioelectronic Medicine Summit “Technology Targeting Molecular Mechanisms”: current progress, challenges, and charting the future

“…The panel included luminaries and leaders in the field, as well as exciting new efforts from a new generation. The panel included Molly Stevens from Imperial College London who spoke about the potential to facilitate the safe and effective transfer of charge from electronics to neural substrates, with the incredibly broad ability to tune this process through the diversity of backbones (Mawad et al 2016 ; Higgins et al 2020 ; Ritzau-Reid et al 2020 ; Spicer et al 2017 ) and moieties at her disposal. Prof. Christopher Bettinger from Carnegie-Mellon University presented his work on new polymeric materials that are compatible with microfabrication, and can achieve reliable adhesion to cellular (neural) substrates (Golabchi et al 2019 ).…”