Self-Adhesion Conductive Sub-micron Fiber Cardiac Patch from Shape Memory Polymers to Promote Electrical Signal Transduction Function

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI) constitutes the first cause of morbidity and mortality in our life, so using highly conductive and elastic materials to produce an engineered cardiac patch is an effective way to improve the myocardium infarction area function. Here, shape memory polymers of the polyurethane/polyaniline/silicon oxide (PU/PANI/SiO2) electrospinning sub-micron fiber patch were precisely produced in the case of the hydrogen bonding effect and interaction between the carboxyl groups to provide compatibility, phase mixing/miscibility, and stability. The sub-micron fiber patch prepared by our group has some remarkable characteristics, such as sub-micron fibers, 3D porous structure, special thickness to simulate the extracellular matrix (ECM), elastic deformation, good properties in conducting weak electrical signals, stability to maintain the whole structure, and self-adhesion. This sub-micron fiber material has been proven to be effective, easy, and reliable. Through precise design of the material system, structure regulation, and performance optimization, the aim is to produce a sub-micron fiber cardiac patch to simulate the myocardium ECM and improve conductive signal transduction for potential MI therapy.

Conductive fibers for biomedical applications

“…The shapes, diameters and aggregation forms of the conductive fibers can be easily adjusted through altering electrospinning parameters [ 62 , 63 ]. Aligned fibers with anisotropic mechanical properties can be collected from a disc collector rotating at a speed of 1000 rpm [ 64 ].…”

Shape-Memory Materials via Electrospinning: A Review

“…Another interesting work related to tissue engineering was carried out by Feng et al [161], by fabricating a sub-micron fiber patch of polyurethane/polyaniline/silicon oxide (PU/ PANI/SiO 2 ) with a 3D porous structure and improved electrical signal transduction and self-adhesion, which simulated the myocardium ECM for myocardial infarction (MI) therapy. SMPU has been used for its capability to recover its original shape after a few seconds to minutes under specific conditions, while the presence of conjugated polymers such as PANI provides conductivity since electrical signals are fundamental for the heart's activity, and, finally, the incorporation of SiO 2 into biopolymers improves the bioactivity.…”

“…SEM of (b) 5% PU, (c) 5% PU-3% PANI, and (d) 5% PU-3% PANI-0.5% SiO 2 , (e) 5% PU-6% PANI-0.5% SiO 2 , and (f) 5% PU-9% PANI-0.5% SiO 2 , and (g) fiber diameter distribution. Reprinted (adapted) with permission from [161]. Copyright 2021 American Chemical Society.…”

Bioelectricity‐coupling patches for repairing impaired myocardium

“…Like PPy, polyaniline (PANi) is specifically acknowledged for its chemical stability, prominent mechanical strength, ease of production, and economic availability. It performs high conductivity (Feng et al, 2021) and antibacterial potential to support cell proliferation and tissue repair in cardiac cell therapy (Dong et al, 2016; Zare et al, 2020). There are three forms of PANi in its oxidation state: leucoemeraldine, pernigraniline, and emeraldine (emeraldine salt and emeraldine base dependent on the pH of solution), whereas emeraldine‐salt demonstrates the highest conductivity.…”

“…Like PPy, polyaniline (PANi) is specifically acknowledged for its chemical stability, prominent mechanical strength, ease of production, and economic availability. It performs high conductivity (Feng et al, 2021) and antibacterial…”