Conductive Tough Hydrogel for Bioapplications

Authors

Mohammad Javadi, University of WollongongFollow
Qi Gu, University of WollongongFollow
Sina Naficy, University of SydneyFollow
Syamak Farajikhah, University of WollongongFollow
Jeremy Micah Crook, University of WollongongFollow
Gordon G. Wallace, University of WollongongFollow
Stephen T. Beirne, University of WollongongFollow
Simon E. Moulton, Swinburne University of TechnologyFollow

RIS ID

118239

Publication Details

Javadi, M., Gu, Q., Naficy, S., Farajikhah, S., Crook, J. M., Wallace, G. G., Beirne, S. & Moulton, S. (2018). Conductive Tough Hydrogel for Bioapplications. Macromolecular Bioscience, 18 (2), 1700270-1-1700270-11.

Abstract

Biocompatible conductive tough hydrogels represent a new class of advanced materials combining the properties of tough hydrogels and biocompatible conductors. Here, a simple method, to achieve a self-assembled tough elastomeric composite structure that is biocompatible, conductive, and with high flexibility, is reported. The hydrogel comprises polyether-based liner polyurethane (PU), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped with poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS), and liquid crystal graphene oxide (LCGO). The polyurethane hybrid composite (PUHC) containing the PEDOT:PSS, LCGO, and PU has a higher electrical conductivity (10x), tensile modulus ( > 1.6x), and yield strength ( > 1.56x) compared to respective control samples. Furthermore, the PUHC is biocompatible and can support human neural stem cell (NSC) growth and differentiation to neurons and supporting neuroglia. Moreover, the stimulation of PUHC enhances NSC differentiation with enhanced neuritogenesis compared to unstimulated cultures. A model describing the synergistic effects of the PUHC components and their influence on the uniformity, biocompatibility, and electromechanical properties of the hydrogel is presented.

Grant Number

ARC/CE140100012