Electrical stimulation promotes nerve cell differentiation on polypyrrole/poly(2-methoxy-5 aniline sulfonic acid) composites

Authors

Xiao Liu, University of WollongongFollow
K. J. Gilmore, University of WollongongFollow
Gordon G. Wallace, University of WollongongFollow
Simon E. Moulton, ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials ScienceFollow

RIS ID

30155

Publication Details

Liu, X., Gilmore, K. J., Wallace, G. G. & Moulton, S. E. (2009). Electrical stimulation promotes nerve cell differentiation on polypyrrole/poly(2-methoxy-5 aniline sulfonic acid) composites. Journal of Neural Engineering, 6 (6), 65002-65012.

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to investigate for the first time the potential biomedical applications of novel polypyrrole (PPy) composites incorporating a large polyelectrolyte dopant, poly (2-methoxy-5 aniline sulfonic acid) (PMAS). The physical and electrochemical properties were characterized. The PPy/PMAS composites were found to be smooth and hydrophilic and have low electrical impedance. We demonstrate that PPy/PMAS supports nerve cell (PC12) differentiation, and that clinically relevant 250 Hz biphasic current pulses delivered via PPy/PMAS films significantly promote nerve cell differentiation in the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF). The capacity of PPy/PMAS composites to support and enhance nerve cell differentiation via electrical stimulation renders them valuable for medical implants for neurological applications.

Grant Number

ARC/FF0669110

Additional Grant Number

http://purl.org/au-research/grants/ARC/FF0669110