Microstructured hybrid conducting polymer platforms for skeletal muscle

The engineering of skeletal muscle requires platforms that facilitate the proliferation and maintenance of primary muscle stem cells (myoblasts) and muscle fibre maturation in a manner that reflects native muscle structure. We have been investigating the use of microstructured conducting polymer surfaces for the orientation and electrical stimulation of cells and tissues and have developed a hybrid biodegradable and conducting polymer platform suitable for ex vivo muscle growth and differentiation.