Marco Mederer

Master student

Investigation of Oxidized Alginate-Gelatin Polypyrrole Composites as Electroactive Hydrogel Platforms

 

Supervisors: Thomas Distler, Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Electrical stimulation has been shown to be an effective method to alter cellular behavior [1]. However, novel platforms to further investigate and enhance the mechanisms of cell stimulation are still under recent development [2]. Electrically conductive hydrogels provide promising properties for application in cell stimulation, as they combine the biocompatibility of the hydrogel with the electrical properties of the conductor [3]. Therefore, the aim of this Master Thesis is to prepare and characterize conductive hydrogels using oxidized alginate-gelatin crosslinked hydrogel composited with conductive polymers (CP). Polypyrrol, its derivatives and graphene will each be used as CP and compared. The respective materials applicability for 3D printing will be investigated, as well as its electrical conductivity, biocompatibility and chemical composition.

[1] Xiong GM et al, Development of a miniaturized stimulation device for electrical stimulation of cells, Journal of Biological Engineering 9, Issue 14, 2015

[2] Shin SR et al, A Bioactive Nanotube Based Ink for Printing 2D and 3D Flexible Electronics, Advanced Materials 28, Issue 17, 2016

[3] Distler T and Boccaccini AR, 3D Printing of Electrically Conductive Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering and Biosensors–A Review, Acta Biomater. 2019, in press