3D printable electroconductive gelatin-hyaluronic acid materials containing polypyrrole nanoparticles for electroactive tissue engineering

Abstract Electrically conductive bio-scaffolds are explored in the field of tissue engineering (TE) as a solution to address clinical need electroactive tissues, finding applications nervous, cardiac, and spinal cord injury repair. In this work, we synthesise polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy NP) via mini-emulsion method with further combination gelatin/hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel create electroconductive Gel:HA:PPy-NP TE scaffolds. Electroconductive scaffolds possess excellent mechanical properties at 1.08 ± 0.26 MPa, closely matching reported performance cord. Scaffolds were designed controlled porosity 526.2 74.6–403.9 57.4 µm, conductivities 4.3 × 10 –6 1.1 S.cm −1 reached. Rheological studies show that prior lyophilisation, hydrogels display shear-thinning behaviour. These gels subsequently 3D printed into predefined 2 layer lattice geometries displayed post-printing shape fidelity. vitro cytocompatible mesenchymal stem cells neuronal encouraging cell attachment proliferation profiles. Based on these results, incorporation PPy NPs Gel:HA biomaterial enhances capabilities material, while showcasing biocompatible behaviour cultures. Hence, promising option for stimulating regeneration following nervous injury.