Enhancement of conductivity, mechanical and biological properties of polyaniline-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) cryogels by phytic acid

Abstract Polyaniline-based cryogels were prepared by oxidative cryopolymerization in the presence of various concentrations poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) and phytic acid used as a polymer support dopant, respectively. Mechanical strength handling stability resulting macroporous materials (pore size up to 70 μm) significantly improved addition into polymerization system compared crosslinked only acid. Increase concentration reaction medium above 5 wt%, while not noticeably changing mechanical properties, was found lead decrease conductivity specific surface area. Introduction optimal amount (0.2 M) an additional codopant, opposite, allowed enhancement material area well increase their tensile modulus. Polyaniline-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) containing also showed better cytocompatibility due lower cytotoxicity cell adhesion proliferation.