Preparation of Conductive Hydrogel and Its Effect on the Proliferation of Neural Stem Cells

Abstract Conductive hydrogels open up new possibilities for neural stem cells (NSCs) transplantation the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, a novel carboxymethyl chitosan/gelatin/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (CMCS/Gel-PEDOT) hydrogel with different contents EDOT monomer was prepared by lyophilization in-situ polymerization. The samples were characterized in terms mechanical properties, vitro biodegradation, swelling rate, electrical conductivity. All exhibited excellent viscoelasticity, showing compression properties similar to those rat tissue. Moreover, conductive high rate (2500%~3000%) 60-85 h adequate biodegradability within 6 weeks. With increase PEDOT content, conductivity increased significantly, CMCS/Gel-0.2 presented highest (1.5×10 −3 S/cm). addition, compared suspension culture group without PEDOT, NSCs seeded into showed higher proliferative activity after 10 days culturing, indicating that may be competitive choice enhancing nerve regeneration tissue engineering.