Volume 12, Issue 4 p. 494-501
Full Paper

Conductive Hydrogels: Mechanically Robust Hybrids for Use as Biomaterials

Rylie A. Green,

Corresponding Author

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia.Search for more papers by this author
Rachelle T. Hassarati,

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia

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Josef A. Goding,

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia

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Sungchul Baek,

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia

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Nigel H. Lovell,

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia

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Penny J. Martens,

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia

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Laura A. Poole-Warren,

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia

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First published: 17 February 2012
Citations: 138

Abstract

A hybrid system for producing conducting polymers within a doping hydrogel mesh is presented. These conductive hydrogels demonstrate comparable electroactivity to conventional conducting polymers without requiring the need for mobile doping ions which are typically used in literature. These hybrids have superior mechanical stability and a modulus significantly closer to neural tissue than materials which are commonly used for medical electrodes. Additionally they are shown to support the attachment and differentiation of neural like cells, with improved interaction when compared to homogeneous hydrogels. The system provides flexibility such that biologic incorporation can be tailored for application.

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