[Electrical stimulation enhances viability of osteoblasts on conductive biodegradable material]

This study was aimed at exploring the viability of osteoblasts on conductive tissue engineering material. Conductive biodegradable Polyprrole/Polylactide (PPy/PLA) was prepared by emulsion polymerization. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and spectroscopy showed evenly dispersed PPy in PLA. PPy/PLA membrane was found being able to keep conductive stability for more than one month to provide electric circumstances (ECs) for osteoblasts. SEM displayed that osteoblasts adhered and spread well on PPy/PLA. ECs of 12.5, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 microA/cm2 were separately used to stimulate osteoblasts for 24h, 48h, 72h and 96h. Methyl-thiazole-tetrazolium (MTT) assay after 24h revealed that 50 microA/cm2 evidently accelerated osteoblasts proliferation. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay revealed that, 48h later, 50 microA/cm2, and 75 microA/cm2 promoted osteoblasts differentiation. 50 microA/cm2 enhanced osteoblasts mineration. Conclusively, 50 microA/cm2 can strengthen osteoblasts' function and promote their viability.