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Published on: July 11, 2017
A conducting polymer with enhanced electronic stability applied in cardiac models
Damia Mawad1, Catherine Mansfield2, Antonio Lauto3
1Department of Bioengineering, and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.; Department of Materials, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.; School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
Researchers developed a stable conductive patch using polyaniline and chitosan. This material retains its electronic properties, offering a promising solution for interfacing with electroresponsive tissues like the heart.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Electrically active constructs can benefit electroresponsive tissues.
- Conducting polymers (CPs) are promising due to their electroactivity and flexibility.
- Clinical use of CPs is limited by their short operational time and property degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop electronically stable conducting polymer-based scaffolds.
- To investigate the immobilization of dopants to prevent electronic deterioration.
- To assess the electrophysiological effects of the conductive patch on cardiac tissue.
Main Methods:
- Grew polyaniline (PANI) doped with phytic acid on a chitosan film.
- Utilized strong chelation between phytic acid and chitosan for dopant immobilization.
- Tested retained electroactivity, surface resistivity, and stability in physiological medium.
- Performed ex vivo and preliminary in vivo experiments on cardiac tissue.
Main Results:
- Achieved a conductive patch with retained electroactivity and low surface resistivity (35.85 ± 9.40 kΩ/sq) after 2 weeks.
- The patch maintained its oxidized form.
- Ex vivo experiments showed an immediate effect on heart electrophysiology.
- Preliminary in vivo studies indicated no proarrhythmogenic activity.
Conclusions:
- Immobilizing dopants in conductive scaffolds prevents electronic deterioration.
- Developed an electronically stable conducting polymer-based patch.
- The patch shows potential for interfacing with electroresponsive tissues.
- Provides a robust system for studying material-tissue electrophysiological interactions.
