Engineering Biodegradable and Biocompatible Bio-ionic Liquid Conjugated Hydrogels with Tunable Conductivity and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Conventional electroconductive hydrogels (ECHs) face limitations like cytotoxicity, poor solubility, and biodegradability.
• Existing methods often rely on conductive nanomaterials and polymers with inherent drawbacks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a novel class of ECHs by functionalizing non-conductive polymers with a conductive choline-based bio-ionic liquid (Bio-IL).
• To evaluate the physical properties, biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and biological performance of the engineered Bio-IL conjugated hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of non-conductive polymers with a conductive choline-based bio-ionic liquid (Bio-IL).
• Characterization of physical properties, electrical conductivity, in vitro cell culture (cardiomyocytes), and in vivo subcutaneous implantation in rats.

Main Results:

• Bio-IL conjugated hydrogels demonstrated highly tunable physical properties and high electrical conductivity without additional conductive components.
• Engineered hydrogels supported the growth and function of primary cardiomyocytes in 2D and 3D cultures.
• In vivo studies showed efficient biodegradation and low immunogenicity upon subcutaneous implantation in rats.

Conclusions:

• Bio-IL conjugated hydrogels represent a new class of electroconductive materials with significant advantages over conventional methods.
• These hydrogels exhibit excellent biocompatibility, tunable properties, and support cell function, making them promising for biomedical and tissue engineering applications.
• The developed materials can be readily tailored for diverse tissue engineering needs.