PEDOT:gelatin composites mediate brain endothelial cell adhesion

Conducting polymers (CPs) are increasingly being used to interface with cells for applications in both bioelectronics and tissue engineering. To facilitate this interaction, cells need to adhere and grow on the CP surface. Extracellular matrix components are usually necessary to support or enhance cell attachment and growth on polymer substrates. Here we show the preparation of PEDOT(TOS):gelatin composites as a new biocompatible substrate for use in tissue engineering. Gelatin, a derivative of the extracellular matrix protein collagen, was incorporated into poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene)-tosylate (PEDOT(TOS)) films via vapour phase polymerisation (VPP) without changing the electrochemical properties of the CP. Further, gelatin, incorporated into the PEDOT(TOS) film, was found to specifically support bovine brain capillary endothelial cell adhesion and growth, indicating that the functionality of the biomolecule was maintained. The biocompatibility of the composite films was demonstrated indicating the significant future potential of biocomposites of this type for use in promoting cell adhesion in electrically active materials for tissue engineering.