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Electroactive Gellan Gum/Polyaniline Spongy-Like Hydrogels
Pathomthat Srisuk1,2,3, Fernanda V Berti1,2, Lucilia P da Silva1,2
13B's Research Group, Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Avepark, 4806-909 Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal.
We developed electroactive polyaniline (PANi)-gellan gum (GG) hydrogels for skeletal muscle tissue engineering. These materials support myoblast adhesion, proliferation, and myosin expression, showing promise for muscle regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Electroactive Polymers
Background:
- Electroactive materials show potential for modulating cell behavior in tissue engineering.
- Skeletal muscle tissue engineering requires biomaterials that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM).
- Gellan gum (GG) hydrogels offer ECM-like properties but lack electroactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop electroactive spongy-like hydrogels using polyaniline (PANi) and gellan gum (GG).
- To investigate the potential of PANi-GG hydrogels for modulating myoblast bioresponse.
- To assess the suitability of these hydrogels for skeletal muscle tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- PANi-GG spongy-like hydrogels were synthesized via ionic cross-linking with CaCl2 and in situ aniline polymerization.
- Physicochemical properties were characterized using FTIR, SEM, four-point probe, and compression testing.
- Cell viability, proliferation, adhesion, spreading, and myosin expression of C2C12 myoblasts were evaluated.
Main Results:
- PANi-GG hydrogels exhibited suitable physicochemical, electro-conductive, and mechanical properties.
- Direct contact with PANi-GG hydrogels did not compromise L929 cell viability or proliferation.
- C2C12 myoblasts adhered, spread, and proliferated within the hydrogels, expressing myosin after 7 days.
Conclusions:
- PANi-GG spongy-like hydrogels are promising electroactive biomaterials for skeletal muscle tissue engineering.
- These hydrogels effectively support myoblast growth and differentiation.
- The developed materials offer a tunable platform for muscle regeneration strategies.
