Conducting polymer scaffolds: a new frontier in bioelectronics and bioengineering

Rasha A Nasser; Sagar S Arya; Khulood H Alshehhi; Jeremy C M Teo; Charalampos Pitsalidis

doi:10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.017

Conducting polymer scaffolds: a new frontier in bioelectronics and bioengineering

Trends Biotechnol. 2024 Jan 5:S0167-7799(23)00339-6. doi: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.017. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Rasha A Nasser¹, Sagar S Arya¹, Khulood H Alshehhi², Jeremy C M Teo³, Charalampos Pitsalidis⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
² Department of Physics, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
³ Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Department, New York University Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
⁴ Department of Physics, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Electronic address: charalampos.pitsalidis@ku.ac.ae.

PMID: 38184439
DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.017

Abstract

Conducting polymer (CP) scaffolds have emerged as a transformative tool in bioelectronics and bioengineering, advancing the ability to interface with biological systems. Their unique combination of electrical conductivity, tailorability, and biocompatibility surpasses the capabilities of traditional nonconducting scaffolds while granting them access to the realm of bioelectronics. This review examines recent developments in CP scaffolds, focusing on material and device advancements, as well as their interplay with biological systems. We highlight applications for monitoring, tissue stimulation, and drug delivery and discuss perspectives and challenges currently faced for their ultimate translation and clinical implementation.

Keywords: bioelectronics; conducting polymers; scaffolds; tissue regeneration; tissue stimulation.

Publication types

Review