Aqueous Processable One-Dimensional Polypyrrole Nanostructured by Lignocellulose Nanofibril: A Conductive Interfacing Biomaterial

Biomacromolecules. 2023 Aug 14;24(8):3819-3834. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00475. Epub 2023 Jul 12.

Abstract

One-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials of conductive polypyrrole (PPy) are competitive biomaterials for constructing bioelectronics to interface with biological systems. Synergistic synthesis using lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) as a structural template in chemical oxidation of pyrrole with Fe(III) ions facilitates surface-confined polymerization of pyrrole on the nanofibril surface within a submicrometer- and micrometer-scale fibril length. It yields a core-shell nanocomposite of PPy@LCNF, wherein the surface of each individual fibril is coated with a thin nanoscale layer of PPy. A highly positive surface charge originating from protonated PPy gives this 1D nanomaterial a durable aqueous dispersity. The fibril-fibril entanglement in the PPy@LCNFs facilely supported versatile downstream processing, e.g., spray thin-coating on glass, flexible membranes with robust mechanics, or three-dimensional cryogels. A high electrical conductivity in the magnitude of several to 12 S·cm-1 was confirmed for the solid-form PPy@LCNFs. The PPy@LCNFs are electroactive and show potential cycling capacity, encompassing a large capacitance. Dynamic control of the doping/undoping process by applying an electric field combines electronic and ionic conductivity through the PPy@LCNFs. The low cytotoxicity of the material is confirmed in noncontact cell culture of human dermal fibroblasts. This study underpins the promises for this nanocomposite PPy@LCNF as a smart platform nanomaterial in constructing interfacing bioelectronics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Ferric Compounds
  • Humans
  • Nanocomposites* / chemistry
  • Polymers* / chemistry
  • Pyrroles / chemistry

Substances

  • polypyrrole
  • Polymers
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • lignocellulose
  • Pyrroles
  • Ferric Compounds