Production and Characterization of Conductive Scaffolds for Conducting Tissue Engineering

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of conductive scaffolds incorporating polypyrrole (PPy), chitosan (Chi), and curcumin (Cur) for applications in tissue engineering, particularly targeting electrically active tissues. Conductive scaffolds were synthesized via a solvent-casting method with varying curcumin concentrations. The materials were characterized for electrical conductivity, mechanical performance, thermal properties, and biocompatibility. Electrical conductivity values ranged from 1.69 x 10-5 to 2.16 x 10-4 S/m, with decreased conductivity observed at higher curcumin concentrations. Mechanical analyses revealed that the PPy2 composition demonstrated optimal elastic modulus (723.1 +/- 0.008 MPa) and tensile strength (48.5 +/- 0.82 MPa), along with superior elongation at break (11.5%). Morphological studies using SEM confirmed a porous structure with increased surface roughness as curcumin content increased, while FTIR and XRD analyses highlighted synergistic interactions among components. Biocompatibility assessments using L929 cells demonstrated high cell viability, with the PPy1 composite surpassing the control group, indicating curcumin's potential to enhance biological performance. The tri-component scaffold provides electrical, mechanical, and biological properties suitable for tissue regeneration. Polypyrrole offers essential conductivity, chitosan ensures biocompatibility, and curcumin enhances bioactivity, creating an integrated system that promotes cell adhesion, proliferation, and repair. These findings emphasize the scaffold's potential for clinical applications, offering a versatile platform for the repair of electrically active tissues and paving the way for innovative solutions in regenerative medicine.