Biomimetic electroconductive scaffolds for muscle regenerative engineering

Conducting polymers are emerging as highly attractive materials since they can be used alone or in combination with other biomaterials to provide electrical stimulus for tissue regeneration. Here, we report the fabrication of a novel stimuli-responsive conducting polymer scaffold, which can be used to regulate muscle cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Our goal in this study was to develop electroconductive nanofiber polymer scaffolds that can modulate the cellular physical microenvironment to increase electrical communication between cells and ultimately generate a more robust and functional construct for muscle regeneration. Matrices such as those designed here could have a significant impact in the clinical setting, where muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration prevent healing of common injuries such as rotator cuff tears. The bio-interface consists of a conducting polymer, poly (3,4ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), with a dopamine-polymerize