Abstract
Hydrogel-based, molecular permeable electronic devices are considered to be promising for electrical stimulation and recording of living tissues, either in vivo or in vitro. This study reports the fabrication of the hydrogel-based devices that remain highly electrically conductive under substantial stretch and bending. Using a simple technique involving a combination of chemical polymerization and electropolymerization of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a tight bonding of a conductive composite of PEDOT and polyurethane (PU) to an elastic double-network hydrogel is achieved to make fully organic PEDOT/PU-hydrogel hybrids. Their response to repeated mechanical stretching, hydration-drying cycles, and autoclaving is assessed, demonstrating excellent stability, without any mechanical or electrical damage. The adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of neural and muscle cells cultured on these hybrids are demonstrated, advancing the field of tissue engineering with integrated electronics.
