Electroconductive hydrogels: Synthesis, characterization and biomedical applications

Anthony Guiseppi-Elie

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

588 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electroconductive hydrogels (ECHs) are composite biomaterials that bring together the redox switching and electrical properties of inherently conductive electroactive polymers (CEPs) with the facile small molecule transport, high hydration levels and biocompatibility of cross-linked hydrogels. General methods for the synthesis of electroconductive hydrogels as polymer blends and as polymer co-networks via chemical oxidative, electrochemical and/or a combination of chemical oxidation followed by electrochemical polymerization techniques are reviewed. Specific examples are introduced to illustrate the preparation of electroconductive hydrogels that were synthesized from poly(HEMA)-based hydrogels with polyaniline and from poly(HEMA)-based hydrogels with polypyrrole. The key applications of electroconductive hydrogels; as biorecognition membranes for implantable biosensors, as electro-stimulated drug release devices for programmed delivery, and as the low interfacial impedance layers on neuronal prostheses are highlighted. These applications provide great new horizons for these stimuli responsive, biomimetic polymeric materials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2701-2716
Number of pages16
JournalBiomaterials
Volume31
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2010

Keywords

  • Blends
  • Co-networks
  • Electrically conductive hydrogel
  • Hydrogels
  • Polyaniline
  • Polypyrrole

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Biophysics
  • Biomaterials
  • Mechanics of Materials

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