Conducting bio-materials based on gellan gum hydrogels

Abstract

Hydrogels, a class of highly hydrated polymer materials, are emerging as a viable bio-material for tissue engineering applications due to their bio-degradability, process-ability, and similarity with the natural extra-cellular matrix. Here, we report on gellan gum hydrogels and demonstrate that the gelation temperature can be tailored to be physiologically relevant. Furthermore, we demonstrate the biocompatibility of these hydrogels and show that cell behaviour is influenced by gel modulus and the incorporation of surface topographical features. Carbon nanotubes were incorporated into hydrogels as conducting fillers to achieve an electrically conducting hydrogel for the future purpose of electrical cell stimulation. Percolation studies revealed that a carbon nanotube concentration of 1.3% by weight is required to achieve electrical conduction through the hydrogel.