Evaluation of adhesion and proliferation processes of cellular in PEDOT-co-PDLLA thin films using electrical stimulating regimes and mechanical force application

• Grant number: 18/18846-7
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Effective date (Start): February 12, 2019
• Effective date (End): January 27, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal researcher: Susana Inés Córdoba de Torresi
• Grantee: Rubens Araujo da Silva
• Supervisor abroad: Sarah Cartmell
• Home Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Research place: University of Manchester, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 17/08349-3 - Evaluation of the adhesion and proliferation processes of cellular in PEDOT-co-PDLLA thin films supported on Au electrodes functionalized with laminin, integrin and fibronectin, BP.PD

Abstract

Functional surface coatings are a key option for biomedical applications, from polymeric supports for tissue engineering to smart matrices for controlled drugs delivery. Within this scenario, the synthesis of new materials for biological applications and the development of new processes are promising. For this proposal, biocompatible and electroactive polymers are interesting since they allow the study of cell adhesion and proliferation processes, especially when the polymer used has conductive properties. Despite these desirable features, it is well-known that most conductive polymers exhibit low degradability and have considerable cytotoxicity, limiting their applications in biotechnological routines. The PEDOT-co-PDLLA copolymer exhibits the physical-chemical and mechanical characteristics required by bio-clinic interest, associated with electroactive, biocompatible and biodegradable properties. This copolymer can be applied to adhesion and proliferation cells, especially if functionalized with anchoring proteins (laminin, integrin, and fibronectin). The adhesion cells can be subsequently subject to electrical stimulation for cellular metabolism induction and proliferation increasing. The influence of mechanical force application on cell differentiation would be also very interesting. The knowledge and expertise of Prof. Sarah Cartmell in implantable biomaterials and cellular regeneration would significantly improve our research project. The main advantage of using this copolymer is the possibility of eliminating the need for surgical intervention to remove it, as usually happens in some cases with metal implants since the idea is promote the copolymer degradation while the bone tissue regenerates. We expect to develop applications for this conductive and biodegradable copolymer in tissue engineering in simple, low cost and routine bio-clinic situations. (AU)