Tailored GelMA-Chitosan-Polypyrrole- CNT Conductive Scaffold for Potential Application in Neural Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

Improving the treatment of nerve diseases through the development of a suitable hydrogel scaffold is currently an unmet clinical need. This study investigates the fabrication and optimization of a conductive hydrogel scaffold produced from Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA), chitosan, polypyrrole (PPy), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Following optimization of GelMA (15 w/v) and chitosan (2 w/v) composition, PPy was incorporated at varying concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 w/v), and comprehensive physiochemical and mechanical characterizations were performed. PPy at 1 w/v was chosen as the optimized concentration. Functionalized MWCNTs were then added at 0.5, 1, and 2 w/v to the optimized composition to create a conductive composite with enhanced characteristics suitable for nervous tissue. A significant increase in electrical conductivity was recorded with the addition of 1 MWCNT, enhancing the conductivity from 0.91 to 1.54 S m(-1). Additionally, the biocomposite hydrogels exhibited compressive strength and modulus of 0.75 MPa and 2.95 MPa, respectively. With an increase in MWCNT, cell proliferation and adhesion of PC12 and SH-SY5Y were found to be more effective in GelMA-Chitosan-1 PPy-1 MWCNT. Vitamin C was incorporated into the optimized system as a model therapeutic agent, exhibiting release behavior consistent with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, while significantly enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing reactive oxygen species. Overall, these findings suggest that the developed hydrogel represents a promising platform for nerve tissue repair.