Inkjet printed polypyrrole/collagen scaffold: A combination of spatial control and electrical stimulation of PC12 cells

The work in this paper utilized a printable novel nano-dispersion to enable a protocol for preparing patterned electroactive platforms with control over dimension in the micro-domain by inkjet printing. Micro-structured PPy lines are inkjet printed on polyarylate film then followed by jetting collagen over them to combine the spatial control and electrical stimulation of the cells at a micro scale area. Microscopy, profilometry, SEM and AFM are used to investigate the morphologies of this scaffold and the existence of the collagen layers. Electrical property and stability of PPy tracks are also studied to ensure they are suitable for cell stimulation. Cell experiments with PC12 cells demonstrate that this scaffold is cytocompatible and the electrical stimulation of these microstructures promotes neurite outgrowth and orientation.

An electroactive scaffold for tissue engineering is patterned by inkjet printing with polypyrrole and collagen at the micrometer scale. In vitro cell studies using a PC12 cell line verify compatibility of the cells with the printed structure and a continuous cellular pattern can be observed ((a) and (b)). Electrical stimulation promoted neurite outgrowth and orientation. (a) Overlap of fluorescence and optical microscopy image of PC12 cells cultured on PPy/collagen scaffold; (b) fluorescence microscopy images of PC12 cells cultured on PPy/collagen scaffold. Dot lines illustrate the underlying PPy tracks.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A novel electroactive PPy/collagen scaffold is inkjet printed on polyarylate film.
► This complex scaffold is used for cell patterning and electrical stimulation.
► In vitro cell studies using a PC12 cell line verify the cytocompatibility.
► Electrical stimulation is performed on the cells patterned on the scaffold.
► Electrical stimulation can promote neurite outgrowth and orientation.