Issue 2, 2014

Double network bacterial cellulose hydrogel to build a biology–device interface

Abstract

Establishing a biology–device interface might enable the interaction between microelectronics and biotechnology. In this study, electroactive hydrogels have been produced using bacterial cellulose (BC) and conducting polymer (CP) deposited on the BC hydrogel surface to cover the BC fibers. The structures of these composites thus have double networks, one of which is a layer of electroactive hydrogels combined with BC and CP. The electroconductivity provides the composites with capabilities for voltage and current response, and the BC hydrogel layer provides good biocompatibility, biodegradability, bioadhesion and mass transport properties. Such a system might allow selective biological functions such as molecular recognition and specific catalysis and also for probing the detailed genetic and molecular mechanisms of life. A BC–CP composite hydrogel could then lead to a biology–device interface. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are used here to study the composite hydrogels' electroactive property. BC–PAni and BC–PPy respond to voltage changes. This provides a mechanism to amplify electrochemical signals for analysis or detection. BC hydrogels were found to be able to support the growth, spreading and migration of human normal skin fibroblasts without causing any cytotoxic effect on the cells in the cell culture. These double network BC–CP hydrogels are biphasic Janus hydrogels which integrate electroactivity with biocompatibility, and might provide a biology–device interface to produce implantable devices for personalized and regenerative medicine.

Graphical abstract: Double network bacterial cellulose hydrogel to build a biology–device interface

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
30 Sep 2013
Accepted
31 Oct 2013
First published
04 Nov 2013

Nanoscale, 2014,6, 970-977

Double network bacterial cellulose hydrogel to build a biology–device interface

Z. Shi, Y. Li, X. Chen, H. Han and G. Yang, Nanoscale, 2014, 6, 970 DOI: 10.1039/C3NR05214A

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