|
Authors
|
Akbar, T. F.; Jimenez-Rodriguez, C. A.; Biktimirova, R.; Hermes, I.; Kurth, T.; Pham, M. D.; Tsurkan, M. V.; Friedrichs, J.; Morgan, F. L. C.; Kleemann, H.; Guskova, O.; Freudenberg, U.; Fratzl, P.; Werner, C.; Tondera, C.; Minev, I. R.
|
|
Title
|
Conductive hydrogels for exogenous sensing and cell fate control
|
|
Date
|
26.03.2026
|
|
Number
|
0
|
|
Abstract
|
Next generation technologies linking living systems to computers will require materials built on biology, an approach that may address persistent challenges in stable and multimodal information exchange. Here, we present a semi-synthetic hydrogel, designed to emulate key features of native extracellular matrix (ECM) while offering electrically tunable functionality. We engineer interactions between sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) and a semiconducting organic polymer (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), PEDOT) within a soft hydrogel network (PEDOT:sGAGh). We demonstrate control over the material's nanoarchitecture, electrochemical behavior, and biomolecular interactions. In particular, PEDOT:sGAGh exhibits affinity for bioactive proteins, including growth factors, and allows their release or retention to be modulated by low-voltage stimulation. This enables electrical control over macromolecular cues for cell differentiation, a capability not found in natural ECM or conventional conductive hydrogels. These functions are achieved with ultra-low PEDOT content (≈1 wt.%), preserving the hydrogel's tissue-like softness and high water content. The PEDOT:sGAGh material can be integrated as a bioactive coating on electrodes, or into 3D organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). Our results position PEDOT:sGAGh as a versatile platform for realizing biohybrid circuits that bridge molecular signaling and solid-state electronics, thus paving the way for brain-machine interfaces that operate beyond purely electrical modes of interaction.
|
|
Publisher
|
Wiley
|
|
Wikidata
|
|
|
Citation
|
Advanced Materials 38 (2026) e72866
|
|
DOI
|
https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.72866
|
|
Tags
|
|
