INVESTIGATING THE INTERACTION OF 3D CONDUCTIVE POLYMER COMPOSITES WITH BACTERIAL CELLS

Abstract

Flexible wearable sensors have attracted huge attention in a variety of fields, including sports, healthcare, and robotics, to overcome the limits of present sensor materials. Electrically conducting hydrogels are considered viable materials for wearable sensors, highlighting their unique features such as high-water content, biocompatibility, and tunable mechanical and electrical properties. Typical hydrogels comprise polysaccharides, synthetic hydrophilic polymers, and relevant crosslinkers. In this work, novel conductive polymer-based hydrogel systems with tunable electrical and mechanical properties were developed. More specifically, the individual contributions of Polyacrylamide (PAAm), Chitosan (CS), Phytic acid (PA), and Polyaniline (PAni) to the enhancement of the hydrogel's electrical sensitivity and stability under strain were investigated. PAAm, and chitosan with superior mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility, are widely utilized hydrogel materials, however, their strain and electrical sensitivity are limited. Hence, PA and PAni are two compounds that can increase the electrical sensitivity and mechanical stability of hydrogels. PA is known to create strong hydrogen bonds with polymer matrices, enhancing their mechanical strength. In contrast, PAni has exceptional electrical conductivity and may transmit electrical impulses in response to mechanical strain. Accordingly, the synthesis of conductive polymer-based hydrogel and its characterization, including mechanical and electrical properties sensitivity were investigated in detail. The study of the antibacterial properties of conductive polymer-based hydrogels was also provided.