Electrical characterization and electrogenic cell stimulation using a conductive polymer composite based on PEDOT:PSS/PVA/EG

Modern microelectrode arrays are being developed with emergent materials and approaches that provide properties superior to conventional metallic and inorganic semiconductor based electrodes. Newer materials include conducting polymers, nanotubes and graphene-based films. Here we propose a composite mixture with controlled electrical properties based on the p-type conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). To improve the biocompatibility and conductivity of the material, we added a combination of the polar organic compound ethylene glycol (EG), the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Using these mixtures, we fabricated films to interface electrical stimuli with rodent skeletal muscle fibers and ventricular cardiomyocytes. We demonstrated strong contractile responses and excellent biocompatible cell coupling with polymer-based films.