Tailored Gelma-Chitosan-Polypyrrole- Cnt Conductive Scaffold for Potential Application in Neural Tissue Regeneration Publisher



Madaninasab P ; Labbaf S ; Salehi H
Source: Macromolecular Materials and Engineering Published:2026

Abstract

Improving the treatment of nerve diseases through the development of a suitable hydrogel scaffold is currently an unmet clinical need. This study investigates the fabrication and optimization of a conductive hydrogel scaffold produced from Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA), chitosan, polypyrrole (PPy), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Following optimization of GelMA (15 w/v%) and chitosan (2 w/v%) composition, PPy was incorporated at varying concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 w/v%), and comprehensive physiochemical and mechanical characterizations were performed. PPy at 1 w/v% was chosen as the optimized concentration. Functionalized MWCNTs were then added at 0.5, 1, and 2 w/v% to the optimized composition to create a conductive composite with enhanced characteristics suitable for nervous tissue. A significant increase in electrical conductivity was recorded with the addition of 1% MWCNT, enhancing the conductivity from 0.91 to 1.54 S m−1. Additionally, the biocomposite hydrogels exhibited compressive strength and modulus of 0.75 MPa and 2.95 MPa, respectively. With an increase in MWCNT, cell proliferation and adhesion of PC12 and SH-SY5Y were found to be more effective in GelMA-Chitosan-1% PPy-1% MWCNT. Vitamin C was incorporated into the optimized system as a model therapeutic agent, exhibiting release behavior consistent with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, while significantly enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing reactive oxygen species. Overall, these findings suggest that the developed hydrogel represents a promising platform for nerve tissue repair. © 2026 The Author(s). Macromolecular Materials and Engineering published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.