Inkjet printed polypyrrole/collagen scaffold: A combination of spatial control and electrical stimulation of PC12 cells

The work in this paper utilized a printable novel nano-dispersion to enable a protocol for preparing patterned electroactive platforms with control over dimension in the micro-domain by inkjet printing. Micro-structured PPy lines are inkjet printed on polyarylate film then followed by jetting collagen over them to combine the spatial control and electrical stimulation of the cells at a micro scale area. Microscopy, profilometry, SEM and AFM are used to investigate the morphologies of this scaffold and the existence of the collagen layers. Electrical property and stability of PPy tracks are also studied to ensure they are suitable for cell stimulation. Cell experiments with PC12 cells demonstrate that this scaffold is cytocompatible and the electrical stimulation of these microstructures promotes neurite outgrowth and orientation.