Design and characterization of polyaniline:Poly(L-lactic) acid thin films for stem cell monitoring applications

Human mesenchymal stem (hMSC) cells have demonstrated a use for regenerative and therapeutic treatments; yet, more effective methods are needed to homogenize differentiated hMSCs to ensure their reliability in a clinical setting. This study focused on developing an electroconductive platform that would enable precise monitoring of hMSCs differentiation via conductive atomic force microscopy. Polyaniline:poly(L-lactic) acid (PANi:PLLA) thin films were fabricated and characterized to assess their potential to serve as an electroconductive substrate for hMSCs. Results from currentvoltage (I-V) measurements showed that films with PANi:PLLA mass ratios of 1:2 and 3:2 exhibited linear I-V behavior, which is characteristic of conductive materials. These electroconductive films will be used as an electroconductive platform to measure I-V curves of individual hMSCs and identify their state of differentiation.