Electroactive surfaces based on conducting polymers for controlling cell adhesion, signaling, and proliferation

We report on a variety of electroactive surfaces for the control of in vitro cell adhesion, proliferation, and stimulation. Planar cell culture substrates have been coated with the conducting polymer PEDOT and by switching the redox state, adhesion and proliferation of MDCK epithelial cells was controlled as well as stem cell seeding density. Electronically active 3D-scaffolds based on electrospun PET nano-fibers coated with PEDOT have been used as a substrate to culture SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and to induce Ca²⁺ signaling. Finally, we report on micromechanical stimulation of cells using an electroactive topography surface based on micropattened polypyrrole.