Title : Toxicity of modified pedot thin films
Abstract:
The usage of organic semiconductors in the construction of bioelectronic devices represents a very promising alternative to metal electrode systems and traditional inorganic semiconductors. For these devices, the biocompatibility of the interface between the electronic element and living cells is a critical parameter. Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) is probably the most successful conductive polymer in terms of practical application. It has many unique properties, such as excellent optical transparency in the visible light range, high electrical conductivity, and good physical and chemical stability in air. However, the issue of long-term biocompatibility of PEDOT: PSS is not completely resolved. Therefore, new ways to improve biocompatibility are constantly being sought. DNA biofunctionalization, for example, seems promising.
In our study, we monitored and compared the toxicity of PEDOT: PSS, PEDOT: DNA and polypyrrole: DNA (PPy: DNA) films deposited on a glass substrate on the NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line. We focused on the morphological changes of cells after contact with the film observable in the microscope and on their viability determined by measuring the metabolic activity of cells by MTT test, as well as on live / dead viability kit with fluorescent labelling on a cytometer. The data obtained show that the PEDOT: DNA and PPy: DNA combination represents a promising way to preserve the benefits of the polymer while increasing biocompatibility to living cells.
Audience Take Away:
- The MTT test is not suitable for colored samples.
- Flow cytometry solve this problem.
- PEDOT is excellent semiconductor, but long-term biocompatibility in not so excellent.
- Surface modification can improve biocompatibility.
