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Description
The efficacy of neural interfaces relies heavily on the interaction between conductive hydrogels and underlying substrates. However, the impact of substrate selection on hydrogel performance and cell viability under electrical stimulation remains under-explored. This study investigates the electrochemical behaviour of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based hydrogels interfaced with indium tin oxide (ITO), platinum, and gold mylar substrates to determine how substrate choice influences hydrogel conductivity, cell viability, and proliferation under an optimized electrical stimulation protocol. GelMA hydrogels with varying compositions (GelMA, GelMA-graphene oxide (GO), GelMA-GO-gold nanorods (AuNRs)) were crosslinked onto the substrates. Electrochemical characterization was performed using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. PC12 cells were cultured in 2D (on substrates) and 3D (encapsulated within the hydrogels) and subjected to electrical stimulation. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed through metabolic activity assays, DNA quantification, and live/dead staining. Substrate selection significantly influenced hydrogel conductivity and cell behaviour. Notably, ITO substrates consistently supported the highest cell viability and proliferation under electrical stimulation, with at least three times higher metabolic activity compared to platinum and gold mylar over seven days. Electrochemical analysis revealed distinct redox behaviours and capacitive currents for each substrate-hydrogel combination, suggesting varying degrees of charge transfer and storage capabilities. These findings demonstrate that substrate choice critically impacts the performance of GelMA-based hydrogels and the viability of encapsulated cells under electrical stimulation, highlighting ITO as the most promising substrate. This study provides crucial insights for designing effective neural interfaces and advancing neural tissue engineering applications.
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