This project is dedicated to the proposal, characterization and optimization of conductive polymers-based hydrogels for bioelectronics and biomedicine. The design of new materials based on counterions directly bound to PEDOT will be based on advanced characterization and understanding of electronic and ionic processes related to the charge transport in these hydrogels. Ionic currents were found to be critical for tissue repair upon wounding. As a proof of concept a model bioelectronic device for regeneration of epithelium and vascular endothelium will be carried out. The role of conductive hydrogel material per se as well as the electrostimulation with this material will be studied. The three main objectives of the project are: i) propose and develop novel conductive hydrogels for bioelectronics and biomedicine, ii) contribute to the understanding of elementary electron and ion processes related to the charger transport in hydrogels, and iii) propose a bioelectronic device based on hydrogel to modulate cell layer regeneration and vascularization.

Keywords
conductive hydrogels;PEDOT;charge transport;electronic and ionic processes;biomedical applications