Stable conductive PANI-based hydrogels with antibacterial activity

Abstract

Hydrogels have been utilized in various medical applications, including drug delivery, tissue repair, biosensors, wound dressing, and antimicrobial activity. Electrically conducting hydrogels are particularly promising due to their unique features, such as high-water content, biocompatibility, and adjustable mechanical and electrical properties. In this study, we developed novel conductive polyaniline-based hydrogel systems with enhanced antibacterial and mechanical properties. We specifically investigated the contributions of polyacrylamide, chitosan, phytic acid, and polyaniline to the hydrogel’s electrical sensitivity and stability under strain. Phytic acid and polyaniline were found to significantly improve the hydrogel’s electrical sensitivity and mechanical stability. Phytic acid, in the presence of calcium ions, further enhanced the mechanical properties, while polyaniline increased the electrical conductivity of the hydrogel by approximately sevenfold and also improved its mechanical properties. The newly developed conductive hydrogel system shows great potential for biomedical applications, including wearable sensors.