In-situ self-assembly of bacterial cellulose/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-sulfonated nanofibers for peripheral nerve repair

Biocompatible and electroactive biomaterials have good potential on peripheral nerve repair. Bacterial cellulose (BC) shows excellent biocompatibility and is easy to modified, however it lacks electroactivity. In this study, biocompatible, conductive, and transparent bacterial cellulose/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-sulfonated nanofibers (BC/PEDOT-SNFs, BPS) composite membranes were prepared through the in-situ polymerization of PEDOT and the doping of SNFs. The polymerization of PEDOT endowed BC with conductivity, making the BPS membranes conducive to the adhesion and proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). The conductivity of BPS was affected by the SNFs doped, and its value was up to 1.8 × 10-2 S/cm while the sulfonation degree of SNFs reached 93%. Furthermore, nerve conduits made of BPS were implanted in-vivo for 12 weeks, and it great improved the peripheral nerve repair effect. In summary, BPS membranes with excellent conductivity and multiple merits for cells loading, hold great application potential for peripheral nerve repair.