Abstract

One of the latest trends in the fields of tissue engineering as well as oncological research is the development of in vitro 3D systems mimicking the target tissue or organ. Indeed, there is an increasing demand for in vitro models recapitulating the three-dimensional structure and microenvironment experienced by cells in vivo. This approach has manifold applications in fields such as basic research, drug discovery, tissue engineering, offering a valid alternative to the use of animals in testing. Interestingly, certain tissues are known to be regulated by endogenous bioelectrical cues, in addition to chemical and mechanical cues. One such tissue is the bone. It has, indeed, been demonstrated to exhibit piezoelectric properties in vivo with electrical signalling playing a role in its formation during the early embryo developmental stages. My recent work has been focused on the development of a 3D model based on the conducting conjugated polymer PEDOT :PSS and human stem cells. Indeed, organic electronic materials offer a unique combination of properties helping to transcend the current state of the art in transduction and stimulation of the electrical activity in cells. In this talk, I will present the most recent developments involving 3D electroactive porous scaffolds and their interaction with stem cells.