Conducting polymer scaffolds: a new frontier in bioelectronics and bioengineering

Conducting polymer scaffolds are ideal architectures for interfacing with biological systems, demonstrating great potential for integration in the next generation of bioelectronic devices.Conducting polymer scaffolds can promote cell adhesion and proliferation, whereas in certain types of cells they can promote gene expression and differentiation.Conducting polymer scaffolds have shown great potential for use in implants and biomedical devices due to their electrical properties and biocompatibility.Conducting polymer scaffolds can be engineered for controlled drug delivery for targeted therapies. Conducting polymer (CP) scaffolds have emerged as a transformative tool in bioelectronics and bioengineering, advancing the ability to interface with biological systems. Their unique combination of electrical conductivity, tailorability, and biocompatibility surpasses the capabilities of traditional nonconducting scaffolds while granting them access to the realm of bioelectronics. This review examines recent developments in CP scaffolds, focusing on material and device advancements, as well as their interplay with biological systems. We highlight applications for monitoring, tissue stimulation, and drug delivery and discuss perspectives and challenges currently faced for their ultimate translation and clinical implementation. Conducting polymer (CP) scaffolds have emerged as a transformative tool in bioelectronics and bioengineering, advancing the ability to interface with biological systems. Their unique combination of electrical conductivity, tailorability, and biocompatibility surpasses the capabilities of traditional nonconducting scaffolds while granting them access to the realm of bioelectronics. This review examines recent developments in CP scaffolds, focusing on material and device advancements, as well as their interplay with biological systems. We highlight applications for monitoring, tissue stimulation, and drug delivery and discuss perspectives and challenges currently faced for their ultimate translation and clinical implementation.