28/11/2025

Dual-conductive polymeric deep eutectic solvent scaffolds containing carbon nanotubes for spinal cord reconnection

Title: Dual-conductive polymeric deep eutectic solvent scaffolds containing carbon nanotubes for spinal cord reconnection
Authors:

Rodríguez, L; Picchio, M; Macchione, M; Locatelli, S; Horcajo, A; Alegret, N; Prato, M; Luque, GC

Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry C 2025 DOI: 10.1039/d5tc02831k

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to severe and irreversible loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions due to the formation of a hostile microenvironment that hinders neural regeneration. In this context, soft conductive scaffolds capable of restoring both electronic and ionic signaling are gaining attention. Here, we report the development of dual-conductive scaffolds based on polymerizable deep eutectic monomers (DEMs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), fabricated via photopolymerization. These supramolecular poly(DES) elastomers exhibit tunable mechanical properties, high ionic conductivity (10−2–10−3 S cm−1), and porous architectures suitable for neuronal integration. Two optimized formulations were selected for in vitro evaluation using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells under 2D and 3D conditions. Both scaffolds showed excellent biocompatibility, supporting cell viability, adhesion, and proliferation over 14 days. The most promising formulation presented a Young's modulus of 7 MPa, ionic conductivity of 2 × 10−2 S cm−1, and a high-density porous structure (∼50 μm pores), closely mimicking native spinal tissue properties. This multifunctional platform combines electronic and ionic conduction, structural mimicry, and biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for spinal cord repair.

DOI: 10.1039/d5tc02831k