Development of PDMS-based flexible and conductive composite films containing modified PEDOT: PSS and PEDOT: Heparin coated channels as a neural tissue scaffold

Within the scope of this master's thesis, conductive and flexible films based on Poly (3,4-ethylene dioxide thiophene):Poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and Poly (3,4-ethylene dioxidethiophene):Heparin (PEHE) were studied. PEDOT:PSS is one of the most successful conductive polymers in the literature. PEDOT:Heparin is one of the promising conductive polymers today. Both offer relatively easy film forming, good conductivity and satisfactory stretchability. PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT:Heparin were synthesized and combined in different proportions using Glycerol and Bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide lithium salt as chemical additives. Films were formed by pouring PDMS and PLLA polymers into a mold with a special electronic design printed with a 3D printer. Afterwards, the film channels were coated with conductive polymers by dip coating method and 1.1 mm thick composite films with channels 0.4 mm wide, 62.8 mm long and 0.1 mm deep were obtained. The prepared films were characterized physically, chemically and mechanically, and their cell culture behavior was investigated using the L929 cell line.