Nature-derived Conductive Substrates for Therapeutic Applications

• Autor(a) principal: Matos, Filipa da Cruz Fonseca de
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Tipo de documento: Dissertação
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: http://hdl.handle.net/10362/162510
• topic: human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs); laser induce graphene (LIG); polysaccharide materials; sustainability; biocompatibility; Domínio/Área Científica::Engenharia e Tecnologia::Nanotecnologia

This thesis investigates the potential of polysaccharide-based conductive substrates, integrated with laser-induced graphene (LIG), as a novel platform for cardiomyocyte culture with the future pro- spect of utilizing it for cardiomyocyte (CM) maturation through electrical stimulation techniques. The methodology involves the fabrication of LIG within different polysaccharide-based matrices, including chitosan, agarose, and alginate, through a single step laser process using a low-cost infrared (CO2) laser. Comprehensive characterization of these composite substrates is conducted, encompassing electrical conductivity, mechanical and chemical properties, and biocompatibility tests. Subsequently, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) culture experiments are car- ried out to assess the substrate's effectiveness in supporting cardiomyocyte metabolism, morphology, and functionality. Findings reveal that the LIG produced in polysaccharide films showed sharp characteristic Raman peaks and reasonable sheet resistance values. Besides, the LIG-polysaccharide substrates offered an appropriate conductive environment (≈ 2 . ) for cardiomyocyte culture, promoting cell attachment, viability, and metabolic activity. This research signifies a significant step towards a sustainable and biocompatible substrate for cardiac tissue engineering. Additionally, the study explores the potential for employing electrical stimulation techniques to enhance cardiomyocyte maturation on these substrates. The implications of this research are profound, as it conciliates sustainable biomaterials and car- diac tissue engineering, offering a promising avenue for developing functional cardiac tissue constructs and advanced strategies for cardiac regenerative therapies. In conclusion, this work contributes to the evolving landscape of cardiac tissue engineering and underscores the potential of LIG-polysaccharide substrates as a versatile platform for both cardiomyocyte culture and future maturation techniques through electrical stimulation.