Synthesis of polypyrrole nanowires with positive effect on MC3T3-E1 cell functions through electrical stimulation

Conducting polymer polypyrrole (PPy) possesses good biocompatibility and conductivity and has been used as functional coatings in bone tissue regeneration. In this study, a cholic acid doped PPy nanowires (PPy NWs) coating was electrochemically polymerized on the surface of titanium (Ti). The porous intertwined PPy NWs coating exhibited excellent electrical conductivity and electrochemical activity, better hydrophilicity and higher surface energy. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that the PPy NWs coating together with a 10 μA substrate-mediate electrical stimulation (ES) was capable to positive regulate the functions of MC3T3-E1 such as cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. Further long-term functions of cell tests including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, bone-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGP) and calcium deposition were all thoroughly increased. These confirmed that the combination of PPy NWs and ES could accelerate MC3T3-E1 cells mature and osteogenesis. Hence, the PPy NWs coating was an electro bioactive coating and may have potential applications in the treatment of bone damage repairing and regeneration with ES. - Highlights: • The porous PPy nanowire coating was electrochemically polymerized on Ti. • PPy NWs had good electrical conductivity, electrochemical stability and hydrophilicity. • Pure PPy NWs with ES could obviously promote the growth and cell functions of MC3T3-E1.