Issue 2, 2015

Stem cell-compatible eumelanin biointerface fabricated by chemically controlled solid state polymerization

Abstract

Relying on the water-dependent hybrid conductor properties of eumelanin biopolymers, a structurally controlled melanin thin film that can be reversibly switched-on and off by hydration–dehydration cycles and used as a biocompatible platform for stem cell growth and differentiation up to 11 days is reported. A key feature of the new eumelanin-based bioelectronic interface is its remarkable structural regularity and integrity, as the result of an ad hoc fabrication protocol involving ammonia-induced solid state polymerization (AISSP) technology of a 5,6-dihydroxyindole thin film. The AISSP technology is operationally simple and versatile, enabling the preparation of device-quality thin films (AFM and MALDI-MS evidence) on various substrates with efficient chemical control over molecular complexity. Overall the results of this study pave the way for the implementation of tailored eumelanin thin films for bioelectronic devices, e.g., in organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs).

Graphical abstract: Stem cell-compatible eumelanin biointerface fabricated by chemically controlled solid state polymerization

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
05 Jun 2014
Accepted
15 Oct 2014
First published
15 Oct 2014

Mater. Horiz., 2015,2, 212-220

Author version available

Stem cell-compatible eumelanin biointerface fabricated by chemically controlled solid state polymerization

A. Pezzella, M. Barra, A. Musto, A. Navarra, M. Alfè, P. Manini, S. Parisi, A. Cassinese, V. Criscuolo and M. d'Ischia, Mater. Horiz., 2015, 2, 212 DOI: 10.1039/C4MH00097H

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