Polypyrrole-polysaccharide thin films characteristics: electrosynthesis and biological properties.

Polypyrrole-polysaccharide thin films were electropolymerized from starting solutions containing pyrrole and a polysaccharide, namely, heparin, chondroitin-4-sulphate or hyaluronic acid. The synthesized samples showed good chemical and physicochemical properties determined by the synthesis parameters such as the current density and time. For instance, the sample morphology was strictly correlated to the current density as follows: a smooth surface morphology was observed when the current density was in the range of 100-700 microA/cm(2), whereas high current (I > 1.0 mA/cm(2)) or longer time (synthesis charge > 100 mC/cm(2)) led to rough surfaces. The presence of polysaccharide within the polymeric matrix assured proper hydrophilicity to the samples. The optimized surface chemistry due to the presence of a polysaccharide and the controllable morphology allowed positive cell/substrate interactions and these are proved by cellular tests using MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.