Electroactive composites based on chitosan fibers coated with polypyrrole

Abstract

Chitosan fibers were prepared by coagulation from 4% chitosan solutions in 2% acetic acid solution. The synthesis method for polypyrrole (PPy) involving in situ oxidative polymerization of gaseous pyrrole on the surface of chitosan fibers was developed. Structure of the composites was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Electrical conductivity and mechanical characteristics of the obtained composite systems were determined. It was shown that formation of PPy layers on chitosan fibers leads to appearance of electrical conductivity. Conductivity of these layers, as well as their mechanical characteristics, depends on polymerization conditions. The MTT test (a colorimetric assay for assessing cell metabolic activity) showed good biocompatibility of chitosan–PPy composite films; these films contain higher amounts of viable cells than the films cast from solutions of pure chitosan.