Vitamin C Secondary‐Doped Poly(3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): Poly(Styrene Sulfonate) for Enhancing Conductivity and Biocompatibility for Implantation
Yumeng Wang, Xiangya Wang, Meimei Yu, Zhijiang Sun, Rui Liu, Suting Zhou, Yuxia Zhang, Fen Ran
Abstract
Abstract Poly(3, 4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) has garnered increasing attention due to its adjustable and enhanced electrical conductivity and ease of processing. However, for applications in bioelectronics as a conductive filler for the preparation of conductive hydrogels, further improvements in conductivity are necessary. In this study, an eco‐friendly polar additive, vitamin C (VC), is introduced to simultaneously enhance the electrical conductivity and biocompatibility of PEDOT: PSS. The multiple hydroxy groups in VC impart polarity and facilitate hydrogen bonding with PSS, thereby removing excess non‐conductive PSS not involved in polymerization and expanding the continuously conducting PEDOT‐rich domains. Importantly, VC can regulate inflammatory factors by reducing reactive oxygen species levels, thereby effectively improving biocompatibility. Consequently, VC secondary‐doped PEDOT: PSS shows potential for diverse applications due to its conductive properties, solubility, biocompatibility, and blood compatibility. A conductive hydrogel is prepared by incorporating conductive PEDOT: PSS‐VC into a sodium alginate and guar gum hydrogel system. Supercapacitors with enhanced anticoagulant properties are assembled to address thrombosis, coagulation risks, and inflammatory responses in vivo. This eco‐friendly doping strategy can be applied to develop high‐performance, biocompatible, and implantable bioelectronics.