Engineering 3D-printed standalone conductive nerve guides using soft bioinks for peripheral nerve injuries.

ABSTRACT: Conductive nerve guides (CNGs) demonstrate significant regenerative capabilities for bridging critically sized nerve defects due to their unique electrical and mechanical characteristics. However, nerve guides fabricated from conducting polymers through conventional electrochemical methods present challenges, including non-biodegradability and limited customization potential. Here we demonstrate customizable 3D-printed CNGs fabricated using biocompatible bioinks composed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) without the need for sacrificial support. The synthesized soft bioinks composed of PEDOT:PSS/20% PVA showed enhanced conductivity, wettability, and shear-thinning behavior. By tailoring the polymer concentration and polymeriza

SUBMITTER: Li L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12666618 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature