SPEEDER project
- C. Boehler, A. Schopf, J. Leal and M. Asplund, "Super-capacitive conducting polymer electrodes control cell migration via DC stimulation", 40th Annual Conference on Engineering in Biology Society IEEE/EMBC, Honolulu, July, 2018.
- C. Boehler, Z. Aqrawe and M. Asplund, "Applications of PEDOT in bioelectronic medicine." Bioelectronics in Medicine, 2(2), 2019: 89–99, doi: 10.2217/bem-2019-0014. >LINK<
SPEEDER
Abstract: Electrical fields are recognised as important guidance cues in the development and life cycle of human tissues. Many cells are to some extent electrotactic, meaning their migration can be controlled by an electrical field. During injury to the skin this happens naturally, when endogenous fields are generated due to the different ionic exchange on the intact part of the skin and the wound centre. In SPEEDER we investigate whether exogenously applied electrical fields can benefit from the same mechanism, to support healing of complicated wounds.
SPEEDER concept
In SPEEDER we use the conducting polymer poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to apply electrical fields. By developing supercapacitive versions of PEDOT, we are able to support a stable ionic current flow over time frames long enough to drive electrotaxis in cells, and to recharge electrodes in situ without reversing migration. As we can deliver direct current without corrosion, and our technology can work completely free from metals, our technology enables the transfer from petri dish to wound healing patch.
SPEEDER first results
Currently we are working on proof-of-principle where we stimulate cells in culture. We make microfluidic devices; in which we culture epithelial cells to model skin. We create a wound in the culture by scratching off a layer of cells, and then we use SPEEDER electrodes to study how stimulation influence healing.
SPEEDER publications
| Acknowledgement: SPEEDER is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (Grant Agreement number 759655) |