A Novel Conductive and Micropatterned PEG-Based Hydrogel Enabling the Topographical and Electrical Stimulation of Myoblasts

S/cm, with greater than 85% water content. In addition, the CH exhibited Young's modulus (45.84 ± 7.12 kPa) similar to that of a muscle tissue. The surface of the CH/P was further modified via covalent bonding with cell-adhesive peptides to facilitate cell adhesion without affecting conductivity. An in vitro cell assay revealed that the CH/P was cytocompatible and enhanced the cell alignment and elongation of C2C12 myoblasts. The microgrooves and conductivity of the CH/P had the greatest positive effect on the myogenesis of C2C12 myoblasts compared to the other PEG hydrogel samples without conductivity or/and microgrooves, even in the absence of electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation studies indicated that the combination of topographical and electrical cues maximized the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into myotubes, confirming the synergetic effect of incorporating microgroove surface features and a conductive PEDOT component into hydrogels.