Synthesis of an electrically conductive film and stimulation of neurons in a microfluidic platform integrated with ITO-coated PET electrodes

Hybrid polymer materials are engineered by coupling distinct structural and functional domains, enabling distinctive properties unattainable in single-component systems. Hybrid polymer films stand out as promising materials that integrate physicochemical functionality with biological responses for tissue engineering applications. Mechanically robust, biocompatible polymer with extensive properties, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) represents a sought-after polymer for tissue engineering applications. Combining it with non-toxic conductive nanomaterials offers a promising technique to enhance conductivity and enable electrical stimulation for regulating the behavior of neuronal cells. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are among the most promising candidates for this purpose. In this study, electrically conductive PVDF/CNF composite films were synthesized under optimized conditions, characterized and evaluated for adaptability in neuronal cell culture for electrical stimulation applications. Optimized films exhibited fibrillar networks, as confirmed by multiple analyses. While CNFs act as the primary determinant of electrical conductivity, PVDF contributes to the mechanical robustness of the composite. Various coating strategies were applied and optimized to promote NSC-34 cell adhesion, proliferation, and directional orientation. Afterwards, functional evaluation using an Arduino-based ITO-integrated microfluidic platform (μ-platform) showed that AC and DC modes successfully enabled electrical stimulation. These results indicate that surface topography, protein functionalization, and optimized electrical properties support neuronal cell attachment and viability, thus providing a versatile platform for neuronal stimulation applications. • Fabrication of an electrically conductive PVDF/CNF film is optimized. • The maximum conductivity of 6.20 × 10 −3 S/cm is achieved while maintaining biocompatibility. • The film is embedded in a microfluidic platform integrated with ITO-coated PET electrodes. • The platform allowed for controlled AC and DC stimulation of neuron-like cells. • Demonstrating that 150 mV promotes cell proliferation without inducing cytotoxicity.