Conducting composite scaffolds for antibacterial drug release and in situ electrochemical monitoring of bacterial growth

Abstract

Conducting polymer scaffolds have gained significant attention as dynamic platforms for interfacing with biological systems, particularly in bioelectronic and tissue engineering applications. However, their potential in antimicrobial therapy and infection-responsive drug delivery remains unexplored. This study presents a multifunctional scaffold system based on PEDOT:PSS/MXene composites loaded with tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), designed to deliver an antibacterial agent and monitor bacterial proliferation. By tuning the ratio of conducting polymer to MXene, we demonstrate composition-dependent control over drug release kinetics, with MXene-rich scaffolds exhibiting sustained release and enhanced antibacterial efficacy. Importantly, we also integrate electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as a label-free, real-time monitoring tool to track bacterial growth on the scaffold. Finally, we demonstrate the drug release from the scaffolds as triggered via electrostimulation. Overall, our approach establishes a dual-function platform that combines therapeutic drug delivery with real-time electrochemical monitoring, offering valuable insights into bacterial interactions with 3D scaffolds. These findings establish PEDOT:PSS/MXene composite scaffolds as an infection-responsive system, advancing their potential in next-generation wound healing and antimicrobial therapies.