Electroconductive multi-functional polypyrrole composites for biomedical applications

Polypyrrole is an example of inherently electrically conductive polymer that is employed in the biomedical arena because of its low cost, excellent electroconductive properties, and good biocompatibility. Because many body tissues respond to electrical fields, polypyrrole-based nanocomposites have become an important class of bio-conductive material. Nanocomposites prepared by blending polypyrrole with other biopolymers or nanomaterials show marked improvements in physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties. The present review outlines the structure and synthesis of polypyrrole, as well as the physical and mechanical properties of polypyrrole-containing nanocomposites. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and possible cytotoxicity of these nanocomposites are summarized and critiqued. A survey of the biomedical applications of polypyrrole as biosensors, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, or photo-thermal therapeutic agents is presented to spur further advances in this exciting field of research.