ABSTRACT
One of the key requirements for biomaterials, conductive or not, is biocompatibility. Ideally, the conductive polymer substrate would support cell growth even without the effects of electrical stimulation. A biocompatible material can potentially become toxic upon electrical stimulation if there is toxic leaching. Cells that make up the nervous system are divided into two broad groups: neurons, which are the primary signaling cells, and glia, which support neurons. The majority of neurons belong to the central nervous system. Mature neurons are highly polarized cells, exhibiting morphological, biochemical, and functional compartmentalization. Cell viability is evaluated to assess toxicity and nerve cell affinity toward test substrates. During nerve regeneration, the axon growth cone continuously moves toward the reinnervation target. Neurite growth is an indication of neuronal differentiation that can reflect the quality of the test substrate and the effect of electric stimulation. Neurite length is the most widely adopted criterion for quantifying neurite outgrowth.
