Tailored GelMA‐Chitosan‐Polypyrrole‐ CNT Conductive Scaffold for Potential Application in Neural Tissue Regeneration

ABSTRACT Improving the treatment of nerve diseases through the development of a suitable hydrogel scaffold is currently an unmet clinical need. This study investigates the fabrication and optimization of a conductive hydrogel scaffold produced from Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA), chitosan, polypyrrole (PPy), and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Following optimization of GelMA (15 w/v%) and chitosan (2 w/v%) composition, PPy was incorporated at varying concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 w/v%), and comprehensive physiochemical and mechanical characterizations were performed. PPy at 1 w/v% was chosen as the optimized concentration. Functionalized MWCNTs were then added at 0.5, 1, and 2 w/v% to the optimized composition to create a conductive composite with enhanced characteristics suitable for nervous tissue. A significant increase in electrical conductivity was recorded with the addition of 1% MWCNT, enhancing the conductivity from 0.91 to 1.54 S m −1 . Additionally, the biocomposite hydrogels exhibited compressive strength and modulus of 0.75 MPa and 2.95 MPa, respectively. With an increase in MWCNT, cell proliferation and adhesion of PC12 and SH‐SY5Y were found to be more effective in GelMA‐Chitosan‐1% PPy‐1% MWCNT. Vitamin C was incorporated into the optimized system as a model therapeutic agent, exhibiting release behavior consistent with the Korsmeyer‐Peppas model, while significantly enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing reactive oxygen species. Overall, these findings suggest that the developed hydrogel represents a promising platform for nerve tissue repair.