Novel nanobiocomposite hydrogels based on gelatin/chitosan and functionalized graphene

Composites of gelatin, chitosan and graphene layers functionalized with serinol pyrrole, containing hydroxyl groups, were prepared to create electrically conductive, mechanically robust and biodegradable hydrogels. The incorporation of hydrophilic graphene layers (up to 1% mass in wet condition) into the polymer matrix significantly improved mechanical and electrical properties. These composite hydrogels are promising candidates for use as conducting substrates for the growth of electro-responsive cells in tissue engineering.