On the cytotoxicity of poly(4-aminodiphenylaniline) powders : effect of acid dopant type and sample post-treatment

Thanks to their unique properties, as intrinsic conductivity and simple preparation, conducting polymers are highly applicable in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and biosensors. Pristine polymers often include residual precursors or other low molecular impurities, which have a negative impact on their biocompatibility. Concerning poly(4-aminodiphenylaniline), its cytotoxicity and biocompatibility have not yet been investigated. Herein, the cytotoxicity of poly(4-aminodiphenylaniline), prepared by an innovative green approach, as well as the effect of samples’ posttreatment and kind of dopant acid used, are reported for the first time. The results show that not only the type of used dopant but also polymers’ washing in phosphate saline buffer and material’s morphology has a significant impact on materials’ cytotoxicity. After a proper posttreatment or when salicylic acid is used as the doping agent the cytotoxicity of poly(4-aminodiphenylaniline) seem to be lower than those obtained for traditional PANI.