Soft electro- and photo- active hydrogels for neural cell stimulation

Recent advances in neuroscience and biomedical engineering underscore the need for innovative neural stimulation materials and interfaces. Current challenges include biocompatibility and mechanical mismatch. This research develops a soft, electro- and photo-active hydrogel integrating graphene oxide (GO) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) within gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). Key goals are optimizing material ratios, enhancing mechanical properties, and evaluating electrical and optical stimulation effects on neural cells. The hydrogel shows promising mechanical, electrochemical, and biocompatible properties, with potential applications in neural interfaces, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.