Potassium channels and bioelectrical cellular properties during interactions with conductive polymers, electrotaxis and accelerated aging

Bioelectrical properties of the plasma membrane heavily characterize a living cell, they govern manifold functions of the cellular machinery and their alteration may lead to breakdown in its metabolism, loss of homeostasis, and finally death. By monitoring the potassium voltage-gated ion channels activity it was possible to study different topics. First, the interaction between cells and redox forms of organic films made by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styre-nesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was investigated, finding that the redox processes confer to PEDOT:PSS substrates the property to modify the ionic environment at the film-liquid interface through a “sponge-like” effect on ions, affecting cellular electrophysiology and functionality. Subsequently cell migration was studied under the action of external electric fields through the use of a programmable electronic board; preliminary results verified the success of this device in creating and controlling galvanotactic events. Finally, the premature aging process in cells carrying a G608G LMNA mutation, known as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) was assessed; highlighting that cells affected by HGPS overexpress BKCa channels on plasma membrane, and this seems to be correlated with an impaired replicative potential if compared to healthy cells.