34th Annual UMBC McNair & Undergraduate Research National Conference

Wearable biosensors require materials that combine flexibility, biocompatibility, and electrical conductivity to enable noninvasive physiological monitoring. This study investigates the development and characterization of electroconductive chitosan-alginate hydrogel films for future biosensing applications. Conductivity was introduced through in situ polymerization of polyaniline using sulfuric acid, and alternative conductive polymer systems such as pyrrole in sulfuric acid and pyrrole in acetonitrile are being explored to evaluate and optimize the hydrogels' electrical performance. Hydrogel films were characterized through swelling analysis in phosphate buffer solution (PBS), pH stability testing, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and preliminary electrical measurements using a four-point probe to assess conductive behaviors. The swelling and electroconductive analysis tests demonstrated the hydrogel's ability to absorb fluid, while pH testing assessed its structural stability under physiological conditions. FTIR spectroscopy testing confirmed the identification of functional groups associated with chitosan, alginate, polymerized polyaniline, and polymerized pyrrole in both sulfuric acid and acetonitrile, supporting the incorporation of polymer within the hydrogel matrix. Four-point probe measurements were conducted to observe the film's electrical properties, and data analysis has not been completed. These findings establish a foundation for continued optimization of electroconductive hydrogels and support their potential application in flexible, noninvasive biosensing applications.