Katrin Markus

Dr. Katrin Markus

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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25 December 2024 in Polymer Degradation and Stability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
KMKatrin Markus
Katrin Markus
TKTobias Kirschbaum
Tobias Kirschbaum
EMElke Metzsch-Zilligen
Elke Metzsch-Zilligen
RPRudolf Pfaendner
Rudolf Pfaendner

5 April 2025 in Polymer Degradation and Stability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
KMKatrin Markus
Katrin Markus
TKTobias Kirschbaum
Tobias Kirschbaum
EMElke Metzsch-Zilligen
Elke Metzsch-Zilligen
RPRudolf Pfaendner
Rudolf Pfaendner

27 April 2026 in Polymers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ESEva Klara Schätzlein
Eva Klara Schätzlein
PGPhil Joel Groenewold
Phil Joel Groenewold
SLSalomé Luís
Salomé Luís
ANAnnabelle Neuhäusler
Annabelle Neuhäusler
KMKatrin Markus
Katrin Markus
Andreas BlaeserAndreas Blaeser
Andreas Blaeser
Electrical stimulation enhances functionality and accelerates maturation in biofabricated tissues, which are particularly important for muscle tissue engineering applications. Accordingly, there is demand for 3D-printable electrically conductive cytocompatible scaffolds that enable patient-specific geometries and localized electrical stimulation, as well as incorporate further maturation-promoting geometrical cues. Filament-based scaffolds from fused filament fabrication could overcome current limitations in geometric freedom, size and partially cytotoxic additives. In this study, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)-based conductive filaments incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) or carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were developed via melt-mixing extrusion to possibly enable the electrical functionalization of muscle scaffolds. A two-stage process combining twin-screw and single-screw extrusion was preferred to allow for higher filler incorporation. Filament morphology, printability, electrical conductivity, and cytocompatibility were systematically evaluated. Homogeneous filaments containing up to 16 wt.% GNPs or 3.6 wt.% CNFs were successfully produced and processed by fused filament fabrication into scaffold geometries supporting myoblast orientation. Electrical conductivity was measured above 16 wt.% GNPs, with up to 2.7 µS/m, with printed constructs capable of connecting a circuit. GNP-based filaments were cytocompatible, supporting myoblast attachment and elongated morphology. An adjustable electrical stimulation setup demonstrated improved muscle maturation and contractile responses of C2C12 myoblasts, highlighting biodegradable conductive filaments’ potential for electrically active muscle tissue scaffolds.