Neuronal stimulation using electrically conducting polymers

A device for altering the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of neurons comprising:

• a) an electrically conducting polymer in the form of a structure selected from the group consisting of sutures, tubes, sheets, films, and scaffolds for tissue engineering, and
• b) first and second electrodes for inducing a voltage or current across the polymer, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically coupled with the polymer,
• wherein the device is configured and arranged to accept said neurons onto said electrically conducting polymer for a sufficient time and is capable of the alteration of regeneration, differentiation, or differentiated cell function of neurons without damaging the cells when the device is attached to or abuts neurons and an effective amount of a voltage or current to alter the regeneration, differentiation or differentiated cell function of the neurons is applied to the neurons for a sufficient time.