Scheme 1. Schematic illustration of PCBTh-co-ThMAA hydrogel that consists of the conducting backbone and multifunctional zwitterionic side chains. Non-conducting zwitterionic materials gain electronic conductivity through the conducting backbone, and non-biocompatible CPs obtain excellent biocompatibility, enhanced electrical conductivity, sensitivity to environmental stimuli, functional groups of bioconjugation and superior antifouling properties via the multifunctional zwitterionic side chain.