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Resist-free patterning of surface architectures in polymer-based microanalytical devices
Robin L McCarley1, Bikas Vaidya, Suying Wei
1Department of Chemistry, The Center for Biomodular Multi-Scale Systems, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA. tunnel@LSU.edu
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|January 20, 2005
Summary
This study introduces a simple photopatterning method to create chemical patterns on microfluidic devices. This technique enables the development of advanced analytical tools for cell and protein capture without photoresists.
Area of Science:
- Polymer microfluidics
- Surface chemistry
- Microanalytical devices
Background:
- Photoresist-based methods are common for patterning microfluidic devices but can be complex.
- Developing simpler, resist-free surface modification techniques is crucial for microanalytical device fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a simple photopatterning approach for creating chemically reactive surface functionalities on polymer microfluidic devices.
- To demonstrate the formation of patterned carboxylic acid groups on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(carbonate) (PC) surfaces.
- To showcase the utility of these patterned surfaces for fabricating functional microanalytical devices.
Main Methods:
- Direct UV exposure of PMMA and PC microfluidic devices through optical masks.
- Characterization of surface carboxylic acid group formation using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy.
- Functionalization of patterned surfaces with metals, polymers, and antibodies.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of patterned carboxylic acid groups on PMMA and PC surfaces with near-monolayer coverage.
- Preservation of surface integrity with minimal topographical damage due to controlled UV exposure.
- Demonstration of patterned surfaces enabling metallic interconnects, electrodes, and biomolecule capture.
Conclusions:
- A resist-free photopatterning method effectively creates chemically reactive surfaces on polymer microfluidic devices.
- The patterned surfaces can be readily modified for diverse applications, including biosensing and cell capture.
- This approach offers a simplified route to fabricating advanced microanalytical devices.
