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Published on: December 23, 2013
A method for patterned in situ biofunctionalization in injection-molded microfluidic devices.
Julia Schütte1, Christian Freudigmann, Karin Benz
1Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, D-72770 Reutlingen, Germany.
Lab on a Chip
|August 3, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to biofunctionalize polymer microdevices after fabrication. This technique enables in situ patterning of biomolecules, enhancing compatibility with microfabrication technologies for advanced microsystems.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Microfabrication
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Biomolecules are often incompatible with standard microfabrication processes.
- Existing methods for biofunctionalization can be complex and limit integration with mass production techniques.
- There is a need for post-fabrication biofunctionalization methods compatible with industrial polymer microdevice manufacturing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for in situ biofunctionalization of injection molded polymer microdevices.
- To enable selective patterning of biomolecules on microdevices after their fabrication and bonding.
- To ensure compatibility with industrial microfabrication processes like injection molding and bonding.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) microfluidic chips using UV-light (185 nm irradiation).
- Formation of stable acidic groups on the irradiated surface for biomolecule binding.
- Selective binding of collagen type I to irradiated surfaces and Pluronic® F-127 to non-irradiated surfaces for differential adhesion.
- Demonstration of selective primary hepatocyte adhesion on patterned surfaces.
Main Results:
- UV irradiation successfully created stable acidic surface groups on COC microdevices.
- Collagen type I was effectively immobilized on irradiated surfaces, while non-irradiated surfaces became non-adhesive.
- The biofunctionalization method allowed for selective cell adhesion (primary hepatocytes).
- Surface functional group density remained sufficient for protein binding and cell adhesion over time, despite some decay.
Conclusions:
- The developed method allows for post-fabrication biofunctionalization of polymer microsystems.
- This approach overcomes the incompatibility of biomolecules with microfabrication.
- The technique is compatible with industrial injection molding and bonding, enabling advanced biofunctionalized microdevices.
