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Non-plasma Bonding of PDMS for Inexpensive Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices
Published on: November 1, 2007
PDMS-glass bonding using grafted polymeric adhesive--alternative process flow for compatibility with patterned
Cyrus Weijie Beh1, Weizhuang Zhou, Tza-Huei Wang
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Lab on a Chip
|August 4, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a new polymer grafting method for bonding polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to glass. This technique preserves organic molecule functionality in microfluidic devices and offers a stable, gentle alternative to plasma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Traditional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic device fabrication often requires harsh surface treatments like oxygen plasma.
- These treatments can damage or destroy sensitive organic and biological molecules patterned within microfluidic channels.
- There is a need for alternative bonding methods that preserve molecular functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel polymer grafting method for PDMS-glass bonding.
- To enable the patterning and retention of functional organic molecules in microfluidic devices.
- To provide a gentle and robust alternative to plasma-based bonding.
Main Methods:
- Modification of PDMS with a polymer graft.
- Interfacial bonding of PDMS to glass without harsh substrate treatment.
- Storage of grafted PDMS for up to 40 days before activation with acidic buffer.
- Testing bond integrity under high pressure (80 psi).
Main Results:
- Successful interfacial bonding between elastomer and glass without plasma treatment.
- Preservation of organic molecule functionality after bonding.
- Long-term storage stability of modified PDMS (≥40 days).
- High bond strength exceeding 80 psi.
- Demonstrated compatibility with biological molecules in a DNA sensing device.
Conclusions:
- The novel polymer grafting method offers a gentle and effective alternative for PDMS-glass bonding.
- This technique allows for the successful incorporation and retention of functional organic and biological molecules in microfluidic devices.
- The method provides a robust and stable bonding solution for advanced microfluidic applications, particularly in biosensing.
