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Simple replica micromolding of biocompatible styrenic elastomers
Mark D Borysiak1, Kevin S Bielawski, Nathan J Sniadecki
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Lab on a Chip
|May 15, 2013
Summary
We developed a simple micromolding technique for fabricating styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) microfluidic devices. These SEBS42 devices offer polystyrene-like properties with easier fabrication, suitable for various microfluidic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microfluidics
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymers combine thermoplastic and elastomeric properties.
- Existing microfluidic materials like PDMS offer ease of fabrication but lack the desirable properties of polystyrene (PS).
- High polystyrene content SEBS (SEBS42) presents an opportunity to merge these material advantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a solvent-assisted micromolding technique for fabricating SEBS42 microfluidic devices.
- To characterize the material properties of SEBS42 for microfluidic applications.
- To evaluate SEBS42 as a substrate for cell culture and molecule adsorption.
Main Methods:
- Solvent-assisted micromolding was used for device fabrication.
- Surface properties were analyzed using contact angle measurements and zeta potential analysis.
- Cell attachment and proliferation studies were conducted.
- Adsorption of hydrophobic molecules was quantified.
- Surface composition was determined using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).
Main Results:
- SEBS42 microfluidic devices were fabricated with high fidelity.
- The devices exhibited wettable, stable surfaces supporting cell attachment and proliferation.
- SEBS42 demonstrated minimal adsorption of hydrophobic molecules.
- High bond strength to various substrates (glass, PS, SEBS) was achieved.
- The material showed mechanical robustness, thermal stability, low auto-fluorescence, and high transmissivity.
Conclusions:
- SEBS42 is a versatile material for microfluidic devices, offering polystyrene's desirable properties with PDMS-like fabrication ease.
- The material's stable, wettable surface and low molecule adsorption make it suitable for cell-based assays and diagnostics.
- The simple fabrication method and robust material properties position SEBS42 as a promising substrate for advanced microfluidic applications.
