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Facile functionalization of PDMS elastomer surfaces using thiol-ene click chemistry.
Jianfeng Zhang1, Yang Chen, Michael A Brook
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University , 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4M1.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|September 10, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a new method for permanently modifying polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces to improve hydrophilicity using thiol-ene chemistry. This approach overcomes challenges like surface cracking and hydrophobic recovery, enabling stable functionalization.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface functionalization often aims to improve hydrophilicity.
- Existing methods face challenges such as surface cracking and hydrophobic recovery, leading to loss of functional groups.
- Thiol-ene chemistry offers a mild and robust approach for surface modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a stable method for hydrophilic functionalization of PDMS surfaces.
- To introduce thiol groups onto PDMS surfaces using a novel approach.
- To demonstrate the permanent attachment of hydrophilic moieties via thiol-ene click chemistry.
Main Methods:
- Introduction of thiol groups onto PDMS using base-catalyzed equilibration of MTS ((MeO)3Si(CH2)3SH).
- Characterization of thiol localization and concentration using EDX, XPS, fluorescence labeling, and chemical titrations (DTDP, iodine).
- Surface functionalization with hydrophilic moieties (silicone surfactant, maleic anhydride) via thiol-ene click chemistry and subsequent nucleophilic attack.
Main Results:
- Thiol groups were successfully introduced onto the PDMS surface, primarily at the air interface.
- Surface thiol density was controllable by reaction conditions, and hydrophobic recovery was significantly reduced.
- Various hydrophilic moieties, including fluorescent labels, poly(ethylene glycol), and chitosan, were permanently attached to the PDMS surface.
Conclusions:
- Thiol-ene chemistry provides an effective strategy for the stable, hydrophilic functionalization of PDMS surfaces.
- The developed method overcomes limitations of previous techniques, offering permanent surface modification.
- This approach enables the creation of tailored PDMS surfaces with diverse applications.
