The effects of PEG-based surface modification of PDMS microchannels on long-term hemocompatibility

The current study demonstrates the first surface modification for poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic networks that displays a long shelf life as well as extended hemocompatibility. Uncoated PDMS microchannel networks rapidly adsorb high levels of fibrinogen in blood contacting applications. Fibrinogen adsorption initiates platelet activation, and causes a rapid increase in pressure across microchannel networks, rendering them useless for long term applications. Here, we describe the modification of sealed PDMS microchannels using an oxygen plasma pretreatment and poly(ethylene glycol) grafting approach. We present results regarding the testing of the coated microchannels after extended periods of aging and blood exposure. Our PEG-grafted channels showed significantly reduced fibrinogen adsorption and platelet adhesion up to 28 days after application, highlighting the stability and functionality of the coating over time. Our coated microchannel networks also displayed a significant reduction in the coagulation response under whole blood flow. Further, pressure across coated microchannel networks took over 16 times longer to double than the uncoated controls. Collectively, our data implies the potential for a coating platform for microfluidic devices in many blood-contacting applications.