Recent advances in nonbiofouling PDMS surface modification strategies applicable to microfluidic technology

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Microfluidics
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Microfabrication and rapid prototyping have matured, enabling wider use of microfluidic devices in biological separations and cell cultures.
• Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is a widely used material for microfluidic devices due to its low cost, ease of fabrication, optical transparency, and gas permeability.
• A key challenge is controlling biomolecular interactions at interfaces and developing novel biomaterials for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the limitations of PDMS in biomedical microfluidics, specifically its hydrophobicity and non-specific adsorption of proteins and hydrophobic molecules.
• To review recent advances in surface molecular treatments for PDMS to prevent surface fouling.
• To expand the utility and applications of PDMS-based microfluidic devices in the biomedical field.

Main Methods:

• Focus on recent advances in surface molecular treatments for PDMS.
• Investigating methods to prevent fouling of PDMS surfaces.
• Evaluating the impact of surface treatments on biomolecular interactions and adsorption.

Main Results:

• PDMS exhibits hydrophobicity and rapid hydrophobic recovery, leading to significant non-specific adsorption.
• Surface molecular treatments are crucial for mitigating these issues.
• Improved surface properties enhance the suitability of PDMS for sensitive biomedical applications.

Conclusions:

• Surface molecular treatments are essential for overcoming the limitations of PDMS hydrophobicity and fouling.
• These treatments improve the performance of PDMS microfluidic devices in biomedical applications.
• Advances in surface modification expand the potential use cases for PDMS in drug delivery, diagnostics, and cell-based assays.