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PDMS-Zwitterionic Hybrid for Facile, Antifouling Microfluidic Device Fabrication
Anthony Mercader1, Sang-Ho Ye2,3, Seungil Kim2,3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|March 16, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a new Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) hybrid material with zwitterionic groups, significantly reducing protein and cell adhesion. This advanced PDMS material offers improved biocompatibility for biomedical devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is widely used in biomedical applications due to favorable properties like biostability and gas permeability.
- A key limitation of PDMS is its susceptibility to protein and cell adhesion, leading to device fouling.
- Existing surface modification methods for PDMS can be complex and add extra processing steps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a novel zwitterionic group-bearing PDMS (PDMS-SB) hybrid material.
- To evaluate the antifouling properties and blood compatibility of the PDMS-SB hybrid.
- To assess the manufacturability and bonding characteristics of the new PDMS-SB material.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a diallyl-terminated sulfobetaine (SB-diallyl) molecule.
- Direct mixing of SB-diallyl with commercial PDMS base and curing agent to form PDMS-SB.
- In vitro testing with ovine blood to assess platelet deposition.
- Fabrication of microfluidic devices and membranes using soft lithography.
- Evaluation of bonding strength via O2 plasma treatment.
Main Results:
- PDMS-SB surfaces showed a significant reduction in platelet deposition compared to control PDMS when exposed to blood (p < 0.05).
- Manufacturability via soft lithography and bonding strength after O2 plasma treatment were comparable to unmodified PDMS.
- Fabricated PDMS-SB microfluidic devices exhibited improved blood compatibility, reducing clot formation.
- Gas (CO2) transfer through PDMS-SB membranes was comparable to PDMS control membranes.
Conclusions:
- The developed PDMS-SB hybrid material effectively reduces protein and cell adhesion without complex surface modification.
- This zwitterionic PDMS offers enhanced blood compatibility, making it suitable for microfluidic devices and potentially reducing device failure.
- The material retains the advantageous processing characteristics of conventional PDMS, facilitating its integration into existing fabrication workflows.
