Systematic Characterization of Hydrophilized Polydimethylsiloxane

TL;DR

This study systematically investigates various methods to modify PDMS for long-term hydrophilicity, crucial for biomedical microfluidic devices, by analyzing surface energy stability over 30 days using contact angle and FTIR-ATR techniques.

Contribution

It provides a detailed comparison of PDMS surface modifications, identifying techniques with enhanced long-term stability for biomedical applications.

Findings

Certain modifications maintain hydrophilicity over 30 days

FTIR-ATR confirms surface functional group stability

Surface energy varies depending on storage conditions

Abstract

Flexible microfluidics have found extensive utility in the biological and biomedical fields. A leading substrate material for compliant devices is polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Despite its many advantages, PDMS is inherently hydrophobic and consequently its use in passive (pumpless) microfluidics becomes problematic. To this end, many physical and chemical modifications have been introduced to render PDMS hydrophilic, ranging from amphiphilic molecule additions to surface plasma treatments. However, when transitioning from lab benchtop to realized medical devices, these modifications must exhibit long-term stability. Unfortunately, these modifications are often presented but their mechanisms and long-term stability are not studied in detail. We have investigated an array of PDMS modifications, utilizing contact angle goniometry to study surface energy over a 30-day evolution study. Samples were stored in air and water, and Fourier Transform Infrared-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) analysis was used to confirm surface functional group uniformity. We have identified preferred modification techniques for long-lasting PDMS devices and characterized often overlooked material stability.