Hydrophobic modification of polycarbonate for reproducible and stable formation of biocompatible microparticles

Lab Chip. 2011 Feb 21;11(4):748-52. doi: 10.1039/c0lc00360c. Epub 2010 Dec 6.

Abstract

We propose a simple and effective scheme for the modification of the walls of microfluidic channels fabricated in polycarbonate (PC) after the device has been bonded. The method prevents both static and dynamic wetting of PC by aqueous solutions including viscous, non-Newtonian solutions of polymers as e.g. alginate. The procedure uses dodecylamine, which readily reacts with the carbonate groups of PC to produce a hydrophobic surface. We characterize the dependence of the contact angles and homogeneity of the modified surfaces on the time, temperature, and concentration-all important parameters-of the reaction and provide optimal conditions for the process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alcohols
  • Amines / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Particle Size
  • Photoelectron Spectroscopy
  • Polycarboxylate Cement / chemistry*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Alcohols
  • Amines
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polycarboxylate Cement
  • polycarbonate
  • dodecylamine