Development of Long-Term Hydrophilic Modification Technology for Silicone Surfaces

Gel Coat Biomaterials, Inc. (GCB) has developed a surface modification technology that enables silicone surfaces to maintain a highly hydrophilic state for an extended period.

Silicone materials, including polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), are widely used in microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, medical devices, and optical components because of their excellent transparency, flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility. However, their hydrophobic surface properties can cause issues such as bubble adhesion and protein adsorption. Although plasma treatment is commonly used to improve wettability, the hydrophilic effect generally decreases over time.

To address this challenge, GCB applied its proprietary zwitterionic coating technology, Gel Coat™, to silicone surfaces.

Working in collaboration with Samco Inc.（Samco, GCB investigated the long-term stabilization of hydrophilicity on silicone surfaces. After plasma treatment using Samco’s Aqua Plasma^® Cleaner AQ-500, Gel Coat™ was applied to the surface and the water contact angle was evaluated.

As a result, the combined treatment achieved a water contact angle of 10 degrees, a remarkably low value indicative of a highly hydrophilic surface, and maintained this state for at least 31 days under ambient conditions.

This technology is expected to contribute to a wide range of applications, including microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, cell culture devices, Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC) systems, medical devices, optical components, underwater sensors, and flexible electronics.

GCB will continue to advance surface engineering technologies utilizing Gel Coat™ and contribute to the development of innovative solutions in life sciences, diagnostics, and healthcare.

▼ Media Coverage Details

・The Chemical Daily

東大発新興、独自コートでシリコーンに長期親水性 : 化学工業日報 電子版

Source: The Chemical Daily, June 10, 2026

Hydrogel Technology and Anti-Biofilm Coating Technology Featured in Nikkei Biotechnology

We are pleased to announce that an article highlighting the research, development, and business activities of Gel Coat Biomaterials was featured in the “Venture Spotlight” section of Nikkei Biotechnology.

The article introduces our proprietary hydrogel technology, Gel Coat™, developed by our University of Tokyo-originated startup, as well as our technologies for biomolecule stabilization and anti-biofilm surface coatings.

Gel Coat™ is a biomaterial technology designed to protect biomolecules while preserving their functionality. Biomolecules such as enzymes and proteins have significant potential across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food production, and environmental applications. However, challenges related to stability and storage have often limited their practical use. Through the co-development of customized hydrogels tailored to specific customer needs and applications, Gel Coat Biomaterials supports the long-term stabilization and functional preservation of biomolecules.

The article also highlights coating materials developed using Gel Coat™ technology. Through collaborative research with the Institute Of Institute of Microbial Chemistry, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of our technology in suppressing biofilm formation by bacteria and fungi. We are currently advancing its application as an anti-fouling technology for water treatment facilities, marine infrastructure, and aquaculture environments.

Going forward, Gel Coat Biomaterials will continue to leverage its proprietary biocompatible hydrogel technology to create new value and accelerate real-world implementation not only in the life sciences sector but also across environmental and industrial fields.

▼ Media Coverage Details

・Nikkei Biotechnology

▼Headline

“Gel Coat Biomaterials Supports Enzyme Utilization Through Customer-Oriented Hydrogel Development”

Please note that access to the article may require a subscription to Nikkei Biotechnology Online.

Our Microbe-Attachment Prevention Technology Featured in Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun

On May 27, 2026, an initiative on microbe-attachment prevention technology by a joint development team consisting of Gel Coat Biomaterials, Inc. Institute of Microbial Chemistry (IMC), and The University of Tokyo was featured in the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun.

The article introduces a newly developed coating technology that highly effectively prevents the attachment of "biofilms," which are aggregates of microorganisms. This technology applies "hydrogel"—a polymer containing a large amount of water—and a gel material that encapsulates and stabilizes unstable molecules. It is designed to allow the hydrogel components to be customized according to the substrate being coated. A key feature of this technology is its ability to maintain a high prevention effect by chemically bonding the coating agent to the surface of the substrate.

The technology has already been confirmed to have a high prevention effect against highly adherent freshwater bacteria, fungi, and marine bacteria.

While conventional coating agents have limited applications and some lose their effectiveness within a few weeks, our technology exhibits a broad-spectrum prevention effect against a wide range of microorganisms, including freshwater bacteria, fungi, and marine bacteria. As a result, it is expected to be applied across various industrial sectors to solve the following challenges:

• Semiconductor & HVAC Sectors: By preventing the accumulation of fungi in resin tanks, piping, and air conditioners within semiconductor factory facilities and cleanrooms, this technology will help reduce downtime for maintenance, lower costs, and improve the working environment.

• Maritime & Shipbuilding Sectors: By preventing biofouling on ships, it eliminates the cause of a 35% to 50% increase in fuel consumption, which is expected to lower energy consumption (preventing fuel efficiency degradation).

  
  

We are currently seeking joint research and validation partners to facilitate the social implementation of this technology.

Through our proprietary biomaterial technology, "Gel Coat™," we aim to contribute to solving challenges in industrial sectors and achieving a sustainable society. If your company or research institution is interested in this technology or a collaborative partnership, please feel free to contact us.

▼ Media Coverage Details

• Media Outlet: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (Issued on May 27, 2026)

• Headline: "New Technology to Prevent Microbe Attachment: Gel Coat Biomaterials Focuses on Semiconductor and Maritime Applications"

  
  

  (Note: Due to copyright restrictions, the image of the published article is not reprinted on this page.)