Development of Long-Term Hydrophilic Modification Technology for Silicone Surfaces
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
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
