Deposition of nonfouling plasma polymers to a thermoplastic silicone elastomer for microfluidic and biomedical applications

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 131; no. 14; pp. np - n/a
• Main Authors: Gross-Kosche, Petra, Low, Suet P., Guo, Rui, Steele, David A., Michelmore, Andrew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, NJ Blackwell Publishing Ltd 15.07.2014; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Binding; Biological and medical sciences; biomedical applications; Deposition; Elastomers; Ethers; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Medical sciences; microfluidics; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymerization; Polymers; Polymers and radiations; Proteins; Silicones; Stability; surfaces and interfaces; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; synthesis and processing; Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments; Thermoplastic resins; Cell proliferation; Biological properties; Transparency; surfaces and interfaces; Urea copolymer; synthesis and processing; Optical properties; biomedical applications; Surface properties; Biocompatibility; Chemical composition; Silicone elastomer; Dimethylsiloxane polymer; Coating material; Thermoplastic rubber; Serum albumin; Experimental study; Glow discharge polymerization; Protein; Cyclic ether polymer; Storage stability; elastomers; Antifouling protection; Preparation; Siloxane copolymer; microfluidics; Plasma deposition
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.40500

ABSTRACT Plasma polymerization is used for the modification and control of surface properties of a highly transparent, thermoplastic elastomeric silicone copolymer, GENIOMER® 80 (G80). PEG‐like diglyme plasma polymer films were deposited with ether retentions varying between 20% and 70% as measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis which did not affect the transparency of the substrate. Films with ether retentions of greater than 70% inhibit protein binding (bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen) and cell proliferation. A short oxygen plasma pretreatment enhances the adhesion and stability of the film as shown by protein binding and cell adhesion experiments. The transparency of the material and the stability of the coating makes this material a versatile bulk material for technical (e.g., lab‐on‐a‐chip) and biomedical (e.g., intraocular lens) applications. The G80/plasma polymer composite is stable against vigorous washing and storage over 5 months and, therefore, offers an attractive alternative to poly(dimethylsiloxane). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40500.