Hydrophilic surface modification of PDMS using atmospheric RF plasma

Control of surface properties in microfluidics systems is an indispensable prerequisite for the success of bioanalytical applications. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic devices are hampered from unwanted adsorption of biomolecules and the lack of methods to control electroosmotic flow(EOF). Among the various methods of hydrophilic treatment, a new cleaner technology was chosen to treat PDMS. By using atmospheric RF plasma, hydrophilic surfaces can be created. Thus, analysis was conducted with AFM, XPS, and contact angle before and after plasma treatment. Constructing hydrophilic surfaces without changing the true character of that surface has previously been costly and time consuming. But by using atmospheric plasma cost and time are both greatly reduced. There are many other benefits of hydrophilic surface treatment, including the capability to increase adhesion and capillary effects, etc. Also, with hydrophilic treatment of the micro channels on the PDMS surface, surface tension is reduced thus allowing fluids to move easily along those channels. However, the most important aim is to increase the capillary effects without any deposition or chemical treatment.