Biochip Surface Hydrophobicity Overview
The hydrophobic treatment of biochip surface is to make the surface hydrophobic by introducing hydrophobic modifier or changing the surface chemistry, so as to realize the effect of anti-sorption and anti-pollution to water or aqueous liquid. The following are some common hydrophobic treatment methods for biochip surfaces:
- Self-assembly of hydrophobic molecules: utilizing the principle of self-assembly to introduce a layer of organic molecules with hydrophobicity on the surface of a biochip. Commonly used hydrophobic molecules include hydrophobic silanes, hydrophobic alkylsilanes, and hydrophobic polymers. These molecules self-assemble on the surface to form a cover layer, which improves the hydrophobicity and anti-sorption properties of the surface.
- Hydrophobic film coating: Hydrophobic treatment is achieved by coating a hydrophobic film on the surface of the biochip. Common hydrophobic film materials include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and so on. The hydrophobic layer formed by these films can prevent the adsorption and penetration of water molecules and maintain the hydrophobicity of the surface.
- Plasma treatment: The surface of a biochip is chemically modified to form a hydrophobic surface using plasma treatment technology. Plasma treatment can change the functional groups on the surface to form hydrophobic chemical groups, such as fluoride and silanide. These chemical groups impart hydrophobicity to the surface and allow for high processing accuracy and control during the treatment process.
- Nanostructure modification: The hydrophobic effect is achieved by introducing nanostructures with specific morphology and size, such as nanoparticles and nanopillars, to form micro and nanostructures on the surface and increase the roughness and effective contact area of the surface. This structure can change the contact angle of the surface, so that the droplets present a higher contact angle on the surface and realize hydrophobicity.
- Chemical vapor deposition (CVD): Chemical vapor deposition is a method of depositing organic or inorganic thin films on a surface. Hydrophobic treatment of biochip surfaces can be achieved by selecting appropriate deposition materials such as silica, fluoropolymers, etc. During the CVD process, chemicals are broken down and deposited on the surface to form a thin film which is hydrophobic in nature, making the surface resistant to adsorption and contamination.
- Laser etching: Laser etching is a method of etching surface materials by irradiating them with laser pulses. By adjusting the energy and parameters of the laser, micron-sized bumpy structures can be formed on the surface of the biochip, increasing the roughness and surface area of the surface, thus realizing the hydrophobic effect. The bumpy structure reduces the contact area so that water droplets cannot fully contact the surface, creating a hydrophobic effect.
- Silanization treatment: Silanization is a commonly used surface modification method by introducing silicone compounds containing silicon bonds, such as octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS), on the surface of a biochip. These silylating agents can react with the hydroxyl groups or oxides on the surface to form a covering layer that makes the surface hydrophobic. Silanization treatment not only achieves hydrophobicity of the surface, but also regulates the chemical properties and biocompatibility of the surface.
These methods can be applied individually or in combination, and the suitable hydrophobic treatment is selected according to the needs and practical application scenarios. Hydrophobic treatment can effectively reduce non-specific adsorption, prevent contamination and improve the performance and stability of the chip, which is of great significance for biochips in the fields of bioanalysis, cell culture and microfluidics.
Surface hydrophobic processing capability
Surface hydrophobic modification properties
- Hydrophobic angle 80°~120
- Statute of limitations up to 2 years (depending on material)
- Customizable with a wide range of hydrophobic materials
- Good biocompatibility
- Can be used for microfluidic chips, PDMS chip molds, dispensing needles, biochips, etc.
- Glass, silicon, PS, PMMA and other substrate surfaces can be treated.
DXFLUIDICS
An innovative company focusing on microfluidic chips and biochips, etc., is able to provide customized surface modification/modification services for microfluidic chips and biochips with the help of the company's new material surface coating processing technology. Our coating processing technology can enhance the surface properties of chips, improve their durability, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, and realize specific functions, such as enhanced signal transmission, antimicrobial and cell adhesion control. By partnering with us, customers can gain access to advanced coating solutions in the field of microfluidic chips and biochips, opening up a wider range of possibilities for their research and applications.
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