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Slepičková Kasálková N, Juřicová V, Fajstavr D, Frýdlová B, Rimpelová S, Švorčík V, Slepička P. Plasma-Activated Polydimethylsiloxane Microstructured Pattern with Collagen for Improved Myoblast Cell Guidance. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2779. [PMID: 38474025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We focused on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a substrate for replication, micropatterning, and construction of biologically active surfaces. The novelty of this study is based on the combination of the argon plasma exposure of a micropatterned PDMS scaffold, where the plasma served as a strong tool for subsequent grafting of collagen coatings and their application as cell growth scaffolds, where the standard was significantly exceeded. As part of the scaffold design, templates with a patterned microstructure of different dimensions (50 × 50, 50 × 20, and 30 × 30 μm2) were created by photolithography followed by pattern replication on a PDMS polymer substrate. Subsequently, the prepared microstructured PDMS replicas were coated with a type I collagen layer. The sample preparation was followed by the characterization of material surface properties using various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). To evaluate the biocompatibility of the produced samples, we conducted studies on the interactions between selected polymer replicas and micro- and nanostructures and mammalian cells. Specifically, we utilized mouse myoblasts (C2C12), and our results demonstrate that we achieved excellent cell alignment in conjunction with the development of a cytocompatible surface. Consequently, the outcomes of this research contribute to an enhanced comprehension of surface properties and interactions between structured polymers and mammalian cells. The use of periodic microstructures has the potential to advance the creation of novel materials and scaffolds in tissue engineering. These materials exhibit exceptional biocompatibility and possess the capacity to promote cell adhesion and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Slepičková Kasálková
- Department of Solid State Engineering, The University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Juřicová
- Department of Solid State Engineering, The University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dominik Fajstavr
- Department of Solid State Engineering, The University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bára Frýdlová
- Department of Solid State Engineering, The University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Rimpelová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, The University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Švorčík
- Department of Solid State Engineering, The University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Slepička
- Department of Solid State Engineering, The University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
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Potrich C, Pedrotti A, Pederzolli C, Lunelli L. Functional surfaces for exosomes capturing and exosomal microRNAs analysis. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 233:113627. [PMID: 37948834 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles well-studied both as cell signaling elements and as source of highly informative biomarkers, in particular microRNAs. Standard techniques for exosome isolation are in general scarcely efficient and give low purity vesicles. New techniques combining microfluidics with suitable functionalized surfaces could overcome these disadvantages. Here, different functional surfaces aimed at exosomes capture are developed thank to the functionalization of silicon oxide substrates. Charged surfaces, both positive and negative, neutral and immunoaffinity surfaces are characterized and tested in functional assays with both exosome mimicking vesicles and exosomes purified from cell supernatants. The different surfaces showed promising properties, in particular the negatively-charged surface could capture more than 4 × 108 exosomes per square centimeter. The captured exosomes could be recovered and their biomarker cargo analyzed. Exosomal microRNAs were successfully analyzed with RT-PCR, confirming the good performances of the negatively-charged surface. The best-performing functionalization could be easily moved to microdevice surfaces for developing modular microfluidic systems for on-chip isolation of exosomes, to be integrated in simple and fast biosensors aimed at biomarker analysis both in clinical settings and in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Potrich
- FBK-Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Center for Sensors and Devices, via Sommarive, 18, I-38123, Trento, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biofisica, via alla Cascata 56/C, I-38123, Trento, Italy.
| | - Anna Pedrotti
- FBK-Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Center for Sensors and Devices, via Sommarive, 18, I-38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Cecilia Pederzolli
- FBK-Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Center for Sensors and Devices, via Sommarive, 18, I-38123, Trento, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lunelli
- FBK-Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Center for Sensors and Devices, via Sommarive, 18, I-38123, Trento, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biofisica, via alla Cascata 56/C, I-38123, Trento, Italy
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3
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Ghaffari S, Amiri N, Felix DF, Abbasidezfouli S, Franco F, Beaupré SL, Branda NR, Lange D. Surface photosterilization of implantable silicone biomaterials: structural and functional characterization. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 233:113637. [PMID: 37979481 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain one of the major challenges faced by the global healthcare system. The increasing rate of pathogenic resistance against antibiotics suggests that alternative treatments are needed to control recurrent infections. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the third most common type of HAI worldwide, and this is mainly due to indwelling devices being excellent substrates for bacterial adhesion and growth. Subsequent biofilm formation on the implant surface acts as a constant nidus of bacteria and infection, thereby contributing to increased rates of patient morbidity and mortality. Here, we propose a simple and cost-effective method to sterilize silicone-based implant surfaces and prevent initial bacterial colonization, using Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and an embedded ruthenium photosensitizer (PS). Exposure to LED light triggers potent photokilling action, resulting in significant bactericidal activity as evidenced by the number of adherent bacteria being below the level of detection (<10 CFU/mL) after 24 h. Live/dead staining studies using fluorescence microscopy indicated significant reduction in surface-adhered bacterial growth and biofilm formation. This potent antibacterial activity was verified in vivo, with exposure of contaminated PDMS coupons containing PS to LED prior to implantation resulting in over 99.5% reduction in adherent bacteria compared to controls over the 3-day implantation period. Histological analysis of the implantation site of PDMS+PS samples, in the absence of bacteria, revealed no adverse reactions. This was also confirmed using in vitro cytotoxicity studies. Tensile strength, surface roughness, hydrophobicity, and the development of encrustation of surface-treated groups exhibit comparable or improved properties to bare PDMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahand Ghaffari
- The Stone Centre at VGH, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Jack Bell Research Centre, 550-3, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver V6H 3Z6, BC, Canada.
| | - Nafise Amiri
- ICORD and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, 818 W10th Ave, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, Canada.
| | - Demian F Felix
- The Stone Centre at VGH, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Jack Bell Research Centre, 550-3, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver V6H 3Z6, BC, Canada.
| | - Samin Abbasidezfouli
- The Stone Centre at VGH, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Jack Bell Research Centre, 550-3, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver V6H 3Z6, BC, Canada.
| | - Fernanda Franco
- 4D LABS and Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Scott L Beaupré
- Department of Physics, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Neil R Branda
- 4D LABS and Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada.
| | - Dirk Lange
- The Stone Centre at VGH, Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Jack Bell Research Centre, 550-3, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver V6H 3Z6, BC, Canada.
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Duan M, Xia S, Liu Y, Pu X, Chen Y, Zhou Y, Huang M, Pi C, Zhang D, Xie J. Stiffened fibre-like microenvironment based on patterned equidistant micropillars directs chondrocyte hypertrophy. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100682. [PMID: 37304578 PMCID: PMC10251154 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Articular cartilage, composed of collagen type II as a major extracellular matrix and chondrocyte as a unique cell type, is a specialized connective tissue without blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves. This distinctive characteristic of articular cartilage determines its very limited ability to repair when damaged. It is well known that physical microenvironmental signals regulate many cell behaviors such as cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation and cell communication even determine chondrocyte fate. Interestingly, with increasing age or progression of joint diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA), the major collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix of articular cartilage become larger in diameter, leading to stiffening of articular tissue and reducing its resistance to external tension, which in turn aggravates joint damage or progression of joint diseases. Therefore, designing a physical microenvironment closer to the real tissue and thus obtaining data closer to the real cellular behaviour, and then revealing the biological mechanisms of chondrocytes in pathological states is of crucial importance for the treatment of OA disease. Here we fabricated micropillar substrates with the same topology but different stiffnesses to mimic the matrix stiffening that occurs in the transition from normal to diseased cartilage. It was first found that chondrocytes responded to stiffened micropillar substrates by showing a larger cell spreading area, a stronger enhancement of cytoskeleton rearrangement and more stability of focal adhesion plaques. The activation of Erk/MAPK signalling in chondrocytes was detected in response to the stiffened micropillar substrate. Interestingly, a larger nuclear spreading area of chondrocytes at the interface layer between the cells and top surfaces of micropillars was observed in response to the stiffened micropillar substrate. Finally, it was found that the stiffened micropillar substrate promoted chondrocyte hypertrophy. Taken together, these results revealed the cell responses of chondrocytes in terms of cell morphology, cytoskeleton, focal adhesion, nuclei and cell hypertrophy, and may be beneficial for understanding the cellular functional changes affected by the matrix stiffening that occurs during the transition from a normal state to a state of osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shuang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohua Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yukun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Yilin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Polymer Research Institute of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Minglei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Caixia Pi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Demao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Li P, Cui F, Chen H, Yang Y, Li G, Mao H, Lyu X. A Microfluidic Cell Co-Culture Chip for the Monitoring of Interactions between Macrophages and Fibroblasts. BIOSENSORS 2022; 13:bios13010070. [PMID: 36671905 PMCID: PMC9855520 DOI: 10.3390/bios13010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages and fibroblasts are two types of important cells in wound healing. The development of novel platforms for studying the interrelationship between these two cells is crucial for the exploration of wound-healing mechanisms and drug development. In this study, a microfluidic chip composed of two layers was designed for the co-culturing of these two cells. An air valve was employed to isolate fibroblasts to simulate the wound-healing microenvironment. The confluence rate of fibroblasts in the co-culture system with different macrophages was explored to reflect the role of different macrophages in wound healing. It was demonstrated that M2-type macrophages could promote the activation and migration of fibroblasts and it can be inferred that they could promote the wound-healing process. The proposed microfluidic co-culture system was designed for non-contact cell-cell interactions, which has potential significance for the study of cell-cell interactions in biological processes such as wound healing, tumor microenvironment, and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Feiyun Cui
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Heying Chen
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Clinical Diagnostics, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yao Yang
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Gang Li
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Defense Key Disciplines Lab of Novel Micro-Nano Devices and System Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Hongju Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lyu
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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6
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Human Blood Platelets Adsorption on Polymeric Materials for Liquid Biopsy. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22134788. [PMID: 35808284 PMCID: PMC9269204 DOI: 10.3390/s22134788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Platelets are emerging as a promising source of blood biomarkers for several pathologies, including cancer. New automated techniques for easier manipulation of platelets in the context of lab-on-a-chips could be of great support for liquid biopsy. Here, several polymeric materials were investigated for their behavior in terms of adhesion and activation of human platelets. Polymeric materials were selected among the most used in microfabrication (PDMS, PMMA and COC) and commercial and home-made resins for 3D printing technology with the aim to identify the most suitable for the realization of microdevices for human platelets isolation and analysis. To visualize adherent platelets and their activation state scanning, electron microscopy was used, while confocal microscopy was used for evaluating platelets’ features. In addition, atomic force microscopy was employed to further study platelets adherent to the polymeric materials. Polymers were divided in two main groups: the most prone to platelet adhesion and materials that cause few or no platelets to adhere. Therefore, different polymeric materials could be identified as suitable for the realization of microdevices aimed at capturing human platelets, while other materials could be employed for the fabrication of microdevices or parts of microdevices for the processing of platelets, without loss on surfaces during the process.
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7
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Speranza G, Mele GR, Favia P, Pederzolli C, Potrich C. Tuning Surface Properties via Plasma Treatments for the Improved Capture of MicroRNA Biomarkers. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15072641. [PMID: 35407971 PMCID: PMC9000635 DOI: 10.3390/ma15072641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Advanced materials could bring about fundamental improvements in the evolution of innovative analytical devices, i.e., biosensors or lab-on-a-chip devices, in particular in the context of liquid biopsies. Here, plasma deposition processes were tested for the introduction of primary amines on silicon surfaces by tuning the amounts and availability of amino-charged residues. Different binary (CH4/NH3) and ternary (CH4/NH3/H2 and CH4/NH3/N2) mixtures of gases were used as feeds for the plasma treatments. The obtained surfaces were fully characterized for their chemical and physical properties before their use as capture materials in a functional test. Synthetic and fluorescently conjugated microRNA-21 (miR-21) was selected as the target molecule. The capture of miR-21 increased linearly with the increase in amino nitrogen measured on surfaces. The surface showing the most promising performance was further analyzed in different conditions, i.e., varying pH and time of incubation, incubation with different microRNAs, and possible elution of captured microRNAs. The apparent pH range of primary amines present on the surfaces was around 3.5–4. Positively charged surfaces prepared via PE-CVD were, therefore, demonstrated as being suitable materials for the capture of microRNA biomarkers, paving the way for their inclusion in biomedical devices for the purification and analysis of circulating biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Speranza
- Center for Sensors and Devices, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Trento, Italy; (G.S.); (G.R.M.); (C.P.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, v. Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
- CNR-Istituto di Fotonica e Nanotecnologie, Via alla Cascata 56/C, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Gaetano Roberto Mele
- Center for Sensors and Devices, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Trento, Italy; (G.S.); (G.R.M.); (C.P.)
- Department of Chemistry, CNR Inst. NANOTEC, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Pietro Favia
- Department of Chemistry, CNR Inst. NANOTEC, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Cecilia Pederzolli
- Center for Sensors and Devices, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Trento, Italy; (G.S.); (G.R.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Cristina Potrich
- Center for Sensors and Devices, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Via Sommarive 18, 38123 Trento, Italy; (G.S.); (G.R.M.); (C.P.)
- CNR-Istituto di Biofisica, Via alla Cascata 56/C, 38123 Trento, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Mercader A, Ye SH, Kim S, Orizondo RA, Cho SK, Wagner WR. PDMS-Zwitterionic Hybrid for Facile, Antifouling Microfluidic Device Fabrication. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:3775-3784. [PMID: 35294197 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) has been used in a wide range of biomedical devices and medical research due to its biostability, cytocompatibility, gas permeability, and optical properties. Yet, some properties of PDMS create critical limitations, particularly fouling through protein and cell adhesion. In this study, a diallyl-terminated sulfobetaine (SB-diallyl) molecule was synthesized and then directly mixed with a commercial PDMS base (Sylgard 184) and curing agent to produce a zwitterionic group-bearing PDMS (PDMS-SB) hybrid that does not require a complex or an additional surface modification process for the desired end product. In vitro examination of antifouling behavior following exposure to fresh ovine blood showed a significant reduction in platelet deposition for the PDMS-SB hybrid surface compared to that of a PDMS control (p < 0.05, n = 5). The manufacturability via soft lithography using the synthesized polymers was found to be comparable to that for unmodified PDMS. Bonding via O2 plasma treatment was confirmed, and the strength was measured and again found to be comparable to the control. PDMS-SB microfluidic devices were successfully fabricated and showed improved blood compatibility that could reduce channel occlusion due to clot formation relative to PDMS control devices. Further, gas (CO2) transfer through a PDMS-SB hybrid membrane was also tested with a proof-of-concept microchannel device and shown to be comparable to that through the PDMS control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Mercader
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Sang-Ho Ye
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Seungil Kim
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Ryan A Orizondo
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Sung Kwon Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - William R Wagner
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, United States
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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Kersaudy-Kerhoas M, Liga A, Roychoudhury A, Stamouli M, Grant R, Carrera DS, Schulze H, Mielczarek W, Oosthuyzen W, Quintana JF, Dickinson P, Buck AH, Leslie NR, Haas J, Bachmann TT, Dear JW. Microfluidic system for near-patient extraction and detection of miR-122 microRNA biomarker for drug-induced liver injury diagnostics. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:024108. [PMID: 35464137 PMCID: PMC9018095 DOI: 10.1063/5.0085078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) results in over 100 000 hospital attendances per year in the UK alone and is a leading cause for the post-marketing withdrawal of new drugs, leading to significant financial losses. MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) has been proposed as a sensitive DILI marker although no commercial applications are available yet. Extracellular blood microRNAs (miRNAs) are promising clinical biomarkers but their measurement at point of care remains time-consuming, technically challenging, and expensive. For circulating miRNA to have an impact on healthcare, a key challenge to overcome is the development of rapid and reliable low-cost sample preparation. There is an acknowledged issue with miRNA stability in the presence of hemolysis and platelet activation, and no solution has been demonstrated for fast and robust extraction at the site of blood draw. Here, we report a novel microfluidic platform for the extraction of circulating miR-122 from blood enabled by a vertical approach and gravity-based bubble mixing. The performance of this disposable cartridge was verified by standard quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis on extracted miR-122. The cartridge performed equivalently or better than standard bench extraction kits. The extraction cartridge was combined with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to detect miR-122 as an initial proof-of-concept toward an application in point-of-care detection. This platform enables the standardization of sample preparation and the detection of miRNAs at the point of blood draw and in resource limited settings and could aid the introduction of miRNA-based assays into routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Appan Roychoudhury
- Infection Medicine, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Marilena Stamouli
- Infection Medicine, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Rhiannon Grant
- Infection Medicine, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Damaso Sanchez Carrera
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Holger Schulze
- Infection Medicine, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | | | - Wilna Oosthuyzen
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen Mary Research Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Juan F. Quintana
- School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Laboratories, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Paul Dickinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Laboratories, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Amy H. Buck
- School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Laboratories, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Nicholas R. Leslie
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Jurgen Haas
- Infection Medicine, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Till T. Bachmann
- Infection Medicine, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - James W. Dear
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen Mary Research Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
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10
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Low-Cost Multifunctional Vacuum Chamber for Manufacturing PDMS Based Composites. MACHINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/machines10020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is one of the best known elastomers and has been used in several areas of activity, due to its excellent characteristics and properties, such as biocompatibility, flexibility, optical transparency and chemical stability. Furthermore, PDMS modified with other materials promotes the desired changes to broaden its range of applications in various fields of science. However, the heating, mixing and degassing steps of the manufacturing process have not received much attention in recent years when it comes to blending with solid materials. For instance, PDMS has been extensively studied in combination with waxes, which are frequently in a solid state at room temperature and as a result the interaction and manufacturing process are extremely complex and can compromise the desired material. Thus, in this work it is proposed a multifunctional vacuum chamber (MVC) with the aim to improve and accelerate the manufacturing process of PDMS composites combined with additives, blends and different kinds of solid materials. The MVC developed in this work allows to control the mixing speed parameters, temperature control and internal pressure. In addition, it is a low cost equipment and can be used for other possible modifications with different materials and processes with the ability to control those parameters. As a result, samples fabricated by using the MVC can achieve a time improvement over 133% at the heating and mixing step and approximately 200% at the last degassing step. Regarding the complete manufacturing process, it is possible to achieve an improvement over 150%, when compared with the conventional manufacturing process. When compared to maximum tensile strength, specimens manufactured using the MVC have shown a 39% and 65% improvement in maximum strain. The samples have also shown a 9% improvement in transparency at room temperature and 12% at a temperature of about 75 °C. It should be noted that the proposed MVC can be used for other blends and manufacturing processes where it is desirable to control the temperature, agitation speed and pressure.
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Luo Y, Kang KB, Sartaj R, Sun MG, Zhou Q, Guaiquil VH, Rosenblatt MI. Silk films with nanotopography and extracellular proteins enhance corneal epithelial wound healing. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8168. [PMID: 33854156 PMCID: PMC8046786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87658-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Corneal wound healing depends on extracellular matrix (ECM) and topographical cues that modulate migration and proliferation of regenerating cells. In our study, silk films with either flat or nanotopography patterned parallel ridge widths of 2000, 1000, 800 nm surfaces were combined with ECMs which include collagen type I (collagen I), fibronectin, laminin, and Poly-D-Lysine to accelerate corneal wound healing. Silk films with 800 nm ridge width provided better cell spreading and wound recovery than other size topographies. Coating 800 nm patterned silk films with collagen I proves to optimally further increased mouse and rabbit corneal epithelial cells growth and wound recovery. This enhanced cellular response correlated with redistribution and increase in size and total amount of focal adhesion. Transcriptomics and signaling pathway analysis suggested that silk topography regulates cell behaviors via actin nucleation ARP-WASP complex pathway, which regulate filopodia formation. This mechanism was further explored and inhibition of Cdc42, a key protein in this pathway, delayed wound healing and decreased the length, density, and alignment of filopodia. Inhibition of Cdc42 in vivo resulted in delayed re-epithelization of injured corneas. We conclude that silk film nanotopography in combination with collagen I constitutes a better substrate for corneal wound repair than either nanotopography or ECM alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncin Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 W. Taylor Street, MC648, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kai B Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 W. Taylor Street, MC648, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Rachel Sartaj
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 W. Taylor Street, MC648, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Michael G Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 W. Taylor Street, MC648, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 W. Taylor Street, MC648, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Victor H Guaiquil
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 W. Taylor Street, MC648, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Mark I Rosenblatt
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1855 W. Taylor Street, MC648, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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12
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Barbaresco F, Cocuzza M, Pirri CF, Marasso SL. Application of a Micro Free-Flow Electrophoresis 3D Printed Lab-on-a-Chip for Micro-Nanoparticles Analysis. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10071277. [PMID: 32629794 PMCID: PMC7408601 DOI: 10.3390/nano10071277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The present work describes a novel microfluidic free-flow electrophoresis device developed by applying three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to rapid prototype a low-cost chip for micro- and nanoparticle collection and analysis. Accurate reproducibility of the device design and the integration of the inlet and outlet ports with the proper tube interconnection was achieved by the additive manufacturing process. Test prints were performed to compare the glossy and the matte type of surface finish. Analyzing the surface topography of the 3D printed device, we demonstrated how the best reproducibility was obtained with the glossy device showing a 5% accuracy. The performance of the device was demonstrated by a free-flow zone electrophoresis application on micro- and nanoparticles with different dimensions, charge surfaces and fluorescent dyes by applying different separation voltages up to 55 V. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements and ultraviolet−visible spectroscopy (UV−Vis) analysis were performed on particles collected at the outlets. The percentage of particles observed at each outlet was determined in order to demonstrate the capability of the micro free-flow electrophoresis (µFFE) device to work properly in dependence of the applied electric field. In conclusion, we rapid prototyped a microfluidic device by 3D printing, which ensured micro- and nanoparticle deviation and concentration in a reduced operation volume and hence suitable for biomedical as well as pharmaceutical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Barbaresco
- Chilab-Materials and Microsystems Laboratory, DISAT, Politecnico di Torino, 10034 Chivasso (Turin), Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (C.F.P.)
| | - Matteo Cocuzza
- Chilab-Materials and Microsystems Laboratory, DISAT, Politecnico di Torino, 10034 Chivasso (Turin), Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (C.F.P.)
- CNR-IMEM, Parco Area delle Scienze 37a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Candido Fabrizio Pirri
- Chilab-Materials and Microsystems Laboratory, DISAT, Politecnico di Torino, 10034 Chivasso (Turin), Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (C.F.P.)
| | - Simone Luigi Marasso
- Chilab-Materials and Microsystems Laboratory, DISAT, Politecnico di Torino, 10034 Chivasso (Turin), Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (C.F.P.)
- CNR-IMEM, Parco Area delle Scienze 37a, 43124 Parma, Italy
- Correspondence:
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13
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Abstract
The isolation and analysis of circulating biomarkers, the main concern of liquid biopsy, could greatly benefit from microfluidics. Microfluidics has indeed the huge potentiality to bring liquid biopsy into the clinical practice. Here, two polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microdevices are presented as valid tools for capturing microRNAs biomarkers from clinically-relevant samples. After an extensive study of functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) properties in adsorbing/eluting microRNAs, the best conditions were transferred to the microdevices, which were thoroughly characterized. The channels morphology and chemical composition were measured, and parameters for the automation of measures were setup. The best working conditions were then used with microdevices, which were proven to capture microRNAs on all channel surfaces. Finally, microfluidic devices were successfully validated via real-time PCR for the detection of a pool of microRNAs related to non-small cell lung cancer, selected as proof-of-principle. The microfluidic approach described here will allow a step forward towards the realization of an efficient microdevice, possibly automated and integrated into a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip with high analytical potentialities.
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14
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Xu Z, Qiao Y, Tu J. Microfluidic Technologies for cfDNA Isolation and Analysis. MICROMACHINES 2019; 10:mi10100672. [PMID: 31623361 PMCID: PMC6843514 DOI: 10.3390/mi10100672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which promotes precision oncology, has received extensive concern because of its abilities to inform genomic mutations, tumor burden and drug resistance. The absolute quantification of cfDNA concentration has been proved as an independent prognostic biomarker of overall survival. However, the properties of low abundance and high fragmentation hinder the isolation and further analysis of cfDNA. Microfluidic technologies and lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices provide an opportunity to deal with cfDNA sample at a micrometer scale, which reduces required sample volume and makes rapid isolation possible. Microfluidic platform also allow for high degree of automation and high-throughput screening without liquid transfer, where rapid and precise examination and quantification could be performed at the same time. Microfluidic technologies applied in cfDNA isolation and analysis are limited and remains to be further explored. This paper reviewed the existing and potential applications of microfluidic technologies in collection and enrichment of cfDNA, quantification, mutation detection and sequencing library construction, followed by discussion of future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheyun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Yi Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Jing Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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15
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Lunelli L, Caradonna F, Potrich C, Piotto C, Bettotti P, Vanzetti L, Pederzolli C, Guella G. A new silanizing agent tailored to surface bio-functionalization. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 181:166-173. [PMID: 31132608 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Amino-terminated surfaces can be effectively obtained by means of silanizing agents, realizing surfaces suitable for the purification of biomarkers of several pathologies. Since the level of biomarkers, such as microRNAs and cell-free DNA, into circulation may be extremely low, new and ameliorated capturing molecules and protocols are highly required. In this work, a new silane, acetone-imine propyl trimethoxysilane (AIPTMS), is synthesized with a simple and elegant reaction, via the nucleophilic addition of the primary amino group to the carbonyl group of acetone. AIPTMS and APTMS were used to silanize silicon oxide surfaces, which were characterized chemically (XPS) and morphologically (AFM). The two types of surfaces were chemically similar, but behaved very differently both for surface morphology and functional properties. The AIPTMS-modified surface was indeed very smooth and homogeneous with respect to the APTMS-modified surface. Moreover, the AIPTMS surface captured larger amounts of nucleic acids almost immediately after preparation, while APTMS-based functional surfaces needed longer time to reach comparable efficiency. AIPTMS shows several advantages over standard aminosilanes, as it realizes a more homogeneous surface coverage that, in turn, produces an improved response towards the capture of nucleic acids. AIPTMS is a very promising reagent for the reliable and reproducible preparation of active biofunctional surfaces for the purification and analysis of circulating biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lunelli
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Center for Materials and Microsystems, Lab. Biomarker Studies and Structure Analysis for Health, via Sommarive 18, I-38123 Povo (Trento), Italy; CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biofisica, via alla Cascata 56/C, I-38123 Povo (Trento), Italy
| | - F Caradonna
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Center for Materials and Microsystems, Lab. Biomarker Studies and Structure Analysis for Health, via Sommarive 18, I-38123 Povo (Trento), Italy; University of Trento, Department of Physics, Bioorgan Chem Lab, Via Sommarive 14, I-38123 Trento, Italy
| | - C Potrich
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Center for Materials and Microsystems, Lab. Biomarker Studies and Structure Analysis for Health, via Sommarive 18, I-38123 Povo (Trento), Italy; CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biofisica, via alla Cascata 56/C, I-38123 Povo (Trento), Italy.
| | - C Piotto
- University of Trento, Department of Physics, Nanoscience Laboratory, Via Sommarive 14, I-38123 Trento, Italy
| | - P Bettotti
- University of Trento, Department of Physics, Nanoscience Laboratory, Via Sommarive 14, I-38123 Trento, Italy
| | - L Vanzetti
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Center for Materials and Microsystems, via Sommarive 18, I-38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - C Pederzolli
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Center for Materials and Microsystems, Lab. Biomarker Studies and Structure Analysis for Health, via Sommarive 18, I-38123 Povo (Trento), Italy
| | - G Guella
- University of Trento, Department of Physics, Bioorgan Chem Lab, Via Sommarive 14, I-38123 Trento, Italy; CNR - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biofisica, via alla Cascata 56/C, I-38123 Povo (Trento), Italy
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16
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Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Microfluidic Devices for Forensic Applications. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2019; 9:bios9030085. [PMID: 31277382 PMCID: PMC6784357 DOI: 10.3390/bios9030085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic devices offer important benefits for forensic applications, in particular for fast tests at a crime scene. A large portion of forensic applications require microfluidic chip material to show compatibility with biochemical reactions (such as amplification reactions), and to have high transparency in the visible region and high chemical resistance. Also, preferably, manufacturing should be simple. The characteristic properties of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) fulfills these requirements and offers new opportunities for the development of new forensic tests. In this work, the versatility of COC as material for lab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems in forensic applications has been explored by realizing two proof-of-principle devices. Chemical resistance and optical transparency were investigated for the development of an on-chip presumptive color test to indicate the presence of an illicit substance through applying absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, the compatibility of COC with a DNA amplification reaction was verified by performing an on-chip multiple displacement amplification (MDA) reaction.
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Environmentally Friendly Plasma Activation of Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene and Polydimethylsiloxane Surfaces to Improve Paint Adhesion. COATINGS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/coatings8120428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Generally, polymeric materials present an issue related to their low surface energy: low painting ability. The main aim of this work is to improve the adhesion between polymeric surfaces (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)) and paints (epoxy (EP), and polyurethane (PU)-based). In order to increase adhesion, hydrophilic modification of surfaces by atmospheric pressure plasma torch treatment (APPT) was proposed. Furthermore, it can permit dissimilar joints, i.e., ABS with a metal joined by a silicone (based PDMS), to be painted. The surface modifications were characterized by measurements of surface energy and roughness. In addition, the effectiveness of the pre-treatment on improving paint adhesion was confirmed by scratch, cross-cut, and adhesion tests. Results showed the possibility of coating both ABS and PDMS with a PU-based paint when treated with plasma. As a novel result, polymer and metal panels joined by silicone were able to be painted with the PU paint.
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