Surface modification of polyimide films via plasma polymerization and deposition of allylpentafluorobenzene

Recent progress in the application of glow-discharge electrolysis plasma

Non-equilibrium plasma makes it is possible to modify surface chemistry, synthetize polymer materials, and oxidize some organic compounds completely by generation of energetic and chemically active species in gas or liquid phases. Glow-discharge electrolysis plasma (GDEP) has been intensely studied for applications in chemistry and in material, environmental, and biomedical engineering during the last few years because of the very highly active chemical species produced during the glow-discharge electrolysis (GDE) process. A brief review is already available regarding applications of glow-discharge electrolysis plasma technique in chemistry and environmental science during the past decade. For convenience of discussion, some papers from prior years are also cited. The contents of this review are focused on the degradation of persistent pollutants, surface modification of materials, and preparation of functional polymers.

Effect of cold plasma treatment on surface properties and gas permeability of polyimide films

Surface functionalization of polyimide films was carried out by cold plasma treatment using a radio frequency discharge and the optimum plasma conditions were evaluated by water contact angle measurements. The relationship between gas permeation behaviour and surface modification of the films was discussed.

Inverted open microwells for cell trapping, cell aggregate formation and parallel recovery of live cells

The inverted open microwell is a novel microstructure supporting isolation and trapping of cells, analysis of cell-cell and cell-molecule interactions and functional cell sorting. This work introduces the inverted open microwell concept, demonstrating successful isolation of K562 cells in 75 μm microwells fabricated on a flexible printed circuit board substrate, and recovery of viable cells onto standard microtiter plates after analysis and manipulation. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) was used during the delivery phase to control cell access to the microwell and force the formation of cell aggregates so as to ensure cell-cell contact and interaction. Cells were trapped at the air-fluid interface at the bottom edge of the open microwell. Once trapped, cells were retained on the meniscus even after DEP de-activation and fluid was exchanged to enable perfusion of nutrients and delivery of molecules to the microwell, as demonstrated by a calcein-staining protocol performed in the microsystem. Finally, cell viability was assessed on trapped cells by a calcein release assay and cell proliferation was demonstrated after multiple cells had been recovered in parallel onto standard microtiter plates.

Preparation and characterization of self-cleaning stable superhydrophobic linear low-density polyethylene

Porous superhydrophobic linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) surface was prepared by a simple method. Its water contact angle and sliding angle were 153±2° and 10°, respectively. After contamination, 99% of the contaminant particles were removed from the superhydrophobic LLDPE surface using artificial rain. The superhydrophobic LLDPE surface showed high stability in the pH range from 2 to 13. When LLDPE samples were stored in ambient environment for one month, their water contact angle and sliding angle remained constant. Their superhydrophobic property was also maintained after annealing in the temperature range 10-90 °C.