One-step Reversal Technique towards Hydrophilic Surface Modification of Polydimethylsiloxane-co-Polyurethane (PDMS-PU)

Abstract

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has in the last few decades been considered as the most prevalent molding materials for the fabrication of various micro devices for biological and biomedical research and applications, due to the prominent features of non-toxicity, low cost, chemical inertness, gas permeability, optical transparency, functionalized surface and mold ability [1-4]. Despite the above appealing properties, PDMS is naturally hydrophobic and this confines its wide use in several applications including biocompatible devices, due to its tendency to absorb some hydrophobic molecules, cells and proteins onto its surface. Therefore, there is pressing need to improve the hydrophilicity of PDMS materials’ surface.