Comprehensive tuning of bioadhesive properties ofpolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes with controlled porosity

摘要

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based elastomers have become the de facto platform for variousbiomedical applications. But the stable attachment of biomolecules to PDMS for more robust andlong-term performance of the PDMS-based devices has been a significant challenge, owing to itsunique physical properties(e.g. hydrophobicity, dynamic molecular mobility). Herein, the PDMSmembrane with tunable surface porosity is developed via high-pressure saturated steam technology inorder to promote a strong and lasting bioadhesion to the PDMS membrane without additionalprocessing steps. The resulting porous PDMS membranes demonstrate enhanced physical properties(e.g. Young’s modulus, roughness, and air permeability), which is dependent on the membranethickness. The bioactivity of porous PDMS membranes, evaluated by measuring the adhesion ofvarious biomolecules and bioactivity of cells, shows significant improvement over conventional nonporouscontrol. This effect can be attributed to the strong physical adsorption on the porous PDMSmembrane by increased surface roughness and stiffness. In sum, the porous PDMS membraneprovides a simple and yet highly effective platform to create bioactive surface for various biomedicaldevices.