title: Functional patterning of PDMS microfluidic devices using integrated chemo-masks.
abstract: Microfluidic devices can be molded easily from PDMS using soft lithography. However, the softness of the resulting microchannels makes it difficult to photolithographically pattern their surface properties, as is needed for applications such as double emulsification. We introduce a new patterning method for PDMS devices, using integrated oxygen reservoirs fabricated simultaneously with the microfluidic channels, which serve as "chemo-masks". Oxygen diffuses through the PDMS to the nearby channel segments and there inhibits functional polymer growth; by placement of the chemo-masks, we thus control the polymerization pattern. This patterning method is simple, scalable, and compatible with a variety of surface chemistries.
authors.affiliation: School of Engineering and Applied Sciences/Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Mark B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Romanowsky
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heymann
authors.forename: Adam R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Abate
authors.forename: Amber T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Krummel
authors.forename: Seth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fraden
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Weitz
mesh_terms: D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D004655:Emulsions; D005740:Gases / Q000737:chemistry; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D010539:Permeability; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D004655:Emulsions; D005740:Gases; C013830:baysilon