High-resolution micropatterned Teflon AF substrates for biocompatible nanofluidic devices.
We describe a general photolithography-based process for the microfabrication of surface-supported Teflon AF structures. Teflon AF patterns primarily benefit from superior optical properties such as very low autofluorescence and a low refractive index. The process ensures that the Teflon AF patterns remain strongly hydrophobic in order to allow rapid lipid monolayer spreading and generates a characteristic edge morphology which assists directed cell growth along the structured surfaces. We provide application examples, demonstrating the well-controlled mixing of lipid films on Teflon AF structures and showing how the patterned surfaces can be used as biocompatible growth-directing substrates for cell culture. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells develop in a guided fashion along the sides of the microstructures, selectively avoiding to grow over the patterned areas.
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden.
Ilja
I
Czolkos
Bodil
B
Hakonen
Owe
O
Orwar
Aldo
A
Jesorka
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D016466:CHO Cells; D006224:Cricetinae; D003412:Cricetulus; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000737:chemistry*
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene