A method for patterned in situ biofunctionalization in injection-molded microfluidic devices

Abstract

We developed a method to modify the surface in injection molded polymer microdevices prior to bonding and to pattern biomolecules in the completed microsystem in situ by a sequence of simple perfusion steps directly before utilization of the device. This method is compatible with production technology such as injection molding and bonding processes currently employed in the fabrication of polymer microsystems. It solves the problem of the inherent incompatibility of biomolecules with microfabrication technology as it allows for the biofunctionalization step to be performed after completion of the microsystem. Injection molded cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) microfluidic chips were modified by irradiating the surface with UV-light at λ = 185 nm. This results in the formation of stable acidic groups which were further modified by binding of the extracellular matrix protein collagen type I. Non-irradiated surfaces were modified by binding of Pluronic® F-127 to become non-adhesive. Density of acid groups decreases to 50% within 45 days and to 25% within 19 weeks after irradiation. However, even then the remaining density of functional groups was shown to be sufficient to bind proteins and promote cell adhesion. Selective adhesion of primary hepatocytes on surfaces patterned by UV-irradiation and a biofunctional coating with collagen type I were demonstrated in injection molded microsystems.