Hydrophilic polycarbonate for generation of oil in water emulsions in microfluidic devices

Abstract

This report details the method for rendering hydrophilic surfaces of microchannels fabricated in polycarbonate (PC). We characterize the wetting properties and stability of the hydrophilic character of two coatings – one formed by a layer of poly(allylamine) (PAH*) and the second including an additional layer of poly(styrene-sulfonate) (PSS). This second (PC-PAH/PSS) coating yields highly hydrophilic surface that is stable against weeks of exposure to various fluids including organic oils. This coating allows for stable generation of oil-in-water emulsions of hydrocarbon, silicone and fluorinated oils without the use of surfactants and over days of continuous use.