PDMS SlipChip: Optimizing Sealing, Slipping, and Biocompatibility Using Low-Viscosity Silicone Oils
The Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) SlipChip is a microfluidic platform enabling fluid manipulation without pumps or valves, simplifying operation and reducing reagent use. High-viscosity silicone oils (e.g., 5000–10,000 cSt) improve sealing but frequently block microfluidic channels, reducing usability...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Micromachines |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/16/5/525 |
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| Summary: | The Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) SlipChip is a microfluidic platform enabling fluid manipulation without pumps or valves, simplifying operation and reducing reagent use. High-viscosity silicone oils (e.g., 5000–10,000 cSt) improve sealing but frequently block microfluidic channels, reducing usability. In contrast, low-viscosity oils (50–100 cSt) reduce blockages but may compromise sealing. This study addresses these challenges by optimizing the viscosity of silicone oil and the curing conditions of PDMS. Low-viscosity silicone oil (50 cSt) was identified as optimal, ensuring smooth slipping and reliable sealing without blockages. Curing conditions were also adjusted to balance adhesion and stiffness as follows: lower temperatures (50–60 °C) enhanced van der Waals adhesion, while higher temperatures (80 °C) increased stiffness. A mixed curing approach (80 °C for the top layer and 60 °C for the bottom layer) further improved performance. Biocompatibility testing using human osteosarcoma cells demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity with 50 cSt oil, supporting cell viability (95%) comparable to traditional multiwell plates. These findings provide practical guidelines for fabricating reliable and biocompatible SlipChips. |
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| ISSN: | 2072-666X |