Langmuir, Vol.29, No.11, 3797-3804, 2013
Formation of a Polymer Surface with a Gradient of Pore Size Using a Microfluidic Chip
Here we demonstrate the generation of polymer monolithic surfaces possessing a gradient of pore and polymer globule sizes from 0.1 to similar to 0.5 mu m defined by the composition of two polymerization mixtures injected into a microfluidic chip. To generate the gradient, we used a PDMS microfluidic chip with a cascade micromixer with a subsequent reaction chamber for the formation of a continuous gradient film. The micromixer has zigzag channels of 400 x 680 mu m(2) cross section and six cascades. The chip was used with a reversible bonding connection, realized by curing agent coating. After polymerization in the microfluidic chip the reversible bond was opened, resulting in a 450 mu m thick polymer film possessing the pore size gradient. The gradient formation in the microfluidic reaction chamber was studied using microscopic laser-induced fluorescence (mu LIF) and different model fluids. Formation of linear gradients was shown using the fluids of the same density by both diffusive mixing at flow rates of 0.001 mL/min and in a convective mixing regime at flow rates of 20 mL/min. By using different density fluids, formation of a two-dimensional wedge-like gradient controlled by the density difference and orientation of the microfluidic chip was observed.