Precision moulding of biomimetic disposable chips for droplet-based applications

摘要: In this study, we present a biomimetic approach to improve the stability and reproducibility of droplet generation processes reduce adhesion aqueous droplets channel surfaces microfluidic polymer chips. The hierarchical structure lotus leaf was used as template for partial laser structuring moulds that were casting hydrophobic wax layer technologically replicated by coating chips using plasma deposition process. resulting chip reveal topography surface free energy similar those leaf. Subsequent droplet-based experiments performed 2D flow focussing set-up. Droplets from both, serum-supplemented cell culture medium anticoagulated human whole blood, could be generated stably reproducibly fluorocarbon continuous phase. presented results illustrate application potential lotus-leaf-like in life sciences, e.g. field personalised medicine.