Gel Coat Biomaterials Develops Innovative Technology for Long-Term Superhydrophilicity on Silicone Surfaces

Gel Coat Biomaterials (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shin Yoshida; hereinafter "GCB") has developed a new surface modification technology that can maintain a superhydrophilic state on silicone surfaces for a long period. This technology makes it possible to stably maintain the hydrophilicity of silicone surfaces for an extended duration, which was previously lost in a short period, and is expected to be applied in a wide range of fields such as microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, and medical equipment.

Challenges with Silicone Materials

Silicone (PDMS: Polydimethylsiloxane) is widely used in microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, cell culture devices, and medical equipment due to its excellent transparency, flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility.

However, its hydrophobic surface tends to cause bubble adhesion and protein adsorption, which can affect fluid control and measurement accuracy. Therefore, surface modification by plasma treatment is performed for applications requiring hydrophilicity, but it is known that hydrophilicity generally decreases within a few hours to a few days, returning to its original hydrophobic state.

Long-Term Hydrophilicity Achieved with Proprietary "Gel Coat™" Technology

GCB has developed a technology for long-term hydrophilicity on silicone surfaces by utilizing its proprietary zwitterionic special coating, "Gel Coat™," which has protein adsorption inhibitory properties.

In verifying this technology, GCB collaborated with the equipment manufacturer Samco Inc. to achieve long-term hydrophilicity stability. After plasma treatment of the silicone surface with Samco's "Aqua Plasma® Cleaner AQ-500," Gel Coat™ was applied, and the water contact angle was evaluated.

The results showed that while plasma treatment alone or Gel Coat™ alone did not provide sufficient hydrophilic effect, the combination of both technologies achieved superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle of less than 10°. Furthermore, it was confirmed that this state could be maintained for over 31 days.

※Aqua Plasma® is a registered trademark of Samco Inc.

※Photo provided by Samco Inc.

Potential Application Fields

This technology is expected to be applied in a wide range of fields, including:

Stabilization of liquid delivery in microfluidic devices

Suppression of bubbles and improvement of measurement reproducibility in diagnostic chips

Performance enhancement of cell culture devices and Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC)

Reduced friction and improved biocompatibility of medical devices

Anti-fogging of optical components

Improved visibility of underwater sensors

Improved printability of flexible electronics

Particularly, microfluidic devices using PDMS are widely used in research institutions worldwide. This technology is expected to promote the practical application and mass production of technologies that have remained in the research stage.

Future Development

GCB will promote the social implementation of this technology through material supply, contract surface treatment services, joint research and development, and licensing.

Furthermore, GCB will support the development of new devices in the medical, diagnostic, and life science fields, contributing to the practical application of research results and the expansion of industrial applications through surface modification technology.

About Gel Coat™

Gel Coat™ is a zwitterionic special coating technology developed by GCB. By forming a stable hydrated layer on the surface, it suppresses protein adsorption and microbial adhesion, imparting excellent hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. Its application is being advanced in a wide range of fields, including life sciences, diagnostics, medical devices, and industrial applications.

About Gel Coat Biomaterials Inc.

As a startup originating from the University of Tokyo, our company is promoting the research and development of proprietary biomaterial technology and surface functionalization technology "Gel Coat™." We provide innovative solutions for realizing a sustainable society and solving industrial challenges, including the "technology for stabilizing biomaterials using biocompatible amoeba hydrogels."

《Company Profile》

Established: January 16, 2024

Representative Director / Co-founder: Shin Yoshida

Co-founder: Professor Madoka Takai, Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: Gel Coat Biomaterials Inc. | Technology for stabilizing biomaterials using biocompatible amoeba hydrogels