Fluidic Manipulating in Microchannels Using Hydrophobic Patterns

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This study reports the fluidic handling method using hydrophobic patterns inside PDMS microchannels. In order to obtain hydrophobic patterns, we pattern fluorcarbon(FC) film surfaces by lift-off process. FC films are deposited by spin coating method and plasma polymerization method. Hydrophobic surfaces are used as the barriers to control fluid flow. Injected liquid is spontaneously filled up inside PDMS-microchannels by the capillary action. Liquid flow stops when it meets hydrophobic regions which can be the barrier against fluid flow. Then, again, when liquid is pressurized externally, liquid can move toward another hydrophilic region by external air pressure. Contact angle analyses are performed on fluorocarbon films to estimate the wettability of film surfaces.