New approach of long-term modification of Topas® to acquire surface hydrophilicity for chromosome spreading

• Published in: Applied surface science 2014-02, Vol.292, p.1045-1051
• Main Authors: Mednova, O., Kwasny, D., Rozlosnik, N., Svendsen, W.E., Almdal, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chromosome spreading; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Cyclic olefin copolymers; Exact sciences and technology; hydrophilicity; Physics; Surface aging; Surface modification
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2013.12.118

•A long-term modification of Topas® hydrophilicity to a level suitable for chromosome spreading was obtained.•Modified Topas® surfaces were successfully tested for chromosome spreading efficiency.•Influence of storage conditions on the surfaces recovering was examined.•The proposed treatment technique enables better chromosome spreading as compared to untreated Topas® material. A modified and improved photografting procedure of Topas® surface hydrophilization is investigated in order to obtain stable modification of the polymer for long term storage. The achieved hydrophilicity and monitoring of the wettability during one month of storage are presented as well as a description of the optimal cleaning procedure and storage conditions to maintain the modified surface. Three minutes of oxygen plasma activation followed by 4min of acrylic acid UV-photografting at 50°C leads to the most stable hydrophilicity that was characterized by an initial water contact angle of 53.5°±1.2°. Storage of the modified material in cold water at 4°C and refraining from ultrasonic cleaning limit water contact angle increase to 5° over 30 days. In comparison with pristine hydrophobic Topas, the proposed treatment improves chromosome spreading ability significantly.