FIELD OF INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a surface functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and methods for making the same. The surface functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) disclosed herein is applicable in the general field of microfluidics, bioMEMS (bio-microelectromechanical systems), soft lithography, and other related biotechnology fields.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is the choice of material for a wide range of applications (Whitesides, G. M. Nature 2006, 442, 368-3731; Psaltis, D.; et al. Nature 2006, 442, 381-386; El-AIi, J.; et al. Nature 2006, 442, 403-411) due to its many advantageous properties. These properties include chemical inertness, non-toxicity, ease of handling, and commercial availability. Strategies for PDMS surface modification have been developed, such as physisorption and chemical coupling. Physisorption of materials to a PDMS surface, such as surfactants (Huang, B ; et al. Science 2007, 315, 81-84) and polyelectrolytes (Liu, Y.; et al. Anal. Chem. 2000, 72, 5939-5944) are driven by hydrophobic and electrostatic forces, respectively. Chemical coupling is stable but generally involves high-energy bombardment {i.e., plasma) to PDMS surface (Donzel, C; et al. Adv. Mater. 2001, 13, 1164). A number of issues are associated with chemical coupling: (1) plasma treatment is easy, but not sustainable (Olah, A.; et al. Appl. Surf. Sci. 2005, 239, 410-423), (2) high-energy bombardment has the tendency to damage PDMS and is only applicable to planar surfaces because of its limited penetration depth, and (3) the concentration gradient in "grafting to" strategy prevents the preparation of thick and dense films (Ma, H.; et al. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2005, 16, 640-648). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An alternative to the development of new materials is modifying the surface of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). However, a condition of such methods is that the surface modified PDMS would ideally retain the desired bulk properties of unmodified PDMS. Recently, Ma et al. reported a facile method for permanent and functional surface modification of PDMS based on a commercial material (Wu, Y; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 7226-7227). Further study of surface initiated polymerization from iPDMS confirmed that permanent and functional surface coating was successfully immobilized. However, this method does not provide a way to selectively (spatially) modify/functionalize the surface of iPDMS, which contributes to the utility of iPDMS in many applications in the field of microfluidics, bioMEMS, soft lithography and other related biotechnology fields. Disclosed herein is a surface functionalized PDMS and methods for making the same. The surface functionalized PDMS disclosed herein is applicable in the general field of microfluidics, bioMEMS (bio-microelectromechanical systems), soft lithography and other related biotechnology fields.

Also disclosed herein is a compound of formula I:

wherein:

R ¹ is hydrogen or methyl;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 R ⁴ groups, aryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, cycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and heteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups; X is O or NR ³ , where R ³ is hydrogen or alkyl;

L ¹ and L ² are independently selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, methylene optionally substituted with 1-2 R ⁴ groups, (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and (C3-C ₁₂ )cycloalkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups; and

each R ⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, nitro, cyano, oxo, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, carboxyl, carboxyl ester, carbonate ester, aminosulfonyl, (C ₁ -C ₁ o)alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₁ o)haloalkyl, (C ₁ -C ₁ o)alkoxy, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryl, (C ₅ -C ₁₂ )heteroaryl, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryloxy, (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )cycloalkyl and (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )heterocycloalkyl.

One embodiment is directed to a compound of formula II:

II

In one embodiment, the compound of formula I or II is light sensitive.

Also disclosed herein is a surface functionalized PDMS, comprising:

a PDMS substrate having a linker of formula III incorporated therein:

III

wherein:

R ¹ is hydrogen or methyl;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 R ⁴ groups, aryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, cycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and heteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups;

X is O or NR ³ , where R ³ is hydrogen or alkyl;

L ¹ and L ² are independently selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, methylene optionally substituted with 1-2 R ⁴ groups, (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and (C3-C ₁₂ )cycloalkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups; and

each R ⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, nitro, cyano, oxo, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, carboxyl, carboxyl ester, carbonate ester, aminosulfonyl, (Ci-Cio)alkyl, (Ci-Cio)haloalkyl, (Ci-Cio)alkoxy, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryl, (C ₅ -C ₁₂ )heteroaryl, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryloxy, (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )cycloalkyl and (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )heterocycloalkyl;

wherein said linker is bonded to an initiator compound through the pyrazole and the PDMS through the -(CH ₂ )-.

One embodiment is directed to a surface functionalized PDMS, comprising:

a PDMS substrate having a linker of formula IV incorporated therein:

IV

wherein said linker is bonded to an initiator compound through the pyrazole and the PDMS through the -(CH ₂ )-.

In some embodiments, the surface functionalized PDMS has the compound incorporated therein at a ratio of from about 11 :0.5 to about ll : 10 ^"3 . The concentration of the compound can be varied depending on the application, provided that the surface functionalized PDMS possesses similar physical properties to that of unfunctionalized PDMS.

Also disclosed herein is a method of preparing a surface functionalized PDMS, comprising:

1) providing a PDMS substrate having a compound of formula I incorporated therein:

wherein:

R ¹ is hydrogen or methyl;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 R ⁴ groups, aryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, cycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and heteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups;

X is O or NR ³ , where R ³ is hydrogen or alkyl;

L ¹ and L ² are independently selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, methylene optionally substituted with 1-2 R ⁴ groups, (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and (C3-C ₁₂ )cycloalkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups; and

each R ⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, nitro, cyano, oxo, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, carboxyl, carboxyl ester, carbonate ester, aminosulfonyl, (Ci-Cio)alkyl, (Ci-Cio)haloalkyl, (Ci-Cio)alkoxy, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryl, (C ₅ -C ₁₂ )heteroaryl, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryloxy, (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )cycloalkyl and (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )heterocycloalkyl; and 2) contacting said compound with an initiator compound under reaction conditions to provide a surface functionalized PDMS.

One embodiment is directed to a method of preparing a surface functionalized PDMS, comprising:

1) providing a PDMS substrate having a compound of formula II incorporated therein:

II

and 2) contacting said compound with an initiator compound under reaction conditions to provide a surface functionalized PDMS.

In one embodiment, the compound of formula I or II is light sensitive.

In one embodiment, the reaction conditions comprise irradiation at a wavelength sufficient to bond the compound of formula I and the initiator compound. In one embodiment, the wavelength is from about 150 nm to about 400 nm. In one embodiment, the method further comprises applying a photomask to a surface of the functionalized PDMS substrate to allow selective functionalization of the PDMS substrate.

In some embodiments, the surface functionalized PDMS further comprises at least one indentation on the surface. This can be accomplished using a number of known methods, such as standard soft lithography or with the use of a mold. It is contemplated that the surface functionalized PDMS can be produced in any theoretical size or shape so long as the bulk properties of the PDMS are not substantially effected. In one embodiment, the surface functionalized PDMS is a microfluidic device. It is contemplated that the surface functionalized PDMS disclosed herein can be used in all applications where standard PDMS is used. For example, these include but are not limited to, the fabrication of microfluidic devices, bioMEMS, microelectronics, biotechnology, microreactors, microsensors, microanalyzers, microoptics, and in research.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic of an illustrative embodiment of the reaction of the tetrazole compound with an initiator compound.

Figure 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of the preparation of the PDMS substrate with the compound incorporated therein.

Figure 3 shows an illustrative embodiment of the preparation of spatially patterned iPDMS.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

Abbreviations and Definitions

Unless otherwise stated all temperatures are in degrees Celsius ( ⁰ C). Also, in these examples and elsewhere, abbreviations have the following meanings: Table 1 : Abbreviations

Abbreviation Term

MPa MegaPascal

PDMS poly(dimethylsiloxane)

As used herein, certain terms may have the following defined meanings.

As used herein, the term "comprising" means that the compositions and methods include the recited elements, but do not exclude others. "Consisting essentially of when used to define compositions and methods, shall mean excluding other elements of any essential significance to the combination when used for the intended purpose. Thus, a composition consisting essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude trace contaminants or inert carriers. "Consisting of shall mean excluding more than trace elements of other ingredients and substantial method steps for preparing the microfluidic device. Embodiments defined by each of these transition terms are within the scope of the present technology.

As used herein, the term "poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrate" refers to a solid poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) polymer composed of at least one dimethylsiloxane monomer. In some instances, at least two dimethylsiloxane monomers are used to make the PDMS substrate. In some cases, monomers comprise a poly(dimethylsiloxane) having a sufficient number of vinyl groups and a silicon hydride containing monomer having a sufficient number of Si-H groups, such that the silicon hydride containing monomer forms more than one covalent bond with at least one vinyl group on the PDMS and the resulting polymer substrate has a density of about 1 g mL ^"1 and a contact angle of about 100 degrees to about 115 degrees. The monomer mixtures may comprise additional components, such as other monomers or a catalyst, such as platinum. Various monomer mixtures are commercially available and include, for example, Sylgard® 184 (Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Michigan, United States), RTV 615 (Sil-Mid limited, Coleshill, West Midlands, United Kingdom) and ELASTOSiL® RT 601 (Wacker Chemie AQ San Jose, California, United States). The size of the polymer substrate is easily determined by one of skill in the art. It is contemplated that the size of the polymer substrate is not limited by any of the physical characteristics of the polymer. In addition, the shape of the polymer substrate can be dictated by the use of a mold. Such molds are well known to those of skill in the art.

The term "prepolymer" refers to a reactive low-molecular-weight macromolecule or an oligomer, capable of further polymerization. Examples of prepolymers include, but are not limited to, e.g., poly(dimethyl-methylvinylsiloxane) prepolymer and poly(dimethyl-methylhydrogensiloxane) precursors. The term "poly(dimethyl- methylhydrogensiloxane) precursors" refers to a reactive low-molecular-weight macromolecule or an oligomer of dimethylmethylhydrogensiloxane, capable of further polymerization. Polymerization of these prepolymers or monomers can be accomplished by, as an example, free radical polymerization, metal catalyzed polymerization, heat, or combination thereof. In some embodiments, polymerization is accomplished using both metal catalyzed polymerization and heat.

The term "monomer" has the meaning understood by those skilled in the chemical art. That is, a monomer is a chemical compound that is capable of forming a macromolecule of repeating units of itself, i.e., a polymer. The term "monomer" is also intended to include "oligomers" which consists of more than one monomer unit, capable of further polymerization. A "monomer mixture" refers to a mixture of two or more different monomers capable of being polymerized under polymerization conditions. In some embodiments, the monomer mixture comprises poly(dimethyl- methylvinylsiloxane) prepolymer and poly(dimethyl-methylhydrogensiloxane) precursors.

As used herein, the term "contact angle" refers to the angle at which a liquid interface meets a solid surface. On many hydrophilic surfaces, water droplets will exhibit contact angles of 0 degrees to 30 degrees. If the solid surface is hydrophobic, the contact angle will be larger than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the contact angle of the surface functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is from about 0 to about 155 degrees. In one embodiment the contact angle is from about 0 to about

149 degrees, or alternatively, from about 10 to about 145 degrees, or alternatively, from about 20 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 30 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 50 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 60 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 70 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 80 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 90 to about 120 degrees, or alternatively, from about 100 to about 120 degrees.

The term "bonded" refers to a chemical bond. Various types of chemical bonds can be employed in the methods disclosed herein, either alone or in combination. Examples of bonds include a covalent bond, a polar covalent bond, an ionic bond and a hydrogen bond.

The term "reaction conditions" refers to conditions which comprise solvent (if required), time, temperature, pressure, concentration, and the like. It is well known to those skilled in the art that the reaction conditions may vary depending on the components which are being reacted.

The term "indentation" refers to a concave depression or cut on a surface. The indentations as disclosed herein can be of any possible shape, size or design. In some embodiments, the indentation is a microfluidic channel. In one embodiment, the indentation is a well. The indentations can be provided using a number of known methods, such as photolithography, soft lithography, isotropic or anisotropic etching, or with the use of a mold. Such technologies are well known in the art (Xia, et ah, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 1998, 37, 550-575).

The term "light sensitive" refers to a compound, functional group of a compound or substrate which undergoes addition reactions with vinyl groups when irradiated with UV light. In some embodiments, the UV light is of a wavelength from about

150 nm to about 400 nm. The term "alkyl" refers to saturated monovalent hydrocarbyl groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. This term is exemplified by groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, and the like.

As used herein, the term "alkenyl" refers to an hydrocarbyl group preferably having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and having from 1 to 2 sites of alkenyl unsaturation. The term "terminal alkenyl" refers to an alkenyl group wherein a site of alkenyl unsaturation is at the end of the carbon chain.

The term "aryl" refers to a monovalent aromatic carbocyclic group of from 6 to 12 carbon atoms having a single ring (e.g., phenyl) or multiple condensed rings (e.g., naphthyl or anthryl) which condensed rings may or may not be aromatic (e.g., 2 benzoxazolinone, 2H-l,4-benzoxazin-3(4/i)-one-7-yl, and the like) provided that the point of attachment is the aryl group.

The term "cycloalkyl" refers to a saturated or an unsaturated but nonaromatic cyclic alkyl groups of from 3 to 12 carbon atoms having single or multiple cyclic rings including, by way of example, adamantyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclooctyl, cyclohexenyl, and the like.

The term "heterocycloalkyl" or "heterocyclic" refers to a saturated or unsaturated (but not aromatic) group having a single ring or multiple condensed rings, from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and from 1 to 4 hetero atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen within the ring wherein, in fused ring systems, one or more of the rings can be aryl or heteroaryl provided that the point of attachment is at the heterocycle.

The term "heteroaryl" refers to an aromatic ring of from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and 1 to 4 heteroatoms within the ring selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Such heteroaryl groups can have a single ring (e.g., pyridinyl, furyl, triazole or thienyl) or multiple condensed rings (e.g., indolizinyl or benzothienyl) provided the point of attachment is through a ring containing the heteroatom and that ring is aromatic. The nitrogen and/or sulfur ring atoms can optionally be oxidized to provide for the N-oxide or the sulfoxide, and sulfone derivatives. Examples of heteroaryls include but are not limited to, pyridinyl, pyrrolyl, indolyl, thiophenyl, thienyl, triazole, tetrazole, and furyl.

Examples of heterocycles and heteroaryls include, but are not limited to, azetidine, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, indolizine, isoindole, indole, dihydroindole, indazole, purine, quinolizine, isoquinoline, quinoline, phthalazine, naphthylpyridine, quinoxaline, quinazoline, cinnoline, pteridine, carbazole, carboline, phenanthridine, acridine, phenanthroline, isothiazole, phenazine, isoxazole, phenoxazine, phenothiazine, imidazolidine, imidazoline, piperidine, piperazine, indoline, phthalimide,

1 ,2, 3 ,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, 4,5, 6, 7-tetrahydrobenzo [b]thiophene, thiazole, thiazolidine, thiophene, benzo[b]thiophene, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl (also referred to as thiamorpholinyl), triazole, tetrazole, piperidinyl, pyrrolidine, tetrahydrofuranyl, and the like.

The term "alkylene" refers to divalent saturated aliphatic hydrocarbyl groups preferably having from 1 to 5 and more preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms which are either straight-chained or branched. This term is exemplified by groups such as methylene (-CH ₂ -), ethylene (-CH ₂ CH ₂ -), ^-propylene (-CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ -), zsø-propylene (-CH ₂ CH(CH ₃ )-) and the like. "(C _u - _V )alkylene" refers to alkylene groups having from u to v carbon atoms. The alkylene groups include branched and straight chain hydrocarbyl groups. For example "(C ₁ ^alkylene" is meant to include methylene, ethylene, propylene, 2-methypropylene, pentylene, and the like.

The term "arylene" refers to divalent aryl groups as defined above.

The term "cycloalkylene" refers to divalent cycloalkyl groups as defined above.

The term "halo" refers to or "halogen" refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo, and iodo.

The term "nitro" refers to the group -NO ₂ .

The term "cyano" refers to the group -CN. The term "oxo" refers to the atom (=0) or (-0 ^" ).

The term "hydroxyl" refers to the group -OH.

The term "amino" refers to the group -NH ₂ .

The term "thio" refers to the group -SH.

The term "aminoacyl" refers to the group -C(=0)NRR where each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, and heterocycloalkyl, and where R ²³ and R ²⁴ are optionally joined together with the nitrogen bound thereto to form a heterocyclic group, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocycloalkyl, are as defined herein.

The term "aminoacyloxy" refers to the group -0-C(=0)NRR where each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, and heterocycloalkyl, and where R ²³ and R ²⁴ are optionally joined together with the nitrogen bound thereto to form a heterocyclic group, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocycloalkyl, are as defined herein.

The term "carboxyl" refers to the group -COOH or salts thereof.

The term "carboxyl ester" refers to the groups -C(=O)-O-alkyl, -C(=O)-O-cycloalkyl, -C(=O)-O-aryl, -C(=O)-O-heteroaryl, -C(=O)-O-heterocyclic.

The term "carbonate ester" refers to the groups -O-C(=O)-O-alkyl, -O-C(=O)-O-cycloalkyl, -O-C(=O)-O-aryl,

-O-C(=O)-O-heteroaryl, -O-C(=O)-O-heterocyclic.

The term "amido" refers to the groups -C(=O)-NR-alkyl, -C(=O)-NR-cycloalkyl, -C(=0)-NR-aryl, -C(=O)-NR-heteroaryl, -C(=O)-NR-heterocyclic, wherein R is hydrogen or alkyl.

The term "alpha-haloester" refers to the group -O-C(=O)-haloalkyl, wherein at least one halogen is at the alpha-position.

The term "aminosulfonyl" refers to the group -SO ₂ NRR wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, and heterocycloalkyl, and where R ²³ and R ²⁴ are optionally joined together with the nitrogen bound thereto to form a heterocyclic group, and wherein alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocycloalkyl, are as defined herein.

The term "haloalkyl" refers to an alkyl group as defined herein above, wherein one or more hydrogen has been replaced with a halo group. This term is exemplified by groups such as bromomethyl, trifluoromethyl, and the like.

The term "alkoxy" refers to the group "alkyl-O-" which includes, by way of example, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, z ^' sø-propoxy, n-butoxy, t-butoxy, sec-butoxy, n-pentoxy, and the like.

The term "aryloxy" refers to the group aryl-O- that includes, by way of example, phenoxy, naphthoxy, and the like.

Compounds

Disclosed herein is a compound of formula I:

wherein:

R ¹ is hydrogen or methyl;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 R ⁴ groups, aryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, cycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and heteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups;

X is O or NR ³ , where R ³ is hydrogen or alkyl;

L ¹ and L ² are independently selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, methylene optionally substituted with 1-2 R ⁴ groups, (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and (C3-C ₁₂ )cycloalkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups; and

each R ⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, nitro, cyano, oxo, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, carboxyl, carboxyl ester, carbonate ester, aminosulfonyl, (C ₁ -C ₁ o)alkyl, (Ci-Cio)haloalkyl, (Ci-Cio)alkoxy, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryl, (C ₅ -C ₁₂ )heteroaryl, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryloxy, (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )cycloalkyl and (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )heterocycloalkyl.

In one embodiment, wherein R ¹ is hydrogen.

In one embodiment, R ² is aryl.

In one embodiment, R ² is phenyl.

In one embodiment, X is O.

In one embodiment, L ¹ is (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene.

In one embodiment, L ¹ is -(CH ₂ )9-.

In one embodiment, L ² is (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene.

In one embodiment, L ² is phenylene.

In one embodiment, R ¹ is hydrogen; R ² is aryl; X is O; L ¹ is (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene; and L ² is (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene.

Also disclosed herein is a compound of formula II:

II.

In one embodiment, the compound of formula I or II is light sensitive. Surface Functionalized PDMS

Disclosed herein is a surface functionalized PDMS, comprising:

a PDMS substrate having a linker of formula III incorporated therein:

III

wherein:

R ¹ is hydrogen or methyl;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 R ⁴ groups, aryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, cycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and heteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups;

X is O or NR ³ , where R ³ is hydrogen or alkyl;

L ¹ and L ² are independently selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, methylene optionally substituted with 1-2 R ⁴ groups, (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and (C3-C ₁₂ )cycloalkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups; and

each R ⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, nitro, cyano, oxo, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, carboxyl, carboxyl ester, carbonate ester, aminosulfonyl, (C ₁ -C ₁ o)alkyl, (C ₁ -C ₁ o)haloalkyl, (C ₁ -C ₁ o)alkoxy, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryl, (C ₅ -C ₁₂ )heteroaryl, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryloxy, (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )cycloalkyl and (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )heterocycloalkyl;

wherein said linker is bonded to an initiator compound through the pyrazole and the PDMS through the -(CH ₂ )-.

In one embodiment, R ¹ is hydrogen. In one embodiment, X is O.

In one embodiment, L ¹ is (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene.

In one embodiment, L ² is (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene.

In one embodiment, R ¹ is hydrogen; X is O; L ¹ is (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene; and L ² is (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene.

Also disclosed herein is a surface functionalized PDMS, comprising:

a PDMS substrate having a linker of formula IV incorporated therein:

IV

wherein said linker is bonded to an initiator compound through the pyrazole and the PDMS through the -(CH ₂ )-.

In one embodiment, the linker is bonded to the initiator compound. Various types of chemical bonds can be employed in the methods disclosed herein, either alone or in combination. Examples of bonds include a covalent bond, a polar covalent bond, an ionic bond and a hydrogen bond. In some embodiments, the compound is bonded to the initiator compound through the pyrazole.

The surface functionalized PDMS as disclosed herein can be tailored to have a desired functional group exposed on the surface. This versatility allows the surface functionalized PDMS disclosed herein to be used for a wide variety of applications. In some embodiments, the initiator compound is on the outermost surface of the surface functionalized PDMS. In some embodiments, the initiator compound comprises a terminal functional group. In principal, the terminal functional group can be any functional group provided that it does not react with the tetrazole of the PDMS substrate. In some embodiments, the terminal functional group is selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl, amino, thio, carboxyl, carboxyl ester, amido, alpha-haloester and haloalkyl. In one embodiment, the terminal functional group is an alpha-haloester.

In one embodiment, the surface functionalized PDMS has the compound incorporated therein at a ratio of from about 11 :0.5 to about ll : 10 ^"3 . The concentration of initiator can be varied depending on the application, provided that the surface functionalized PDMS possesses similar physical properties to that of unfunctionalized PDMS. In one embodiment, the contact angle is from about 0 to about 155 degrees. In one embodiment the contact angle is from about 0 to about 149 degrees, or alternatively, from about 10 to about 145 degrees, or alternatively, from about 20 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 30 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 50 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 60 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 70 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 80 to about 135 degrees, or alternatively, from about 90 to about 120 degrees, or alternatively, from about 100 to about 120 degrees.

Methods of Preparing a Surface Functionalized PDMS

Disclosed herein is a method of preparing a surface functionalized PDMS, comprising:

1) providing a PDMS substrate having a compound of formula I incorporated therein:

wherein:

R ¹ is hydrogen or methyl; R ² is selected from the group consisting of alkyl optionally substituted with 1-3 R ⁴ groups, aryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, cycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and heteroaryl optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups;

X is O or NR ³ , where R ³ is hydrogen or alkyl;

L ¹ and L ² are independently selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, methylene optionally substituted with 1-2 R ⁴ groups, (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups, and (C3-C ₁₂ )cycloalkylene optionally substituted with 1-4 R ⁴ groups; and

each R ⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of halo, nitro, cyano, oxo, aminoacyl, aminoacyloxy, carboxyl, carboxyl ester, carbonate ester, aminosulfonyl, (Ci-Cio)alkyl, (Ci-Cio)haloalkyl, (Ci-Cio)alkoxy, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryl, (C ₅ -C ₁₂ )heteroaryl, (C ₆ -C ₁₂ )aryloxy, (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )cycloalkyl and (C ₃ -C ₁₂ )heterocycloalkyl; and

2) contacting said compound with an initiator compound under reaction conditions to provide a surface functionalized PDMS.

In one embodiment, R ¹ is hydrogen.

In one embodiment, R ² is aryl.

In one embodiment, R ² is phenyl.

In one embodiment, X is O.

In one embodiment, L ¹ is (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene.

In one embodiment, L ² is (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene.

In one embodiment, R ¹ is hydrogen; R ² is aryl; X is O; L ¹ is (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene; and L ² is (C6-C ₁₂ )arylene.

Also disclosed herein is a method of preparing a surface functionalized PDMS, comprising:

1) providing a PDMS substrate having a compound of formula II incorporated therein; and

II

2) contacting said compound with an initiator compound under reaction conditions to provide a surface functionalized PDMS.

In one embodiment, the compound of formula I or II is light sensitive.

In one embodiment, the PDMS substrate having a compound incorporated therein is provided by reacting a monomer mixture with a compound of formula I or II under polymerization conditions. In one embodiment, the monomer mixture comprises a poly(dimethylmethylvinylsiloxane) prepolymer. In one embodiment, the monomer mixture further comprises a poly(dimethylmethylhydrogensiloxane) precursor.

The surface functionalized PDMS as disclosed herein can be tailored to have a desired functional group exposed on the surface. This versatility allows the surface functionalized PDMS disclosed herein to be used for a wide variety of applications. In some embodiments, the initiator compound is on the outermost surface of the surface functionalized PDMS. In some embodiments, the initiator compound comprises a terminal functional group. In principal, the terminal functional group can be any functional group provided that it does not react with the tetrazole of the PDMS substrate. In some embodiments, the terminal functional group is selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl, amino, thio, carboxyl, carboxyl ester, amido, alpha-haloester and haloalkyl. In one embodiment, the terminal functional group is an alpha-haloester. The PDMS substrate having a compound of formula I or II incorporated therein allows for the surface functionalization of the PDMS. As disclosed herein, the compound of formula I or II can bond to an initiator compound thus providing a surface functionalized PDMS. The compound of formula I or II can react with an initiator compound through the tetrazole moiety. This reaction is shown schematically in Figure 1. In some embodiments, the reaction conditions comprise irradiation at a wavelength sufficient to initiate an addition reaction and bond the compound of formula I and the initiator compound. In one embodiment, the wavelength is from about 150 nm to about 400 nm.

Various types of chemical bonds can be employed in the methods disclosed herein, either alone or in combination. Examples of bonds include a covalent bond, a polar covalent bond, an ionic bond and a hydrogen bond. In some embodiments, the initiator compound comprises a terminal polymerizable group for bonding to the compound. In some embodiments, the terminal polymerizable group is a terminal alkenyl group.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises applying a photomask to a surface of the functionalized PDMS substrate to allow selective functionalization of the PDMS substrate.

Synthesis of Compounds

The compounds described herein can be prepared from readily available starting materials using, for example, the following general methods, and procedures. It will be appreciated that where reaction conditions (i.e., reaction temperatures, times, mole ratios of reactants, solvents, pressures, etc.) are given, other process conditions can also be used unless otherwise stated. Optimum reaction conditions may vary with the particular reactants or solvent used, but such conditions can be determined by one skilled in the art by routine optimization procedures.

Additionally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, conventional protecting groups may be necessary to prevent certain functional groups from undergoing undesired reactions. Suitable protecting groups for various functional groups as well as suitable conditions for protecting and deprotecting particular functional groups are well known in the art. For example, numerous protecting groups are described in T. W. Greene and G. M. Wuts (1999) Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd Edition, Wiley, New York, and references cited therein.

The starting materials for the following reactions are generally known compounds or can be prepared by known procedures or obvious modifications thereof. For example, many of the starting materials are available from commercial suppliers such as Aldrich Chemical Co. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA), Bachem (Torrance, California, USA), Emka-Chemce or Sigma (St. Louis, Missouri, USA). Others may be prepared by procedures, or obvious modifications thereof, described in standard reference texts such as Fieser and Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Volumes 1-15 (John Wiley, and Sons, 1991), Rodd's Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, Volumes 1-5, and Supplementals (Elsevier Science Publishers, 1989), Organic Reactions, Volumes 1-40 (John Wiley, and Sons, 1991), March's Advanced Organic Chemistry, (John Wiley, and Sons, 5th Edition, 2001), and Larock's Comprehensive Organic Transformations (VCH Publishers Inc., 1989).

The compounds disclosed herein can be prepared by, but are not limited to, the synthetic protocols illustrated in Scheme 1. In Scheme 1, the substituents X, R ¹ , R ² ,

R ¹⁰ , L ¹ and L ² are as defined herein.

Scheme 1

Ia Ib I

Compounds of Formula I can be prepared from compounds Ia and Ib, wherein R ¹⁰ is a leaving group such as a mesylate or halogen. Compounds Ia and Ib are reacted under standard substitution reaction conditions to provide Formula I. In some embodiments, additional reagents may be required to enhance the reactivity of certain starting materials. Such reagents are commonly known to those of skill in the art and are generally acids, bases, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, or a solvent such as a polar solvent.

Compounds Ia and Ib can either be purchased from commercial sources or synthesized using methods known to those skilled in the art.

Methods for Using the Surface Functionalized PDMS

In some embodiments, the surface functionalized PDMS further comprises at least one indentation or channel, disposed on the surface. This can be accomplished using a number of known methods, such as photolithography, soft lithography, isotropic or anisotropic etching, or with the use of a mold. Such technologies are well known in the art (Xia, et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 1998, 37, 550-575).

The indentations as disclosed herein can be of any possible shape, size or design. In some embodiments, the indentation is a microfluidic channel. In one embodiment, the indentation is a well. The indentations can be provided using a number of known methods, such as photolithography, soft lithography, isotropic or anisotropic etching, or with the use of a mold. Such technologies are well known in the art (Xia, et ah, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 1998, 37, 550-575).

It is contemplated that the surface functionalized PDMS can be produced in any theoretical size or shape so long as the bulk properties of the PDMS are not effected. In some embodiments, the surface functionalized PDMS is a microfluidic device.

It is contemplated that the surface functionalized PDMS disclosed herein can be used in all of the applications where standard PDMS is used. For example, for the fabrication of microfluidic devices, bioMEMS, microelectronics, biotechnology, microreactors, microsensors, microanalyzers, microoptics, and in research.

Once the surface functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is provided as disclosed herein, a functionalized polymer layer can be deposited on the surface thereof. In one embodiment, the surface functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) disclosed herein further comprises a functionalized polymer layer bonded to the initiator molecule. This can be accomplished by contacting a functionalized monomer with said surface functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) under polymerizing conditions thus providing the functionalized polymer layer. In some embodiments, the functionalized polymer layer is the outermost layer. Various functionalized monomers can be used in the methods disclosed herein and are known to those of skill in the art. Therefore, using the methods disclosed herein it is possible to form patterned functionalized polymer layers from the surface functionalized PDMS.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure can be found in PCT application No. PCT/CN2008/071944, filed August 11, 2008 and entitled "Superhydrophobic Poly(dimethylsiloxane) and Methods for Making the Same", which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

All publications, patent applications, issued patents, and other documents referred to in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent application, issued patent, or other document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. Definitions that are contained in text incorporated by reference are excluded to the extent that they contradict definitions in this disclosure.

Examples

All numerical designations, e.g., pH, temperature, time, concentration, and molecular weight, including ranges, are approximations which are varied ( + ) or ( - ) by increments of 10%. It is to be understood, although not always explicitly stated that all numerical designations are preceded by the term "about". It also is to be understood, although not always explicitly stated, that the reagents described herein are merely exemplary and that equivalents of such are known in the art.

These and other embodiments of the present technology will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein and are specifically contemplated.

The present technology is further understood by reference to the following examples, which are intended to be purely exemplary of the present technology. The present technology is not limited in scope by the exemplified embodiments, which are intended as illustrations of single aspects of the present technology only. Any methods that are functionally equivalent are within the scope of the present technology. Various modifications of the present technology in addition to those described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying figures. Such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Example 1

Preparation of a Surface Functionalized PDMS

According to the method shown in Figure 2, prepolymer A (polydimethyl-methylvinylsiloxane), cross-linker B (vinyl-endcapped polydimethyl-methylvinylsiloxane) and compound I can be mixed at a ratio of 10: 1 : 10 ^"3 to 10: 1 :0.5 and cured at 80 ⁰ C to form the surface functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) can be utilized to characterize the surface composition of the PDMS. A unique Br 3d peak would be present at the surface of the PDMS when the surface modification is accomplished.

The surface functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) can then be exposed to initiator compound and UV light through a photomask (see Figures 1 and 3) to form surface patterns of compound I.

Equivalents

The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as single illustrations of individual aspects of. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., " a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., " a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as "up to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," and the like include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 cells. Similarly, a group having 1-5 cells refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cells, and so forth.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.