Photochemical Surface Modification via Hydrosilylation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for modifying the internal surface of glass microchannels, such as photolithography, are limited by light absorption and are not effective for non-planar surfaces, leading to challenges in patterning and attaching biologically active materials like DNA-enzyme hybrids.

Innovation Solution

A photochemical process involving the use of hydrosilanes to create a hydrosilanized surface, followed by exposure to alkenes or alkynes under visible and ultraviolet light, allowing for the reliable addition of a monolayer on both planar and non-planar surfaces, including the internal surfaces of microchannels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If photolithographic methods are used to pattern the internal surface of glass microchannels, then surface modification can be achieved, but light absorption by the glass material prevents effective patterning of internal surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface patterning precisionVSAvoidlight absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a two-step chemical process as an intermediary mechanism. First, glass surface hydroxyl groups react with triethoxysilane to form silane-modified surfaces with Si-H bonds. Then, these Si-H bonds undergo hydrosilylation with alkenes under UV irradiation. This intermediary chemical pathway bypasses the limitation of direct photolithographic patterning by using chemical reactions that are not blocked by glass light absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the reaction parameters from direct UV photolithography to a two-step process involving moisture-cured silane modification followed by controlled UV irradiation for hydrosilylation. By adjusting the wavelength (254-365 nm) and controlling the sequential nature of reactions, the method achieves surface modification despite glass absorption characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If conventional photolithography is applied to non-planar surfaces like microchannel interiors, then patterning may occur on accessible surfaces, but the method fails to effectively modify internal non-planar surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface area coverageVSAvoidpatterning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The silane-based hydrosilylation method provides universal applicability to both planar and non-planar glass surfaces. The chemical reaction mechanism works uniformly across different surface geometries, enabling consistent monolayer formation on microchannel interiors, exteriors, and flat surfaces through the same chemical pathway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If UV light with wavelength 285 nm or less is used for photochemical attachment, then alkene attachment can occur, but multilayer formation and excessive heat generation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonolayer formation precisionVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the UV wavelength parameter to the range of 254-365 nm, which is sufficiently energetic to drive hydrosilylation reactions while avoiding the harmful effects of shorter wavelengths. This parameter optimization prevents excessive heat generation and multilayer formation, ensuring controlled monolayer deposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enables the formation of stable, densely packed organic monolayers with reactive functional groups on the internal surfaces of microchannels, facilitating the attachment of biologically active materials without the limitations of traditional photolithographic methods.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a surface of the solid material comprising nucleophilic groups with a hydrosilane in a first step to produce a hydrosilanized surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

contacting said hydrosilanized surface with at least one alkene and/or alkyne under irradiation with ultraviolet and/or visible light in a second step

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotochemical reaction: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3207992B1Photochemical modification of a solid surface
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 MICRONIT HLDG BV
  • EP3207992B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(f)
  • EP3207992B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3207992B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A process for the modification of a solid material, said process comprising contacting a surface of the solid material comprising nucleophilic groups with a hydrosilane in a first step to produce a hydrosilanized surface, and contacting said hydrosilanized surface with at least one alkene and/or alkyne under irradiation with visible and/or ultraviolet light in a second step.