High Resolution Patterning of Cells with a Phosphorylcholine-based Polymer in a Microfluidic Channel Using a Parylene Dry Film Mask

This paper describes a method of functionalizing glass surface with a phosphorylcholine(PC)-based polymer that inhibits binding of proteins and cells inside a microfluidic channel (Fig.1). We coated 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine(MPC)-polymers on a glass substrate, and then patterned it by an oxygen(O2) plasma using a poly(pxylylene)(Parylene) dry film mask, which is subsequently peeled off from the substrate. We achieved the pattern of cells at the single-cell level, and the array and assay viability of the cells inside a microfluidic channel. This technique of patterning MPC-polymers in the channel will be utilized to characterize cell culture extensively and individually.