A one-step method to fabricate bio-friendly patterned superhydrophobic surface by atmospheric pressure cold plasma

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces have special restrictions and manipulation capabilities on liquids, and have great potential applications in fields of biological analysis. However, the preparation of bio-friendly superhydrophobic surfaces by high efficiency methods remains a challenge. In this work, a new one-step preparation method to fabricate bio-friendly superhydrophobic surface based on atmospheric pressure cold plasma is proposed. Using argon as the working gas and HMDSN as the monomer, the superhydrophobic surface can be prepared in one step by APCP whether on the surface of conductive metal, the surface of a flexible paper, or the surface of hard and brittle glass. The plasma characteristics, surface wettability, surface morphology, chemical composition, adhesion performance and bounce phenomenon have been systematically studied, which proves the excellent performance of the prepared superhydrophobic surface. Finally, the bio-friendly properties were verified by the cultivation of Hela cell, Escherichia coli, the seeds of bacopa monnieri and clover on the prepared superhydrophobic surface. This work shows great potential in applications for biological system cultivation and analysis.