Abstract
Integrating a dissolvable membrane into a sensor allows the control of sample flow, location and duration in critical areas. These time-barrier films stop the flow of samples until the membrane has dissolved, thus, for example, allowing increased exposure time between immunoreagents for the formation of greater numbers of immuno-complexes, ensuring higher sensitivity, reactivity, and helping to reduce false-positive signals. In this study, dissolvable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films are used in a 3D-printed sensor holder, which enables film integration without the use of glue. PVA is a synthetic hydrophilic linear polymer, its solubility is dependent on its molecular weight and degree of hydrolysis. Three types of PVAs films were tested herein: (1) PVA 1-Mw: 30–70 K, 87–90% hydrolyzed; (2) PVA 2-Mw: 31–50 K, 98–99% hydrolyzed and (3) PVA 3-Mw: 89–98 K, >99% hydrolyzed. The films were exposed to water in (1) the novel 3D-printed holder and (2) directly immersed into a water droplet. After comparing the time taken to dissolve PVA 1–3 films, PVA 1 films of 5–20% (w/v) are found to be most suitable as time barrier films, due to their optimal dissolution times and physical properties for integration into the customized 3D-printed holder.
Highlights
A dissolvable membrane can be integrated into a sensor in order to allow control of sample flow
This is followed by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) 2, which has a higher level of hydrolysis, PVA 3 due to its high Mw and high level of hydrolysis
Dissolvable PVA films are used in a novel, customized 3D-printed sensor holder for the control of sample flow
Summary
A dissolvable membrane can be integrated into a sensor in order to allow control of sample flow. Since PVA is a water soluble polymer, it is widely used in the creation of biodegradable packaging Plasticizers, such as glycerol, are added for increased flexibility and reduced brittleness, whereas surfactants, such as tween 20, are added to enhance the plasticizer function [23]. PVA with a high degree of hydrolysis will be less soluble in water due to inter- and intra- molecular H-bonds that form between the hydroxyl groups of the PVA molecules. With a lower degree of hydrolysis, inter- and intra- molecular H-bonds are reduced due to steric hindrance from a large quantity of hydrophobic acetate groups This helps to increase interactions between PVA molecules and water molecules, boosting solubility.
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