PDMS Polymer: Nano Case Study and Applications in Biotechnology

Introduction to PDMS Polymer

This chapter develops a nano case study with a material you are probably unfamiliar with since it’s a synthetic polymer.  Actually, as polymers go, PDMS is quite common not as common as acrylic (tapes), polyethylene (food packaging), polycarbonate (bottles), or polypropylene (PCR tubes and other disposable labware), but not very exotic or special.  PDMS is a soft, clear (optically transparent), rubbery (almost jelly-like) polymer that can be easily cast into shapes.  It has almost opposite surface properties to silica (glass), and is hydrophobic, meaning water does not like to wet the surface of PDMS.  As you will read, PDMS is an incredibly versatile material that enables a wide range of biotechnology applications.

Explain what happens as the probe tip loses its sharpness,

What happens if the specimen is not flat and has surface defects?

1. What is meant by optical spectroscopic tools, and what are examples of four types?
2. What is the Raman effect and how is it used to identify molecules?
3. Why aren’t many nanoparticles rapidly excreted from the body. Is that a good thing or a bad thing—or both?
4. What is a widely held explanation for the toxic damage to cells caused by nanoparticles?
5. How does the body react to inhalation of CeO₂ nanoparticles?
6. How did SPR show differering behaviors of Ag-based nanoparticles with or without an oxide layer?