Electrochemically controlled growth and positioning of suspended collagen membranes

Langmuir. 2008 Apr 1;24(7):2970-2. doi: 10.1021/la703743m. Epub 2008 Mar 7.

Abstract

Two independently recognized in vitro polymer aggregation variables, electric field and pH, can be used in concert to produce suspended membranes from solutions of type I collagen monomers, without need of a supporting substrate. A collagen network film can form at the alkaline-acidic pH interface created during the normal course of water electrolysis with parallel plate electrodes, and the anchoring location can be controlled by adjusting the bulk electrolyte pH. Electrosynthesized films remain intact upon drying and rehydration and function as ion-separation membranes even in submillimeter channels. This approach could benefit lab-on-a-chip technologies for the rational placement of membranes in microfluidic devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Collagen Type I*
  • Electrochemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation
  • Water

Substances

  • Collagen Type I
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Water