I am currently trying microcontact printing method with PDMS. I am transfering a polymer with silane group on the glass, and I am using fluorescence microscopy to later confirm further modification of surface with proteins.
I have noticed that after the taking out the PDMS, it leaves small residues on the glass, and therefore I am not able to image my surface with TIRF properly. Currently the PDMS I am using is hydrophobic since the poylmer contains silane group. Washing out PDMS with etahnol seems to reduce the staining but it is still present.
Thank you
The issue may be associated with the grade of PDMS you are using. If for example you are using Sylgard 184 it has high levels of low molecular weight siloxanes which migrate to the surface which in turn entrain fluorescent Pt complexes. This can be reduced by using low-volatility grades or alternatives applying vacuum and heat to the cured polymer.
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