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US 2014/0175305 A1Published application
Methods for Detecting Defects in Inorganic-Coated Polymer Surfaces
AssigneeLife Technologies Corporation
InventorYu-Zhong ZHANG
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Abstract
Lipophilic fluorescent substances can be used to detect surface defects in materials having hydrophilic (e.g., inorganic) coatings. Use of the described methods makes surface defects appear fluorescent, while the remaining surfaces are not labeled. The disclosed methods are inexpensive, rapid, and easy alternatives to existing approaches.
Claims20
A method of identifying a defect in a surface, comprising:
- a) providing a substrate having a hydrophobic surface at least partially coated by a hydrophilic layer, wherein the hydrophilic layer has the defect therein;
- b) contacting the substrate with a lipophilic, fluorescent substance, for a sufficient amount of time for the substance to contact the defect;
- c) exciting the fluorescent substance with energy at an appropriate wavelength to generate a detectable fluorescence response;
- and,
- d) detecting the fluorescence response of the substance.
2 more elements
A lipophilic, fluorescent substance that comprises a 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene moiety and a lipophilic moiety.
A substrate comprising an identifiable defect:
- a) a hydrophobic surface, a substrate having a hydrophobic surface at least partially coated by a hydrophilic layer, wherein the hydrophilic layer has the defect therein;
- and
- b. a lipophilic, fluorescent substance that is in contact with the defect.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.