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US 9,310,315 B2Granted
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.
Claims14
A material comprising a surface defect, comprising:
- a) a substrate comprising a hydrophobic surface;
- b) a hydrophilic layer covering at least a portion of the hydrophobic surface, wherein the hydrophilic layer comprises a defect that leaves a portion of the hydrophobic surface exposed;
- and
- c) a lipophilic, fluorescent substance comprising a fluorescent moiety and a lipophilic moiety, wherein the lipophilic, fluorescent substance is in contact with the exposed hydrophobic surface of the substrate.
1 more element
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 that leaves a portion of the hydrophobic surface exposed;
- b) contacting the substrate with a lipophilic, fluorescent substance comprising a fluorescent moiety and a lipophilic moiety for a sufficient amount of time for the substance to adhere to the exposed hydrophobic surface;
- 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
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.