Gel Coat Biomaterials Develops Innovative Technology for Long-Term Superhydrophilicity on Silicone Surfaces
Key facts
- Gel Coat Biomaterials Develops Innovative Technology for Long-Term Superhydrophilicity on Silicone Surfaces
- Gel Coat Biomaterials has developed a novel surface modification technology, "Gel Coat™," capable of maintaining superhydrophilicity on silicone surfaces for extended periods. This technology, when combined with plasma treatment, sustains hydrophilicity for over 31 days, overcoming the issue of rapid degradation seen with conventional methods, and is expected to find applications in diverse fields such as microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, and medical equipment.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 12, 2026
Direct answer
Gel Coat Biomaterials has developed a novel surface modification technology, "Gel Coat™," capable of maintaining superhydrophilicity on silicone surfaces for extended periods. This technology, when combined with plasma treatment, sustains hydrophilicity for over 31 days, overcoming the issue of rapid degradation seen with conventional methods, and is expected to find applications in diverse fields such as microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, and medical equipment.
- Citation
- Gel Coat Biomaterials Develops Innovative Technology for Long-Term Superhydrophilicity on Silicone Surfaces (June 12, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 12, 2026
Gel Coat Biomaterials has developed a novel surface modification technology, "Gel Coat™," capable of maintaining superhydrophilicity on silicone surfaces for extended periods. This technology, when combined with plasma treatment, sustains hydrophilicity for over 31 days, overcoming the issue of rapid degradation seen with conventional methods, and is expected to find applications in diverse fields such as microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, and medical equipment.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 13:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 13:29 (29 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 12, 2026 at 16:51 (3h 22m after Collected)
Gel Coat Biomaterials (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Shin Yoshida; hereinafter "GCB") has developed a new surface modification technology that can maintain a superhydrophilic state on silicone surfaces for a long period. This technology makes it possible to stably maintain the hydrophilicity of silicone surfaces for an extended duration, which was previously lost in a short period, and is expected to be applied in a wide range of fields such as microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, and medical equipment.
■ Challenges with Silicone Materials
Silicone (PDMS: Polydimethylsiloxane) is widely used in microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, cell culture devices, and medical equipment due to its excellent transparency, flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility.
However, its hydrophobic surface tends to cause bubble adhesion and protein adsorption, which can affect fluid control and measurement accuracy. Therefore, surface modification by plasma treatment is performed for applications requiring hydrophilicity, but it is known that hydrophilicity generally decreases within a few hours to a few days, returning to its original hydrophobic state.
■ Long-Term Hydrophilicity Achieved with Proprietary "Gel Coat™" Technology
GCB has developed a technology for long-term hydrophilicity on silicone surfaces by utilizing its proprietary zwitterionic special coating, "Gel Coat™," which has protein adsorption inhibitory properties.
In verifying this technology, GCB collaborated with the equipment manufacturer Samco Inc. to achieve long-term hydrophilicity stability. After plasma treatment of the silicone surface with Samco's "Aqua Plasma® Cleaner AQ-500," Gel Coat™ was applied, and the water contact angle was evaluated.
The results showed that while plasma treatment alone or Gel Coat™ alone did not provide sufficient hydrophilic effect, the combination of both technologies achieved superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle of less than 10°. Furthermore, it was confirmed that this state could be maintained for over 31 days.
※Aqua Plasma® is a registered trademark of Samco Inc.
※Photo provided by Samco Inc.
■ Potential Application Fields
This technology is expected to be applied in a wide range of fields, including:
Stabilization of liquid delivery in microfluidic devices
Suppression of bubbles and improvement of measurement reproducibility in diagnostic chips
Performance enhancement of cell culture devices and Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC)
Reduced friction and improved biocompatibility of medical devices
Anti-fogging of optical components
Improved visibility of underwater sensors
Improved printability of flexible electronics
Particularly, microfluidic devices using PDMS are widely used in research institutions worldwide. This technology is expected to promote the practical application and mass production of technologies that have remained in the research stage.
■ Future Development
GCB will promote the social implementation of this technology through material supply, contract surface treatment services, joint research and development, and licensing.
Furthermore, GCB will support the development of new devices in the medical, diagnostic, and life science fields, contributing to the practical application of research results and the expansion of industrial applications through surface modification technology.
■ About Gel Coat™
Gel Coat™ is a zwitterionic special coating technology developed by GCB. By forming a stable hydrated layer on the surface, it suppresses protein adsorption and microbial adhesion, imparting excellent hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. Its application is being advanced in a wide range of fields, including life sciences, diagnostics, medical devices, and industrial applications.
■ About Gel Coat Biomaterials Inc.
As a startup originating from the University of Tokyo, our company is promoting the research and development of proprietary biomaterial technology and surface functionalization technology "Gel Coat™." We provide innovative solutions for realizing a sustainable society and solving industrial challenges, including the "technology for stabilizing biomaterials using biocompatible amoeba hydrogels."
《Company Profile》
Established: January 16, 2024
Representative Director / Co-founder: Shin Yoshida
Co-founder: Professor Madoka Takai, Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
E-mail: info@gelcoatbio.com
Website: Gel Coat Biomaterials Inc. | Technology for stabilizing biomaterials using biocompatible amoeba hydrogels
■ Challenges with Silicone Materials
Silicone (PDMS: Polydimethylsiloxane) is widely used in microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, cell culture devices, and medical equipment due to its excellent transparency, flexibility, durability, and biocompatibility.
However, its hydrophobic surface tends to cause bubble adhesion and protein adsorption, which can affect fluid control and measurement accuracy. Therefore, surface modification by plasma treatment is performed for applications requiring hydrophilicity, but it is known that hydrophilicity generally decreases within a few hours to a few days, returning to its original hydrophobic state.
■ Long-Term Hydrophilicity Achieved with Proprietary "Gel Coat™" Technology
GCB has developed a technology for long-term hydrophilicity on silicone surfaces by utilizing its proprietary zwitterionic special coating, "Gel Coat™," which has protein adsorption inhibitory properties.
In verifying this technology, GCB collaborated with the equipment manufacturer Samco Inc. to achieve long-term hydrophilicity stability. After plasma treatment of the silicone surface with Samco's "Aqua Plasma® Cleaner AQ-500," Gel Coat™ was applied, and the water contact angle was evaluated.
The results showed that while plasma treatment alone or Gel Coat™ alone did not provide sufficient hydrophilic effect, the combination of both technologies achieved superhydrophilicity with a water contact angle of less than 10°. Furthermore, it was confirmed that this state could be maintained for over 31 days.
※Aqua Plasma® is a registered trademark of Samco Inc.
※Photo provided by Samco Inc.
■ Potential Application Fields
This technology is expected to be applied in a wide range of fields, including:
Stabilization of liquid delivery in microfluidic devices
Suppression of bubbles and improvement of measurement reproducibility in diagnostic chips
Performance enhancement of cell culture devices and Organ-on-a-Chip (OoC)
Reduced friction and improved biocompatibility of medical devices
Anti-fogging of optical components
Improved visibility of underwater sensors
Improved printability of flexible electronics
Particularly, microfluidic devices using PDMS are widely used in research institutions worldwide. This technology is expected to promote the practical application and mass production of technologies that have remained in the research stage.
■ Future Development
GCB will promote the social implementation of this technology through material supply, contract surface treatment services, joint research and development, and licensing.
Furthermore, GCB will support the development of new devices in the medical, diagnostic, and life science fields, contributing to the practical application of research results and the expansion of industrial applications through surface modification technology.
■ About Gel Coat™
Gel Coat™ is a zwitterionic special coating technology developed by GCB. By forming a stable hydrated layer on the surface, it suppresses protein adsorption and microbial adhesion, imparting excellent hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. Its application is being advanced in a wide range of fields, including life sciences, diagnostics, medical devices, and industrial applications.
■ About Gel Coat Biomaterials Inc.
As a startup originating from the University of Tokyo, our company is promoting the research and development of proprietary biomaterial technology and surface functionalization technology "Gel Coat™." We provide innovative solutions for realizing a sustainable society and solving industrial challenges, including the "technology for stabilizing biomaterials using biocompatible amoeba hydrogels."
《Company Profile》
Established: January 16, 2024
Representative Director / Co-founder: Shin Yoshida
Co-founder: Professor Madoka Takai, Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
E-mail: info@gelcoatbio.com
Website: Gel Coat Biomaterials Inc. | Technology for stabilizing biomaterials using biocompatible amoeba hydrogels
FAQ
What is the main advantage of Gel Coat Biomaterials' new technology?
It can maintain superhydrophilicity on silicone surfaces for over 31 days, suppressing bubble adhesion and protein adsorption, thereby improving device performance.
What kind of products can this technology be applied to?
It can be applied to various precision devices requiring hydrophilicity, such as microfluidic devices, diagnostic chips, medical equipment, and cell culture devices.
How does "Gel Coat™" work?
Its proprietary zwitterionic special coating forms a stable hydrated layer on the surface, maintaining high hydrophilicity while preventing protein and microbial adhesion.
Why is the combination with plasma treatment important?
While plasma treatment alone results in short-lived hydrophilicity, combining it with "Gel Coat™" allows the effect to be maintained for a significantly longer period.
What kind of company is Gel Coat Biomaterials?
It is a startup originating from the University of Tokyo, engaged in the research and development of proprietary biomaterial and surface functionalization technology "Gel Coat™."