Polymer deposition and modification of membranes for fouling resistance

Abstract

The present invention describes methods and compositions for the reduction, prevention and elimination of biofilm formation on a surface. The present invention provides a method of depositing a coating material to reduce or prevent biofilm formation on a surface by adding a dopamine coating material to a liquid solvent to form a solution mixture, adjusting a pH of the solution mixture to 8, 9, or 10 and dissolving the dopamine coating material in the liquid solvent. The solution mixture is then placed into contact with one or more surfaces to form a dopamine coating on the surface to reduce biofilm formation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 079,608, filed Jul. 10, 2008, the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH[0002]This invention was made with U.S. Government support under National Science Foundation Agreement numbers DMR-0423914 and 0650277. The government has certain rights in this invention.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates in general to the field of membranes for water purification, and more particularly to the deposition of polymers and modification of membrane surfaces to reduce biofilm formation on membranes.INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS FILED ON COMPACT DISC[0004]None.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0005]Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with the use of hydrophilic polymers to coat and modify membrane surfaces to reduce m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method and composition for alleviating fouling, scaling, and biofilm formation on membranes using a novel polymer deposition called polydopamine. This polymer can be deposited onto membranes using a simple process and can be modified with other molecules to provide specific membrane surface properties. The polydopamine coating is thin and does not significantly increase the mass transfer resistance of the membrane. The invention also provides a method for coating membranes with polydopamine to reduce fouling, scaling, and biofilm formation. The polydopamine coated membrane has high water flux and can be used in liquid separation apparatuses. Overall, the invention provides a versatile and effective solution for improving the performance of membranes in membrane treatment systems."

Problems solved by technology

One of the major problems with membrane water purification is fouling of the membrane.

Generally, fouling occurs when impurities in water deposit on the surface of the membrane and is also seen when the internal pore structure of the membrane is obstructed.

Biofilms are remarkably difficult to treat with antimicrobials.

The growth conditions are quite different, particularly in the depths of biofilms, where nutrients and oxygen are usually limited, and waste products from neighbors can be toxic.

Another major problem with membrane water purification is scaling of the membrane.

The deposition of these contaminants can lead to a dramatic reduction in water flux, which increases operating costs and decreases membrane lifetime.

Many of these techniques are not applicable to multiple types of water purification membranes and many require commercially unviable treatment steps, such as plasma treatment.

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