Aqueous Two-Phase Nanofilter Separates Particles Without Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional nanoparticle separation methods face challenges in achieving high purity and efficiency, particularly due to clogging issues with separation membranes and limitations in applying methods based on surface charge or density differences, which result in nanoparticle loss and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous two-phase system nanofilter is designed with a first and second aqueous phase that form a dispersion and continuous phase, respectively, allowing for the separation of mixed nanoparticles by adjusting interfacial tension at their interface, enabling nanoparticles to move through diffusion and separating particles based on size without clogging issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separation membrane with nano-sized pores is used to separate nanoparticles, then separation capability is improved, but the pores become clogged and separation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation capabilityVSAvoidseparation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an aqueous two-phase system as an intermediary medium between the nanoparticle suspension and the separation membrane. The first aqueous phase contains nanoparticles while the second aqueous phase acts as a selective barrier. This intermediary system allows nanoparticles to be separated without direct contact with the membrane pores, preventing clogging while maintaining separation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical filtration system (separation membrane with physical pores) with an aqueous two-phase system that uses interfacial tension and phase separation mechanisms. This substitution eliminates the need for nano-sized physical pores that are prone to clogging, while achieving nanoparticle separation through the natural phase boundary between two aqueous solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional filtration methods are used to separate nanoparticles, then separation is achieved, but nanoparticle loss increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation purityVSAvoidnanoparticle loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of separation from physical pore size filtration to interfacial tension-based phase separation. By adjusting the composition and properties of the aqueous phases, the system achieves nanoparticle separation through controlled phase boundaries, reducing nanoparticle loss and operational costs compared to conventional membrane filtration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If centrifugation is used to separate nanoparticles, then separation is achieved, but processing time increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugation system with an aqueous two-phase system that utilizes interfacial tension and density differences to achieve nanoparticle separation. This substitution eliminates the need for high-speed centrifugation, significantly reducing processing time and operational costs while maintaining separation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The nanofilter effectively separates nanoparticles of varying sizes with high purity and low cost, reducing separation time and preventing nanoparticle loss, and can be applied across various industrial fields beyond bio-separation.

Implementation Method 1

allowing for the separation of mixed nanoparticles by adjusting interfacial tension at their interface, enabling nanoparticles to move through diffusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

separating mixed nanoparticles by adjusting interfacial tension at their interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterfacial tension: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentUS12194415B2Aqueous two-phase system nanofilter and separation method using same

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 EXOSOMPLUS INC

AI summary

Proposed are an aqueous two-phase system nanofilter capable of effectively separating particles having different sizes within a short time, and a separation method using same. The aqueous two-phase system nanofilter can separate mixed nanoparticles having a size difference of approximately 10 nm, through the designing of a composition constituting each composition. The separated nanoparticles can be applied across industries such as electronics, photoelectronics and magnetic fields, biomedical, medical and cosmetic fields, energy, catalysts, and structures.