Asymmetric Membrane Filter for Viral Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point of care diagnostic tests face interference from cells and particulate matter in biological samples, which impairs fluid flow and analyte measurement, necessitating effective filtration methods for rapid and accurate results.
Innovation Solution
The use of membrane filters with graded porosity, specifically asymmetric and dual-layer membranes with submicron to micron-sized pores, for efficient separation of viruses and other biological materials from samples, facilitating analysis in either the same or different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If membrane filters with submicron to micron-sized pores are used for viral filtration, then viral separation efficiency is improved, but filter clogging by cells and particulate matter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into multiple layers with different pore sizes: a pre-filter layer with larger pores to capture cells and large particulate matter, and a viral filter layer with smaller submicron to micron pores for viral separation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other, preventing clogging of the viral filter while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-filter layer performs preliminary filtration of cells and large particulate matter before the sample reaches the viral filter layer. This preliminary action removes the bulk of interfering substances that would cause clogging, allowing the viral filter to operate continuously at high efficiency without frequent cleaning or replacement.
2Productivity
If rapid filtration is implemented for point of care testing, then diagnostic speed is improved, but filtration completeness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration process utilizes both depth filtration (through the thickness of the multi-layer structure) and surface filtration (at the pore interfaces). This dimensional approach allows rapid flow through the compact multi-layer structure while maintaining complete separation, as the sample must pass through multiple filtration barriers in sequence, ensuring both speed and completeness.
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
Enables simple and rapid filtering of biological samples, improving the quality of analytical procedures by effectively separating viruses and other components, allowing for rapid and accurate diagnostic results in point of care settings.
Implementation Method 1
membrane filters with graded porosity, specifically asymmetric and dual-layer membranes with submicron to micron-sized pores, for efficient separation of viruses and other biological materials from samples
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for simple and rapid filtering of biological samples, whereby a sample can be analyzed in the same device or a different device. In one preferred example, a membrane filter 12 that is particularly useful for the filtration of samples comprising viruses along with other biological materials that need be separated from the viruses is used. A lateral flow device 10 incorporating a filter membrane/membrane filter 12 is also disclosed.