Charged Membranes for DC-Voltage-Controlled Biomolecule Desorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatographic membranes face challenges in the efficient and reliable adsorption and desorption of biomolecules without the use of high ion content substances, and require complex methods to determine binding capacity and prevent breakthrough.
Innovation Solution
The adsorption is achieved on a chemically charged membrane with a thin metal layer acting as electrodes, and desorption is facilitated through the application of electrical fields, allowing for controlled desorption without the addition of high ion content substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional chromatographic membranes are used for adsorption of biomolecules, then adsorption capacity is achieved, but desorption requires addition of high ion content substances (salts, acids, alkalis) which may damage sensitive biomolecules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by switching from chemical desorption (using salts, acids, alkalis) to electrical desorption (using voltage). The membrane's charge state is modified by applying an electrical potential, which reverses the electrostatic attraction and releases bound biomolecules without introducing harmful chemicals. This transforms the desorption mechanism from chemical to physical/electrical parameter change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical system (using high ion content substances to compete for binding sites) with an electrical system (using applied voltage to overcome electrostatic binding). This substitution eliminates the need for harsh chemical eluents and their associated harmful effects on sensitive biomolecules.
2Measurement precision
If chemical methods are used to determine binding capacity, then measurement is possible, but complex methods are required including multiple steps and substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using the membrane's own electrical properties (charge state) as the measurement signal. The binding capacity is determined by measuring the electrical potential or current across the membrane, which directly reflects the charge state and thus the binding capacity. This eliminates the need for external chemical reagents, multiple measurement steps, or complex analytical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex chemical measurement methods with electrical measurement. Instead of using multiple chemical reagents, colorimetric assays, or sequential steps to determine binding capacity, the system uses electrical potential or current measurement to directly assess the membrane's charge state and binding capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If voltage is applied to enhance adsorption, then binding capacity increases, but control of desorption becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the membrane's charge state adjustable and reversible through voltage control. The system can dynamically switch between adsorption mode (applying voltage to enhance binding) and desorption mode (reversing or removing voltage to release bound molecules). This dynamic control allows flexible operation between the two opposing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through cyclic voltage application patterns. The system can alternate between applying voltage for adsorption and removing/reversing voltage for desorption, creating a periodic cycle of binding and release. This periodic control enables systematic processing of biomolecules through repeated adsorption-desorption cycles.
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
This method enables efficient and controlled adsorption and desorption of biomolecules, increasing binding capacity and allowing for real-time monitoring of the membrane's capacity without causing damage to sensitive biomolecules.
Implementation Method 1
The charge of the surface of the porous membrane matrix... arises by networking it with a polymer structure having positively charged pendant cationic groups... Now, negatively charged biomolecules such as albumin (BSA) can be adsorptively bonded by means of this positively charged surface
Implementation Method 2
a thin metal layer is applied to one or both sides of a membrane that is positively or negatively charged... The metal layer is thin enough, in particular, that it does not change or hardly changes the porosity, but is thick enough, in particular, to ensure continuous conductivity of this layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to membranes for separation, removal, and/or concentration purposes. The object of the invention is the simple and reliable adsorption of the molecules and to simplify the desorption of target molecules that are adsorbed and chromatographically bonded on membranes, preferably without the addition of substances with a high ion content, such as acids, alkalis or salts. The object of the invention is also to develop a value that can be easily measured, which allows for an indication of the current and/or remaining binding capacity of the membrane during the adsorption process and/or the control thereof. The adsorption takes place on a charged membrane and desorption is achieved using physical, electromagnetic and/or the generation of electrical fields. This is carried out with a thin metal layer being applied to one or both sides of a positively or negatively charged membrane and a voltage is applied for desorption.