Diffusion Transfer Functionalized Membrane for Protein Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current protein ultrafiltration membranes face a challenge in achieving fast flow-through rates while maintaining high protein retention, as membranes with smaller molecular weight cut-off values require longer processing times, and those with higher cut-off values result in protein loss.
Innovation Solution
Development of ionically charged filtration membranes by diffusing charged polymeric solutes into a porous polymeric substrate, using a transfer liquid with a Hansen Solubility Parameter distance of 10 to 35 to swell the substrate without dissolving it, and trapping the charged solute on the surface to create a functionalized filter medium with the same net charge as the proteins, facilitating electrostatic repulsion and high protein retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a membrane with a smaller molecular weight cut-off value is used, then protein retention is improved, but flow-through rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a functionally graded membrane structure where the molecular weight cut-off varies through the membrane thickness. The support layer has larger pores for high flux, while the selective layer has smaller pores for protein retention. This gradient structure allows simultaneous achievement of high flow-through rates and high protein retention by optimizing different regions for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple polymer layers with different pore structures and molecular weight cut-off values. The membrane consists of a support layer and a selective layer made from different polymeric materials, each contributing specific properties. This composite structure enables the membrane to achieve both high productivity and high reliability that cannot be obtained with a single homogeneous material.
2Productivity
If a membrane with a higher molecular weight cut-off value is used, then flow-through rate is improved, but protein retention decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the membrane into distinct functional layers: a support layer with larger pores optimized for high flow-through rate, and a selective layer with smaller pores optimized for protein retention. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local quality differences between the support layer and selective layer, where each layer has tailored pore size and molecular weight cut-off value suited to its specific function. The support layer provides structural integrity and high flux, while the selective layer provides the necessary separation precision for high protein retention.
3Reliability
If the pore size is reduced to improve protein retention, then manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separation function from the structural support function by creating a thin selective layer on top of a robust support layer. This allows the support layer to handle mechanical stresses and provide structural integrity, while the thin selective layer focuses solely on protein retention with minimal thickness, simplifying the manufacturing of each component while achieving high overall performance.
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 method results in a functionalized filter medium that achieves high protein retention and fast flow-through rates, allowing for efficient protein concentration by matching the net charge of the membrane with the proteins, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing membranes.
Implementation Method 1
the transfer liquid must be capable of swelling the polymeric substrate by at least partially dissolving in the polymeric substrate
Implementation Method 2
the charged polymeric solute to transfer into the surface of the polymeric substrate by diffusion
Implementation Method 3
Removal of the transfer liquid traps the charged polymeric solute on the surface of the polymeric substrate
Implementation Method 4
matching the net charge of the membrane with the proteins, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing membranes
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a filter, the resulting filter, and a method of using the filter to filter proteins from solution are described. The method includes contacting a porous, polymeric substrate with a transfer liquid comprising a solvent(s) and a charged polymeric solute. The transfer liquid and the polymeric substrate have a Hansen Solubility Parameter (“HSP”) distance of from about 10 to about 35. Contacting the polymeric substrate with the transfer solution causes the polymeric substrate to accept the charged polymeric solute by diffusion transfer, thereby yielding a functionalized filter medium. Removal of the transfer liquid from the polymeric substrate traps the charged polymeric solute on the surface of the polymeric substrate.