Frit-Supported Membrane for Nanogram Molecular Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molecular filtration systems face challenges in efficiently processing and purifying biological molecules at extremely small sample sizes, such as nanogram ranges, due to manual setup requirements, membrane clogging, and limited data collection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A consumable device with a housing that streamlines the insertion and setup of membranes within a molecular filtration system, allowing for automated operation, increased membrane stability, and improved data collection by using a frit-supported membrane configuration and pneumatic sealing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dead end filtration is used to concentrate and purify biological molecules, then molecular weight separation is achieved, but the membrane becomes clogged and filtration speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements cross-flow filtration instead of dead-end filtration, allowing continuous flow of solution across the membrane surface. This continuous action prevents membrane clogging by constantly removing accumulated contaminants, thereby maintaining high filtration speed while achieving molecular weight separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a support structure (such as a porous substrate or mesh) behind the filtration membrane to prevent membrane collapse and maintain structural integrity during operation. This intermediary support allows the membrane to withstand operational pressures while maintaining its filtration function.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual membrane insertion and setup is performed, then device assembly is completed, but setup time and manual intervention increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-assembled membrane units with integrated support structures and sealing mechanisms that are prepared in advance. These pre-assembled components can be quickly installed in the filtration device, significantly reducing setup time and manual intervention requirements while ensuring proper alignment and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-aligning and self-sealing mechanisms that automatically position the membrane and create proper seals during the loading process. This self-service functionality eliminates the need for complex manual alignment procedures, reducing setup time and improving ease of assembly.
3Productivity
If membrane lifespan is extended through repeated use, then cost is reduced, but cross contamination and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable membranes with integrated support structures that are designed for single use. These disposable components ensure high reliability and prevent cross-contamination with each use, while the low cost allows for frequent replacement without significant expense. This approach prioritizes reliability over longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system where membranes are monitored for performance degradation and are discarded when specific criteria are met (such as flux reduction or contamination indicators). The support structures and housing components are recovered and reused, optimizing the balance between membrane replacement and component reuse.
4Adaptability or versatility
If small sample sizes in nanogram range are processed, then rare and valuable molecules can be analyzed, but filtration efficiency and detection sensitivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable flow rates and pressure parameters that can be optimized for small sample sizes. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains filtration efficiency even when processing nanogram quantities of molecules, ensuring both accuracy and adaptability across different sample sizes.
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 efficient filtration, purification, and concentration of biological molecules at small sample sizes with reduced manual intervention, enhanced membrane durability, and automated data collection, improving throughput and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
filtration, purification, and concentration of biological molecules based on the molecules' molecular weight cut-off
Implementation Method 2
frit-supported membrane configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A molecular filtration device and method of use capable of filtering and purifying molecules of a particular characteristic, wherein the amount of molecule to be filtered may be in the nanogram range and may be dispersed in a relatively large volume of solution. The resultant elution may include a relatively high concentration of desired molecule, due to a relatively small volume.