Surface-Modified Polyethersulfone Membranes for Stable Hydrophilicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric membranes, such as polyethersulfone, lose hydrophilicity over time due to leaching of hydrophilic polymers, leading to protein contamination and reduced effectiveness in applications like biopharmaceutical filtration.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric membrane is modified by coating with hydrophilic monomers comprising amino, polyoxyalkylene, and (meth)acrylate moieties, followed by electron beam curing to stabilize the hydrophilicity and reduce protein adsorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrophilic polymers are blended with polyethersulfone to render the membrane surface hydrophilic, then protein binding tendency is reduced, but the membrane hydrophilicity decreases over time due to leaching of hydrophilic polymers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-modifying the polyethersulfone membrane surface with hydrophilic monomers before the membrane is put into service. The membrane surface is treated with monomers containing hydrophilic groups (such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) and cross-linking agents, then irradiated to form a stable hydrophilic layer. This preliminary modification ensures long-term hydrophilicity without relying on blend polymers that can leach over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polyethersulfone with surface-modified layers containing hydrophilic monomers and cross-linked structures. The base membrane maintains its mechanical strength and filtration properties, while the surface layer provides stable hydrophilicity. This composite approach allows the membrane to exhibit both structural integrity and long-term hydrophilic properties without the leaching issues of simple blends.
2Reliability
If hydrophilic polymers are used to modify the membrane surface, then protein adsorption is reduced, but the membrane structure becomes more complex and manufacturing process is more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the surface layer of the polyethersulfone membrane rather than the entire bulk material. The hydrophilic monomers and cross-linked structures are introduced specifically at the membrane surface through surface treatment processes, while the bulk membrane retains its simple polyethersulfone structure. This localized modification provides protein resistance without complicating the overall membrane structure or manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by controlling the surface modification process through parameters such as monomer concentration, irradiation dose, and cross-linking agent amount. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves sufficient hydrophilicity and protein resistance while keeping the modification depth and structural complexity within acceptable limits. The surface layer thickness and composition can be adjusted by controlling irradiation dose and monomer concentration.
3Reliability
If the membrane surface is modified with hydrophilic monomers and cured with electron beam, then hydrophilicity is stabilized and protein adsorption is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by making the electron beam irradiation step an integral part of the membrane manufacturing process. The membrane undergoes continuous processing through monomer application, irradiation, and cross-linking in a streamlined sequence without interruption. This continuous approach ensures complete surface modification and stable hydrophilicity formation while optimizing energy efficiency through uninterrupted processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing the electron beam irradiation parameters such as dose, intensity, and exposure time to achieve sufficient cross-linking and hydrophilic layer formation with minimal energy input. By controlling the irradiation dose and monomer concentration, the patent achieves stable hydrophilicity while minimizing energy consumption. The cross-linking density and layer thickness can be adjusted by varying irradiation parameters.
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 modified membrane maintains long-term hydrophilicity, reduces protein adsorption, and maintains effective filtration performance even after multiple sterilization cycles, suitable for biopharmaceutical and other filtration applications.
Implementation Method 1
coating with hydrophilic monomers and curing the hydrophilic monomers with electron beam
Implementation Method 2
curing the hydrophilic monomers with electron beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to a polymeric membrane, comprising a modified surface obtained from coating with hydrophilic monomers and curing the hydrophilic monomers with electron beam, wherein the hydrophilic monomers comprise at least one amino moiety, at least one polyoxyalkylene unit, and at least one (meth)acrylate moiety.