Polymer Membrane Crosslinking for Low Protein Adsorption Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane-based filtration technologies face challenges with protein adsorption, poor caustic stability, autoclave sterilization stability, and gamma sterilization stability, leading to reduced membrane flux and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of two crosslinking agents to modify a polymer membrane through pre-wetting, irradiation, and rinsing to form a three-dimensional crosslinked network, enhancing stability and reducing protein adsorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If crosslinking agents and monomers are used to modify the membrane, then protein adsorption is reduced, but caustic stability and sterilization stability are not sufficiently improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite crosslinking system using two different crosslinking agents (e.g., glutaraldehyde and epichlorohydrin) with distinct chemical mechanisms to modify the membrane. This composite approach creates a more robust crosslinked network that simultaneously achieves low protein adsorption and high stability against caustic and sterilization conditions, which single crosslinking agents cannot accomplish alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies parameters including the types and concentrations of crosslinking agents, monomer selection, irradiation dose, and reaction conditions to optimize the membrane modification. By adjusting these parameters, the patent achieves the optimal balance between protein adsorption reduction and stability improvement that cannot be obtained with fixed conventional parameters.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing modification methods are used, then protein adsorption is reduced, but mechanical properties and pleating requirements are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies modification reagents selectively to specific regions or layers of the membrane structure, ensuring that crosslinking occurs primarily where needed for protein resistance while preserving the mechanical integrity and flexibility required for pleating in other regions. This localized modification approach maintains overall membrane strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses controlled, partial crosslinking rather than complete saturation crosslinking throughout the entire membrane. By applying moderate crosslinking density and using irradiation doses that achieve sufficient protein resistance without over-crosslinking, the patent maintains the membrane's flexibility and mechanical properties needed for manufacturing pleated filters.
3Ease of manufacture
If single crosslinking agent systems are used, then the modification process is simple, but multi-functional performance (caustic stability, sterilization stability, low protein adsorption) cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the modification process into distinct stages using different crosslinking agents with specific functions. For example, one crosslinking agent may be applied first to establish basic protein resistance, followed by a second agent to enhance caustic and sterilization stability. This segmented approach maintains process simplicity while achieving multi-functional performance through sequential, targeted modifications.
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 polymer membrane exhibits low protein adsorption, caustic stability, autoclave sterilization stability, and gamma sterilization stability while maintaining mechanical properties for filter manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
pre-wetting a polymer membrane with a crosslinking agent solution
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the pre-wetted polymer membrane to initiate a crosslinking reaction between the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent on the polymer membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modifying a polymer membrane is disclosed and includes: pre-wetting a polymer membrane using a crosslinking agent solution, where the crosslinking agent solution includes a first crosslinking agent and a second crosslinking agent; irradiating the pre-wetted polymer membrane to initiate a crosslinking reaction; and rinsing and drying the polymer membrane after the crosslinking reaction to obtain a modified polymer membrane. The method for modifying the polymer membrane uses two cross-linking agents to modify the polymer membrane, thereby forming a 3D network on the surface and within the bulk of the polymer membrane to obtain a modified polymer membrane. The modified polymer membrane has low protein adsorption, caustic stability, autoclave sterilization stability, and gamma sterilization stability, while retaining the overall mechanical properties to meet the pleatability requirement for filter manufacturing.