Robust Polymeric Membrane for Protein Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric membranes for fluid filtration lack robustness and stability, particularly in hydrophilic and protein-containing solutions, with issues related to protein adsorption and fouling, and require improved hydrophilicity and mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A hydrophilic porous membrane is developed by polymerizing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate with a hydrophobic polymer, forming a random copolymer network that is highly crosslinked and stable, using an initiator in a solvent, which enhances hydrophilicity and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polymeric membranes are used for fluid filtration, then basic filtration is achieved, but the membranes lack robustness and stability in hydrophilic and protein-containing solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydrophobic polymer matrices with hydrophilic crosslinked polymer networks to create a composite membrane structure. This composite approach integrates the mechanical strength of hydrophobic polymers with the protein-resistant properties of hydrophilic crosslinked networks, achieving both robustness and stability in protein-containing solutions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies membrane properties by controlling crosslinking density, hydrophilicity parameters, and polymer composition ratios. By adjusting these parameters during the crosslinking process, the membrane achieves optimized stability and performance characteristics for filtering protein-containing solutions
2Object-generated harmful factors
If membranes are made more hydrophilic to reduce protein adsorption, then protein binding capacity decreases, but mechanical strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a membrane with differentiated zones: a hydrophobic polymer matrix providing mechanical strength and structural integrity, and hydrophilic crosslinked polymer networks concentrated at the filtration surface to reduce protein adsorption. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of strength and anti-fouling properties
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane combines hydrophobic polymers for structural support with hydrophilic crosslinked networks for protein resistance, creating a composite structure where each component performs its specialized function without compromising the other
3Reliability
If crosslinking is increased to improve membrane stability, then membrane robustness improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates crosslinkable functional groups and crosslinking agents into the membrane formulation before casting. The actual crosslinking occurs in-situ during or after membrane formation through simple thermal or chemical treatment, avoiding complex multi-step manufacturing processes while achieving high crosslinking density and robustness
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 resulting membrane is highly hydrophilic, robust, and stable, maintaining hydrophilicity and mechanical integrity under various chemical and thermal treatments, with low protein binding capacity and high throughput, suitable for filtering protein-containing solutions without significant deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing in a solvent: (a) 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate of formula (I)... to form a random copolymer
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrophilic porous membranes comprising a random copolymer of: (a) 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate of formula (I): (b) an ethylene glycol dimethacrylate of formula (II): and (c) 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate of formula (III): and a hydrophobic polymer; filters including the membranes, and methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.