UV-Grafted Polymeric Membrane for Biopharmaceutical Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrophilic polymeric membranes used in micro- and ultrafiltration applications, such as in biopharmaceutical processes, face challenges with long-term hydrophilicity and protein resistance due to leaching of hydrophilic polymers, leading to contamination and reduced effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric membrane with a modified surface comprising acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and/or copolymers, achieved by irradiating a polymeric membrane with actinic radiation of wavelengths greater than 290 nm in a solution of these monomers, ensuring the modified surface extends over at least 50% of the membrane thickness, enhancing hydrophilicity and reducing protein binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydrophilic polymers are blended into the polymer matrix to render the membrane surface hydrophilic, then hydrophilicity is improved, but the polymers leach out over time leading to contamination and decreased hydrophilicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-grafting hydrophilic polymer chains onto the membrane matrix during the membrane formation process itself, rather than attempting to fix leaching polymers later. The hydrophilic polymer is incorporated as a graft component during phase separation, ensuring it is permanently anchored to the matrix before the membrane is put into service, thereby preventing future leaching and contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuity of useful action by creating a permanently hydrophilic membrane structure where the hydrophilic polymer is continuously anchored to the matrix through grafting. This ensures long-term maintenance of hydrophilicity without the need for periodic replacement or re-treatment, as the hydrophilic function is continuously sustained through the permanent graft structure
2Reliability
If hydrophilic polymers are blended into the polymer matrix to obtain low protein binding tendency, then protein resistance is improved, but the polymers leach out leading to loss of target proteins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-grafting hydrophilic polymer chains onto the membrane matrix during the membrane formation process itself, rather than attempting to fix leaching polymers later. The hydrophilic polymer is incorporated as a graft component during phase separation, ensuring it is permanently anchored to the matrix before the membrane is put into service, thereby preventing future leaching and contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the hydrophilic polymer grafts specifically at the membrane surface and within the pore structure where they are most needed for protein resistance. The grafting occurs locally during phase separation at the membrane-forming stage, creating zones of high hydrophilicity precisely where protein interaction occurs, rather than uniformly distributing polymers throughout the bulk material
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the membrane surface is modified to extend hydrophilic properties throughout the wall, then long-term hydrophilicity is improved, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the membrane formation process with the hydrophilic modification process into a single integrated step. During phase separation, the hydrophilic polymer is simultaneously incorporated as a graft component and the membrane structure is formed, eliminating the need for separate surface modification steps and reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving thorough throughout-wall hydrophilicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the phase separation conditions during membrane formation to enable in-situ grafting of hydrophilic polymer. By adjusting parameters such as solvent composition, temperature, and additives during the phase separation process, the patent creates conditions that promote grafting without requiring additional complex equipment or multi-step procedures
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 exhibits long-term hydrophilicity and low protein binding, making it suitable for biopharmaceutical applications with improved filtration efficiency and reduced contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
Irradiating the solution and the polymeric membrane with actinic radiation of wavelengths of greater than 290 nm
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to a polymeric membrane having a first surface and a second surface and a wall extending between the first and second surface, the membrane comprising pores on the first and second surfaces and throughout the wall, the membrane comprising a modified surface, the modified surface comprising acrylate and/or methacrylate polymers and/or copolymers, wherein the modified surface extends at least over the first and/or the second surface, and over the pores of at least 50% of the thickness of the wall. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a method for producing such a membrane as well as a use of the membranes as disclosed herein for purification of aqueous media such as in biopharmaceutical applications.