Abstract: A system is provided for separating particulates dispersed within a base fluid wherein at least one of the particulates and the base fluid is an organic liquid. The system relies on a microfluidic separation device comprising a microchannel in fluid communication across a microporous body with a collection chamber. Particulates and a portion of the base fluid traverse the microporous body under the influence of an external force field and are collected in the collection chamber. A first fluid flow having a first flow rate through the microchannel together with the microporous body operationally generate a second fluid flow within the collection chamber as base fluid and particulates traverse the microporous body and enter the collection chamber, and as base fluid re-traverses the microporous body and re-enters the microchannel, the second fluid flow having a flow rate which is a fraction of the first flow rate.

Abstract: A solid substrate for biological sample storage under dry-state and elution of biomolecules is provided. The dry, solid substrate is coated with saccharides, such as monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides or combinations thereof, and the substrate is comprised of one or more protein denaturing agents impregnated therein under a substantially dry state. A method for elution of biomolecules from biological samples is also provided. The compositions disclosed herein provide for enhanced elution and recovery of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, from the sample. The sample is disposed on a substrate, dried to a substantially dry state; eluted from the biological sample dried on the substrate by rehydrating the substrate in an elution buffer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of reducing fouling and increasing the efficiency of microfiltration and ultrafiltration systems by adding an effective amount of a tannin-based polymer to wastewater containing high concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS), such as produced water, prior to filtration. Additional pretreatment to separate out and remove coagulated solids before filtration is not required. Typically, the tannin polymer used in treating the process water is a modified tannin comprised of a Mannich reaction product of an amine, an aldehyde, and a tannin.

Abstract: Methods for treating water containing dissolved solids, suspended solids, organic material, or combinations include contacting the water with a coated membrane comprising a coating material disposed on a membrane substrate, the coating material comprising structural units derived from a compound of formula I, a compound of formula II and a compound of formula III; wherein R1, R2, and R3 are, independently at each occurrence, C1-C12 alkyl; R4 is alkylsilyl; L1 is alkylurethanyl; L2 and L3 are, independently at each occurrence, alkyl; X is hydroxy, alkoxy, or alkylamino; and m, n, and p, independently at each occurrence, range between 4 and 9. The coated membrane is joined to a backing in membrane filtration apparatuses for use in the methods.

Abstract: A microclarification system is disclosed which can be used to separate solid particulates dispersed within a base fluid such as water. The microclarification system includes a plurality of microfluidic separator units disposed between and in fluid communication with a fluid inlet manifold and a fluid outlet manifold. The microclarification system enforces lamellar flow of fluid though it and as a result the rate at which particles settle is enhanced within a collection chamber associated with each microfluidic separator unit and through which the fluid being purified must pass. Each microfluidic separator unit includes a microfluidic outlet microchannel disposed between the microfluidic collection chamber and the fluid outlet manifold, and a gas-liquid flushing module configured to purge particulates from the collection chamber during a collection chamber purge cycle. Optionally, each microfluidic separator unit may include a microfluidic inlet microchannel.

Abstract: A system is provided for separating particulates dispersed within a base fluid wherein at least one of the particulates and the base fluid is an organic liquid. The system relies on a microfluidic separation device comprising a microchannel in fluid communication across a microporous body with a collection chamber. Particulates and a portion of the base fluid traverse the microporous body under the influence of an external force field and are collected in the collection chamber. A first fluid flow having a first flow rate through the microchannel together with the microporous body operationally generate a second fluid flow within the collection chamber as base fluid and particulates traverse the microporous body and enter the collection chamber, and as base fluid re-traverses the microporous body and re-enters the microchannel, the second fluid flow having a flow rate which is a fraction of the first flow rate.

Abstract: A device is configured for separation of particulates dispersed within a base fluid, wherein the particulates have a relative density difference compared to the base fluid. The device comprises a microchannel of length l and height h comprising an inlet and an outlet; a microporous surface on one or more walls of the microchannel; a collection chamber on an opposing side of the microporous surface; and an applied force field across the height h of the microchannel to sediment the particles through the microporous surface into the collection chamber. The microporous body operationally generates a fluid flow regime comprising a first fluid flow having a first flow rate through the microchannel and a second fluid flow having a second flow rate through the collection chamber and the second flow rate is a fraction of the first flow rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to dry solid matrices for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of nucleic acids, particularly RNA, in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for collecting and recovering the nucleic acids stored in the dry solid matrix are also described.

Abstract: A solid substrate for biological sample storage under dry-state and elution of biomolecules is provided. The dry, solid substrate is coated with saccharides, such as monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides or combinations thereof, and the substrate is comprised of one or more protein denaturing agents impregnated therein under a substantially dry state. A method for elution of biomolecules from biological samples is also provided. The compositions disclosed herein provide for enhanced elution and recovery of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, from the sample. The sample is disposed on a substrate, dried to a substantially dry state; eluted from the biological sample dried on the substrate by rehydrating the substrate in an elution buffer.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to dry solid matrices for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of nucleic acids, particularly RNA, in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for collecting and recovering the nucleic acids stored in the dry solid matrix are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to dry solid matrices for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of nucleic acids, particularly RNA, in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for collecting and recovering the nucleic acids stored in the dry solid matrix are also described.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide absorbent is disclosed. The absorbent compostion contains a liquid, non-aqueous, silicon-based material, functionalized with one or more groups that reversibly react with CO2 and/or have a high-affinity for CO2; and at least one amino alcohol compound. A method for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in a process stream is also described. The method includes the step of contacting the stream with the carbon dioxide absorbent composition. A power plant that includes a carbon dioxide removal unit based on the carbon dioxide absorbent is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I): wherein ring A, ring B, G, R3, Z, L1, and L2 are selected independently of each other and are as defined herein, to compositions comprising the compounds, and to methods of using the compounds as glucagon receptor antagonists and for the treatment or prevention of type 2 diabetes and conditions related thereto.