Abstract: A process for forming a porous nanoscale membrane is described. The process involves applying a nanoscale film to one side of a substrate, where the nanoscale film includes a semiconductor material; masking an opposite side of the substrate; etching the substrate, beginning from the masked opposite side of the substrate and continuing until a passage is formed through the substrate, thereby exposing the film on both sides thereof to form a membrane; and then simultaneously forming a plurality of randomly spaced pores in the membrane. The resulting porous nanoscale membranes, characterized by substantially smooth surfaces, high pore densities, and high aspect ratio dimensions, can be used in filtration devices, microfluidic devices, fuel cell membranes, and as electron microscopy substrates.

Abstract: A process for forming a porous nanoscale membrane is described. The process involves applying a nanoscale film to one side of a substrate, where the nanoscale film includes a semiconductor material; masking an opposite side of the substrate; etching the substrate, beginning from the masked opposite side of the substrate and continuing until a passage is formed through the substrate, thereby exposing the film on both sides thereof to form a membrane; and then simultaneously forming a plurality of randomly spaced pores in the membrane. The resulting porous nanoscale membranes, characterized by substantially smooth surfaces, high pore densities, and high aspect ratio dimensions, can be used in filtration devices, microfluidic devices, fuel cell membranes, and as electron microscopy substrates.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods for facilitating fluid flow through the nanopores of membranes, i.e., through sub-micron pores. The present invention is also directed to one or more apparatus for such fluid flow, and for nanoporous membranes modified to facilitate such fluid flow.

Abstract: A process for forming a porous nanoscale membrane is described. The process involves applying a nanoscale film to one side of a substrate, where the nanoscale film includes a semiconductor material; masking an opposite side of the substrate; etching the substrate, beginning from the masked opposite side of the substrate and continuing until a passage is formed through the substrate, thereby exposing the film on both sides thereof to form a membrane; and then simultaneously forming a plurality of randomly spaced pores in the membrane. The resulting porous nanoscale membranes, characterized by substantially smooth surfaces, high pore densities, and high aspect ratio dimensions, can be used in filtration devices, microfluidic devices, fuel cell membranes, and as electron microscopy substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for co-culturing two or more populations of cells using ultrathin, porous membranes positioned between cell culture chambers. Multiple chamber devices and uses thereof are described, including the formation of in vitro tissue models for studying drug delivery, cell-cell interactions, and the activity of low abundance molecular species.