Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of chromatography wherein a gaseous, liquid or supercritical fluid mobile phase, which contains substances to be separated, flows through a porous packing which comprises a plurality of capillary channels which extend in the direction of flow of said mobile phase, said packing being manufactured by a method wherein: a bundle of elementary fibres is assembled, said fibres comprising a core made of a solid, liquid or gaseous material, and a shell made of a drawable material, said bundle is drawn in order to reduce the diameter of said fibres, a porous matrix is formed around the core of the drawn fibres, the formation of said porous matrix comprising a transformation of the shell material, where said porous matrix comprises at least one population of connected pores interconnecting the channels, where the thickness of the porous matrix between two adjacent channels is less than the diameter of the channels, preferably less than half the diameter of the channels, where neces

Abstract: An electrochemical device having excellent safety at high temperature is provided by using a separator for an electrochemical device, which is made of a porous film comprising: a porous base (5) having a heat-resistant temperature of 150° C. or higher and including filler particles (3); at least one kind of shutdown resin (6) selected from the group consisting of resin A that has a melting point in a range of 80° C. to 130° C. and resin B that absorbs an electrolyte and swells due to heating, and the swelling degree is increased as the temperature rises; and a binder (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic device for extracting and isolating DNA from cells. The device includes a support having an inlet port for receiving a sample containing a cell, an outlet port for dispensing DNA isolated from the cell, and a microfluidic channel disposed within the support and extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. The microfluidic channel includes a micropillar array, an inflow channel disposed between the inlet port and the micropillar array, and an outflow channel disposed between the micropillar array and the outlet port. The micropillar array includes micropillars spatially configured to entrap, by size exclusion, the cell, to immobilize DNA released from the cell, and to maintain the immobilized DNA in elongated or non-elongated form when hydrodynamic force is applied to the microfluidic channel. Systems and methods of making and using the device are also provided herein.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a method of cell lysis includes moving cell fluid from a first reservoir through a microfluidic channel toward a second reservoir, activating a lysing element multiple times as a cell from the cell fluid passes through the microfluidic channel, and moving lysate fluid that results from the activating through the microfluidic channel and into the second reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing.

Abstract: An interface cartridge for a microfluidic chip, with microfluidic process channels and fluidic connection holes at opposed ends of the process channels, provides ancillary fluid structure, including fluid flow channels and input and/or waste wells, which mix and/or convey reaction fluids to the fluidic connection holes and into the process channels of the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic device for extracting and isolating DNA from cells. The device includes a support having an inlet port for receiving a sample containing a cell, an outlet port for dispensing DNA isolated from the cell, and a microfluidic channel disposed within the support and extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. The microfluidic channel includes a micropillar array, an inflow channel disposed between the inlet port and the micropillar array, and an outflow channel disposed between the micropillar array and the outlet port. The micropillar array includes micropillars spatially configured to entrap, by size exclusion, the cell, to immobilize DNA released from the cell, and to maintain the immobilized DNA in elongated or non-elongated form when hydrodynamic force is applied to the microfluidic channel. Systems and methods of making and using the device are also provided herein.

Abstract: A filtration element for filtering a fluid medium comprising a rigid porous support of cylindrical shape having a longitudinal central axis (A) and comprising a plurality of channels for the circulation of the fluid medium to be filtered with a view to recovering a filtrate at the periphery of the support. The channels are parallel to a central axis of the support. The channels have at least three filtration crowns, characterized in that at the three crowns closest to the periphery of the support there is at least a substantial alignment of 3 adjacent axes among the axes of the flow and connection paths and the axes of the channels, which favors the mechanical strength of the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell lysis apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly, to a cell lysis apparatus, which mechanically performs cell lysis, and a manufacturing method thereof. The cell lysis apparatus includes: an inlet port through which fluid containing cells is supplied; a fluid channel defining a passage through which the cell containing fluid supplied from the inlet port flows; a nano blade array including a plurality of nano blades having pointed leading ends and arranged such that the pointed leading ends of the nano blades are oriented in a direction of the fluid supplied through the inlet port to disrupt the cells passing therethrough; and an outlet port through which the disrupted cells and the fluid are discharged.

Abstract: A bicomponent fiber is disclosed, in addition to systems and processes for making the bicomponent fiber. The bicomponent fiber can include a glass core and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheath circumferentially enclosing the glass core, wherein the bicomponent fiber has a diameter between approximately five micrometers and approximately twenty micrometers.

Abstract: Articles such as filter media, which include dendrimers and/or other components, are provided. The filter media may further include a water repellant (e.g., a fluorinated species) to impart desirable properties to the media such as high water repellency. The filter media may also have a high efficiency as a function of pressure drop (i.e., high gamma values). In some embodiments, the filter media includes a fiber web which may be formed of various components such as glass fibers. The fiber web can also include additional components such as synthetic fibers, binder components, as well as other additives. The media may be incorporated into a variety of filter element products.

Abstract: A composite detection device having in-line desalting is provided. The composite detection device comprises a membrane configured for desalting at least a portion of an analyte stream, and a nanostructure for detecting a bio-molecule or a bio-molecule interaction, wherein the nanostructure and the membrane are arranged such that an analyte stream desalted at least in part by the membrane is detected by the nanostructure. A bio-sending detection system having the composite detection device and method of fabrication of the composite detection device are also provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a honeycomb shaped porous ceramic body in which a strength deteriorates less than before after a separation layer is formed, a manufacturing method for the porous ceramic body, and a honeycomb shaped ceramic separation membrane structure. A honeycomb shaped porous ceramic body 9 includes a honeycomb shaped substrate 30 and an intermediate layer. At least a part of the intermediate layer of the honeycomb shaped porous ceramic body 9 has a structure in which aggregate particles are bonded to one another by a component of an inorganic bonding material. The inorganic bonding material is titania.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a filtration membrane comprising a thin polymeric membrane film in which mesoporous silica nanoparticles are embedded. The membrane may be a thin-film nanocomposite membrane useful for reverse osmosis or nanofiltration. The present invention is also directed to a filtration membrane comprising a thin polymeric membrane film formed from a solution comprising less than 0.1 wt % mesoporous nanoparticles.

Abstract: A miniature sieve apparatus is described and includes a first sieve, a separator and a second sieve from top to bottom. The first and second sieves are formed with at least one first mesh and a plurality of second meshes, respectively. The first and second meshes are misaligned with each other in a vertical direction of the first and second sieves. The miniature sieve apparatus is provided to separate or screen microparticles with different sizes, such as target cells, bio-medical particles, organic or inorganic microparticles. Additionally, the invention also provides a manufacturing method of the miniature sieve apparatus, and the same material is applied to manufacture the sieves and the separators. Thus, the problem caused by the residual thermal stress due to different material can be solved. Therefore, the cost of the miniature sieve apparatus can be lowered as the yield rate thereof is improved.

Abstract: A ceramic membrane for separating oil from water. The membrane contains a ceramic substrate having pore channels, and carbon nanotubes extending from surfaces of the ceramic substrate, wherein the ceramic substrate has a thickness of 0.1 to 50 mm and a porosity of 5 to 95%, the pore channels have a diameter of 0.001 to 20 ?m, and the carbon nanotubes constitute 0.01 to 40% by weight. Also disclosed are a method of preparing this membrane and a method of using it.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel type of filter media that offers efficient disinfection effects, while achieving a low water pressure drop and a high water flow rate when in use. Specifically, the filter media of the invention comprises a microorganism-killing membrane containing electro spun nanofiber fabrics loaded with biocidal nano-particles. The filter media of the invention is adhesive-layer free and contains at least one thermal binding layer that are made of spunbonded nonwoven polymeric fabrics. The invention also provides a water-purification cartridge and a portable water system thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ceramic separation membrane. This ceramic separation membrane includes a porous substrate, and a separation layer formed on the substrate. The separation layer is a laminate having an outermost layer positioned on the most surface side, and a base layer positioned in a lower layer than the outermost layer and made of zeolite. The outermost layer is a layer made of a siliceous material containing 90 mol % or more of silica, an organic material-containing amorphous silica material having a Si-Cn-Si (wherein n is 1 or 2) bond and a Si/C ratio of 0.5 to 2, or a carbonaceous material containing 90 mass % or more of carbon. The outermost layer is different from the base layer.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a filtration material and a method for fabricating the same. The filtration material includes a supporting layer, and a composite layer, wherein the composite layer includes an ionic polymer and an interfacial polymer. Particularly, the ionic polymer and the interfacial polymer are intertwined with each other, resulting from ionic bonds formed between the ionic polymer and the interfacial polymer.

Abstract: A coalescence media for separation of water-hydrocarbon emulsions comprises an emulsion-contacting sheet formed of: (a) at least one component of the group consisting of natural fibers, cellulose fibers, natural-based fibers, and cellulose-based fibers, at least one component of the group consisting of high-surface-area fibrillated fibers, surface-area-enhancing synthetic material, glass microfibers, and nanoceramic functionalized fibers; and (c) at least one component of the group consisting of a dry strength additive, and a wet strength additive, wherein the fibrous components of the media constitute at least about 70% of the media. In preferred embodiments, the coalescence media comprises kraft fibers, fibrillated lyocell fibers, glass microfibers or nanoceramic functionalized fibers, a wet strength additive, and a dry strength additive. Preferably, the coalescence media is formed as a single, self-supporting layer from a wet-laid process using a homogenously distributed, wet-laid furnish.

Abstract: Components, systems, and methods for producing highly hydrophilitic, functionalized inorganic filtration membranes, pre-treating organic and biological-containing waste waters for minimal membrane fouling and scaling when processed using such functionalized membranes, and use of such functionalized membranes of the present invention in filtration systems for separating such pre-treated waste waters, all with respect to optimal permeate production rates, purity of permeate and resistance to fouling and scale formation on the membranes.

Abstract: A potable water system (10) comprises a supply line (18) and a water-purification device (20) incorporated thereinto. The water-purification device (20) comprises a microorganism filter (40) having a housing (42) and replaceable cartridge (42). The cartridge's filter media (50) includes a microorganism-capturing membrane (e.g., comprising an electropositive material) and a microorganism-killing membrane (e.g., comprising a biocidal material).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an additive that may be used in the manufacture of thin-film polyamide composite membranes. Thin-film polyamide composite membranes are used in filtration processes, such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration. The additive may be an amino-siloxane compound. The amino-siloxane compound includes repeated groups of silicon bonded to oxygen with at least one amine functional group. Optionally, the amino-siloxane compound may also include a hydrophilic group. The additive reacts with an aqueous phase and an organic phase to form a thin polyamide film on a porous substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a honeycomb-shaped ceramic separation-membrane structure having higher pressure resistance than conventional ones and being capable of reducing production costs. The honeycomb-shaped ceramic separation-membrane structure (1) is provided with a honeycomb-shaped base material (30), an intermediate layer, and a separation layer. At least part of a ceramic porous body (9) has a structure where aggregate particles are bonded to one another by an inorganic bonding material component. In the ceramic separation-membrane structure (1), an internal pressure fracture strength capable of fracturing the structure by application of water pressure inside the cells (4) is 7 MPa or more.

Abstract: A ceramic filter comprising: (a) from about 75% to about 95% by weight of diatomaceous earth; (b) from about 10% to about 20% by weight of a flux; and (c) from about 0.03% to about 0.4% by weight of a metallic compound; the percentages by weight being percentages by weight of the ceramic filter.

Abstract: Polymer composite membranes containing mesoporous particles which function in part as reinforcing agents, modifiers of polymer surface polarity, and membrane structure modifiers are provided. The composites provide superior resistance to internal damage and pore compaction, increased permeability to water with retention of separation fidelity, and resistance to chemical degradation and mechanical wear, along with minimal shedding of the reinforcing particles under applied pressure. These improvements in properties are particularly desirable for the water purification by membrane filtration methods.

Abstract: Two-dimensional material based filters, their method of manufacture, and their use are disclosed. The filters may include at least one active layer disposed on a porous substrate. The at least one active layer may include intrinsic and/or intentional formed pores. In some embodiments, the flow resistance of the porous substrate may be selected to limit flow through defects and intrinsic pores in the at least one active layer.

Abstract: Solid phase extraction (SPE) disks may be manufactured by providing a suspension comprising glass microfibers and a suspension comprising one or more sorbents and forming a disk by combining the suspensions or by layering the suspensions. This may be followed by a drying procedure to create the finished disk. A disk mold including a collar and plug may be used to establish the size and shape of the disk. Examples of various constructions and processes for forming the disks are provided.

Abstract: A method for filtering molten aluminum and aluminum alloys. The method includes providing a reticulated foam wherein oxygen is introduced to an interior of the reticulated foam. Molten aluminum or aluminum alloy is passed through the reticulated foam wherein oxygen is maintained at a partial pressure of at least 2.51×10?35 atm during filtration.

Abstract: Stabilized surfactant-based membranes and methods of manufacture thereof. Membranes comprising a stabilized surfactant mesostructure on a porous support may be used for various separations, including reverse osmosis and forward osmosis. The membranes are stabilized after evaporation of solvents; in some embodiments no removal of the surfactant is required. The surfactant solution may or may not comprise a hydrophilic compound such as an acid or base. The surface of the porous support is preferably modified prior to formation of the stabilized surfactant mesostructure. The membrane is sufficiently stable to be utilized in commercial separations devices such as spiral wound modules. Also a stabilized surfactant mesostructure coating for a porous material and filters made therefrom. The coating can simultaneously improve both the permeability and the filtration characteristics of the porous material.

Abstract: A micro fluidic system comprising at least one tube (1), a membrane (3) and at least one fitting member (4). The fitting member (4) is positioned around the membrane (3) and an end part (2) of the tube(s) (1), thereby fitting the membrane (3) to the end part(s) (2). The fitting member(s) (4) is/are made from a shrinkable material, and it/they is/are fitted tightly around the membrane (3) end part(s) (2). This is obtained by causing the shrinkable material to shrink, e.g. by heating the material, while the fitting member (4) is positioned around the membrane (3) and the end part(s) (2). It is an advantage that the fitting member (4) is made from a shrinkable material because this provides the possibility of fitting the membrane (3) tightly to the end part(s) (2) in an easy and cost effective manner. The micro fluidic system is very suitable for use in a probe, such as a dialysis probe. Also claimed is a method of manufacturing the micro fluidic system.

Abstract: An objective of the invention disclosure is to provide a composite porous film that has both a sufficient chemical resistance and strength allowing suppression of heat deflection under a liquid at a high temperature, and a filter using the same; the composite porous film for fluid separation to be provided according to the invention includes a fluoropolymer resin and a SiO2 glass.

Abstract: Disclosed is a separation media, comprising an upstream layer, comprising fibers, wherein the upstream layer has a mean flow pore size of 8 microns or less; and a downstream layer, comprising fibers. The separation media is designed to separate red blood cells from liquid specimens such as blood and allow a filtrate, such as blood plasma, to flow from said downstream layer. Also provided is a diagnostic test device incorporating the separation media. Further disclosed is a method for separating red blood cells from a liquid specimen.

Abstract: A negatively charged microporous filtration medium having a high charge density comprising a porous substrate and a polymerized cross-linked polymeric coating located on the inner and outer surfaces of the substrate. The coating may be formed from a reactant solution comprising negatively charged cross-linkable polymerizeable acrylamidoalkyl monomers and acrylamido cross-linking agents which are polymerized in situ on the substrate. The negatively charged microporous filtration medium are suitable for use as prefiltration membranes for selectively removing protein aggregates from a protein solution.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for altering the characteristics of a membrane comprising a dielectric material. The method comprises heating the membrane and applying an electric field in a direction out of the plane of the membrane to at least a portion of the dielectric material. At least a portion of the dielectric material becomes aligned with the applied electric field. In some embodiments, the membrane is piezoelectric and application of an electric signal to the membrane causes out of plane movement of the membrane. Also disclosed are membranes and systems and apparatuses comprising such membranes.

Abstract: There is provided a zeolite separation membrane-provided article having gaps or pores larger than pores inherent to zeolite crystals and controlled within an appropriate range and being capable of achieving both high permeability and high separability for components with small difference in adsorption properties or a component having a smaller molecular diameter than the diameter of the pores, a method for producing the same, a method for separating mixed fluids, and a device for separating mixed fluids. The zeolite separation membrane-provided article is provided with a zeolite membrane having an N2 gas permeation speed at room temperature of 1.0×10?6 mol·m?2·s?1·Pa?1 or more and a permeation speed ratio of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene/N2 at room temperature of 0.17 or more and being free from dyeing caused by the impregnation with Rhodamine B.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane for the microfiltration or ultrafiltration of liquid fluids, in particular for the microfiltration or ultrafiltration of water or for the filtration of nanoparticles containing fluids. The membrane is characterized in that the membrane comprises, in particular electrospun, nanofibers, wherein the nanofibers are functionalized with proteins. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for producing a membrane for the microfiltration or ultrafiltration of liquid fluids, in particular for the microfiltration or ultrafiltration of water or for the filtration of nanoparticles containing fluids. Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of a microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods to use nanoparticles as non-optical tags for detecting a change in mass. chemical sensing or bio-sensing events or reaction upon conjugation of nanoparticles onto a thermoresistor heat sensor. Particularly described is the use of metal nanoparticles in thermal sensors, thermal bio-sensors, and sensing pixel arrays for multiple analyte sensing. In addition, an asymmetric filter is disclosed that allows size separation of molecules from nanoparticles. The asymmetric filter is a porous membrane that is designed to have a small pore size in one size and a large pore size on the other side.

Abstract: A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. Functionalized nanoparticles are deposited through self assembly onto surfaces defining the nanochannels so as to decrease the final diameter of the membrane. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention pertain to porous membranes that comprise: (1) a plurality of pores with pore sizes of more than about 0.1 ?m in diameter; and (2) a plurality of hydrophilic molecules. Additional aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of separating organic compounds from a liquid sample by: (1) providing the porous membrane; and (2) flowing the liquid sample through the porous membrane in order to retain organic compounds on the porous membrane. Further aspects of the present invention pertain to systems for separating organic compounds from a liquid sample. Such systems comprises: (1) the porous membrane; and (2) a flowing unit that enables the liquid sample to flow through the porous membrane. Additional aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of making the above-described porous membranes by: (1) coating a surface of a porous membrane containing 0.

Abstract: The invention provides parylene membrane filters, filter devices and methods of making them and using them in the mechanical separation of cells and particles by size. The provision of parylene membrane filters with high figures of merit and finely controlled hole sizes allows the separation of cells and particles in a variety of biological and other fluids according to sizes.

Abstract: A hydrothermally stable, microporous organic-inorganic hybrid membrane based on silica, having an mean pore diameter of between 0.2 and 1.5 nm, is characterised in that between 5 and 40 mole % of the Si—O—Si bonds have been replaced by moieties having the one of the formulas: Si—{[CmH(n-1)X]—Si—}q, Si—[CmH(n-2)X2]—Si or Si—CmHn—Si{(CmHn)—Si—}y in which m=1-8, n=2m, 2m?2, 2m?4, 2m?6 or 2m?8; provided that n?2, X=H or (CH2)pSi, p=0 or 1, and q=1, 2, 3 or 4. The membrane can be produced by acid-catalysed hydrolysis of suitable bis-silane precursors such as bis(trialkoxysily)alkanes, preferably in the presence of monoorganyl-silane precursors such as trialkoxy-alkylsilanes.

Abstract: A thermally, heat and chemically stable polyimide asymmetric ultrafiltration membrane, is a porous film or a hollow fiber, having an anisotropic structure a selective surface layer and a substrate, wherein the selective ultraporous surface layer has size of pores 70-800 ? with thickness 0.1-10 mcm and is composed of insoluble rigid-chain aromatic (co)polyimide based on dianhydride of aromatic tetracarbonic acid and aromatic diamine and located on the microporous substrate with thickness 50-250 mcm, and the membrane has water permeability Q=(2-500)·10?4 cm/sec atm and nominal molecular weight cutoff ML=(5-500)·103 g/mol, and method for producing an ultrafiltration membrane as disclosed.

Abstract: A porous membrane may have a high concentration of spherical fillers with a polymer binder. The polymer binder may have an affinity for the filler materials and may hold the filler materials together in a porous structure with high tortuosity and consistent pore size. The membrane may be manufactured with a reinforcing web, such as non-woven web. The membrane may be greater than 50% porous with a less than 1 micron pore size. Within the pore walls that may be less than 0.02 microns in width, a densely packed filler material may have an average diameter of less than 0.005 microns.

Abstract: Articles comprising a fibrous support of nanofibers and an interfacially polymerized polymer layer disposed on a surface of the fibrous support are useful, e.g., as fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for separating molecules on the basis of size and or structure, and to a method of making the apparatus. Generally, the separation method includes passing a fluid comprising particles having different effective molecular diameters through a plurality of open, nanoscale channels disposed in surfaces of substrates. The method also includes obtaining a plurality of fractions of the passed fluid such that each of the fractions includes a major portion containing particles having similar size and shape and substantially free of particles having larger size and shape. The apparatus includes first and second substrates each of which has a surface containing a plurality of open, nanoscale channels disposed therein. The surfaces are bonded together such that each of the channels of the first substrate is in fluid communication with at least two of the channels of the second substrate and is misaligned relative to the channels of the second substrate.

Abstract: A potable water system (10) comprises a supply line (18) and a water-purification device (20) incorporated thereinto. The water-purification device (20) comprises a microorganism filter (40) having a housing (42) and replaceable cartridge (42). The cartridge's filter media (50) includes a microorganism-capturing membrane (e.g., comprising an electropositive material) and a microorganism-killing membrane (e.g., comprising a biocidal material).

Abstract: Provided is a disposable multi-layered filtration device for the separation of blood plasma which can be applied to a biochip and appropriate for disposal uses. The filtration device for the separation of blood plasma includes: an upper substrate including a blood inlet; an intermediate substrate including a filtering unit for extracting blood plasma from blood flowing through the blood inlet; and a lower substrate including an air outlet, wherein the upper substrate, the intermediate substrate, and the lower substrate are stacked and adhered.

Abstract: A microporous organic-inorganic hybrid membrane based on silica of the invention has an average pore diameter of less than 0.6 nm, and comprises bridging organosilane moieties of the formula ?O1.5Si—CHR—SiO1.5? or ?O1.5Si—CH(CH3)—SiO1.5?. The membrane can be used in the separation of hydrogen from mixtures comprising hydrogen and CH4, CO2, CO, N2, and the like, and in the separation of water from alcohols having 1-3 carbon atoms, optionally in the presence of an inorganic or organic acid.