Abstract: A method of producing a medical device having a substrate and a hydrophilic polymer layer, including the steps of: pretreating the substrate by placing the substrate in an alkali solution and heating the substrate at a temperature ranging from 50° C. to 100° C.; and heating a solution containing the pretreated substrate, a hydrophilic polymer having an acidic group and a hydroxyalkyl group, and an organic acid at a temperature ranging from 50° C. to 100° C. Provided is a simple method of producing a medical device imparted with hydrophilicity excellent in durability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a copolymer composition comprising a polyether-based copolymer, wherein the copolymer dissolves in one or more of an alcohol and alcohol-water mixture. Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a thin-film composite membrane comprising a porous support and a selective layer comprising a polyether-based copolymer, wherein the polyether-based copolymer dissolves in one or more of an alcohol and alcohol-water mixture. Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a method of capturing one or more chemical species comprising contacting a thin-film composite membrane with a fluid composition, wherein the fluid composition includes at least CO2 and capturing CO2 from the fluid composition. Embodiments of the present disclosure also describe methods of synthesizing copolymer compositions and methods of fabricating composite membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical analysis device and a cell analysis method, which can capture many types of cancer cells, including cancer cells not expressing EpCAM. The present invention relates to a medical analysis device having a well portion, the well portion having a hydrophilic polymer layer formed at least partly on the inner surface thereof, the hydrophilic polymer layer having fibronectin adsorbed thereto.

Abstract: A composition comprising: a) 5 to 65 wt % of curable compound comprising one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one anionic group; b) 2.5 to 70 wt % of crosslinking agent comprising at least two acrylic groups; c) a tertiary amine; and d) 0 to 45 wt % of inert solvent; wherein the molar ratio of component c) to a) is at least 0.7. Also described are a process for making composite membranes and the resultant membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to caustic resistant membranes formed by solvent casting a blend of one or more polyvinylidene fluoride polymers with one or more acrylic polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer supported reagent comprising a novel crosslinked mesoporous polymer, enabling a simple and easy production of an azoxy compound or an azo compound from an aromatic nitro compound, and a method of selectively reducing an aromatic nitro compound by using the same. The polymer supported reagent comprises a certain acrylamide mesoporous crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying a recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) or recombinant FSH variant. The method comprises the steps of subjecting a liquid containing a recombinant FSH or recombinant FSH variant to an anion exchange chromatography, to a hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and to a dye affinity chromatography, wherein these chromatographies may be performed in any order, and wherein the method neither comprises a weak anion exchange chromatography nor a reverse phase chromatography. The method of purification results in a high yield of recombinant FSH having a desired degree of purity. The obtained FSH is especially useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of disorders and medical indications where FSH preparations are considered as useful remedies.

Abstract: A moisture-permeable separating membrane material includes a porous fluororesin membrane, a continuous moisture-permeable resin layer formed on the surface of the porous fluororesin membrane, and a textile layer for reinforcing the porous fluororesin membrane and the continuous moisture-permeable resin layer. The textile layer contains a flame retardant in the inside of each fiber and the surface of each fiber has been treated with a flame retardant. The moisture-permeable separating membrane material makes it possible to improve flame retardancy without deteriorating heat exchange characteristics.

Abstract: Asymmetric membranes comprising a first asymmetric porous zone including a first porous asymmetry that increases from the first exterior surface through the first porous zone of the bulk, and a second asymmetric porous zone including a second porous asymmetry that increases from the second exterior surface through the second porous zone of the bulk, wherein the first average pore size is larger than the second average pore size, as well as methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

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: A separation matrix comprises a porous surface layer; and a bulk porous support, wherein both the porous surface layer and the bulk porous support comprising a block copolymer. The block copolymer comprises A-B or A-B-A repeating units, wherein A and B at each occurrence are two different blocks of oligomer, or polymer. A structural unit of block A is derived from one or more atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)-active monomer or oligomer and a structural unit of block B is derived from a thermoplastic ATRP-active macro initiator. A poly dispersity index of the block copolymer is at least about 2.

Abstract: A reactive polymer-supported porous film for separator, that has sufficient adhesiveness between electrodes and separator and can suitably be used to produce a battery having low internal resistance and high rate performance, a method for producing the porous film, a method for producing a battery using the porous film, and an electrode/porous film assembly are disclosed. The reactive polymer-supported porous film for battery separator includes a porous film substrate having supported thereon a reactive polymer obtained by reacting a crosslinkable polymer having at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of 3-oxetanyl group and epoxy group in the molecule, with an acid anhydride, thereby partially crosslinking the polymer.

Abstract: A resilient anion exchange membrane including a porous matrix impregnated with a cross-linked homogenous ion-transferring polymer that fills the pores and substantially covers the surfaces of the porous matrix. The cross-linked homogenous ion-transferring polymer formed by polymerizing a homogeneous solution including (i) a hydrophilic ionic monomer selected from a group consisting of 3-methacryloylaminopropyl trimethylammonium chloride, vinylbenzyl trimethylammonium chloride, 3-acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride, 2-acryloyloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride, and mixtures thereof, with (ii) a hydrophobic cross-linking oligomer selected from a group consisting of polyurethane oligomer diacrylate, polyester oligomer diacrylate, epoxy oligomer diacrylate, polybutadiene oligomer diacrylate, silicone diacrylate, dimethacrylate counterparts thereof, polyurethane oligomers having three or more vinyl groups, polyester oligomers having three or more vinyl groups, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Synthetic membranes for the removal, isolation or purification of substances from a liquid. The membranes include at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer. 5-40 wt.-% of particles having an average particles size of between 0.1 and 15 ?m are entrapped. The membrane has a wall thickness of below 150 ?m. Methods for preparing the membranes in various geometries, and use of the membranes for the adsorption, isolation and/or purification of substances from a liquid are explored.

Abstract: Method for preparing a filtration membrane and a filtration membrane prepared by the method. According to one embodiment, the method involves casting a polymer solution onto a porous support to form a coated support. The coated support is then quenched to form a membrane/support composite, and the membrane/support composite is then dried. Next, a first end of a first piece of adhesive tape is applied to the membrane side of the composite, and the second end of the first piece of adhesive tape is applied to a first rotatable winder. In addition, a first end of a second piece of adhesive tape is applied to the support side of the composite, and the second end of the second piece of adhesive tape is applied to a second rotatable winder. The two winders are then rotated so as to pull apart the membrane from the support.

Abstract: The present invention discloses antimicrobial water treatment membranes, comprising a water treatment membrane, covalently attached to one or more antimicrobial polymers or derivatives thereof, either directly or via one or more tether molecules. There are also provided a process for preparing these antimicrobial membranes, and uses thereof in water treatment applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for liquid distillation which includes a vapor permeable-liquid impermeable microporous membrane having structures defining a plurality of pores, an oleophobic material that is applied to the structures of the membrane so as to leave the plurality of pores open, a means for supplying non-distilled liquid to the first side of the membrane, and a means for collecting distilled liquid from a second side of the membrane. In a further example, the present invention provides a method for the distillation of liquids.

Abstract: A method comprises disposing, on a porous support membrane, an aqueous mixture comprising a crosslinkable polymer comprising a poly(meth)acrylate and/or poly(meth)acrylamide backbone, thereby forming an initial film layer, wherein the crosslinkable polymer comprises a side chain nucleophilic amine group capable of interfacially reacting with a multi-functional acid halide crosslinking agent to form a crosslinked polymer; contacting the initial film layer with a mixture comprising i) the multi-functional acid halide crosslinking agent, ii) an optional accelerator, and iii) an organic solvent, the organic solvent being a non-solvent for the crosslinkable polymer; and allowing the crosslinkable polymer to interfacially react with the crosslinking agent, thereby forming a composite filtration membrane comprising an anti-fouling selective layer comprising the crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for composite membranes which may include a porous graphene layer in contact with a porous support substrate. In various examples, a surface of the porous support substrate may include at least one of: a thermo-formed polymer characterized by a glass transition temperature, a woven fibrous membrane, and/or a nonwoven fibrous membrane. Examples of the composite membranes permit the use of highly porous woven or nonwoven fibrous support membranes instead of intermediate porous membrane supports. In several examples, the composite membranes may include porous graphene layers directly laminated onto the fibrous membranes via the thermo-formed polymers. The described composite membranes may be useful for separations, for example, of gases, liquids and solutions.

Abstract: A method for forming a filter in a fluid flow path in a microfluidic device is provided. The method includes introducing a photopolymerization reaction solution into the microfluidic device; and performing polymerization of photopolymerization reaction solution to form a filter in the fluid flow path in a microfluidic device.

Abstract: A composition comprises a crosslinked poly(meth)acrylate comprising two or more poly(meth)acrylate backbones covalently linked to a bridging group, the backbones comprising i) respective first repeat units, each of which comprises a first side chain ester moiety comprising a hydrophilic poly(alkylene oxide) chain segment, ii) respective second repeat units, each of which comprises a second side chain ester moiety directly linked to the bridging group through a linking group selected from the group consisting of carbamate groups, urea groups, and thiocarbamate groups, and iii) respective third repeat units, each of which comprises a hydrophobic side chain moiety not directly linked to any bridging group. Composite filtration membranes having a selective layer that comprises the composition exhibit useful anti-fouling and/or salt rejection characteristics.

Abstract: A method comprises disposing, on a porous support membrane, an aqueous mixture comprising a crosslinkable polymer comprising a poly(meth)acrylate and/or poly(meth)acrylamide backbone, thereby forming an initial film layer, wherein the crosslinkable polymer comprises a side chain nucleophilic amine group capable of interfacially reacting with a multi-functional acid halide crosslinking agent to form a crosslinked polymer; contacting the initial film layer with a mixture comprising i) the multi-functional acid halide crosslinking agent, ii) an optional accelerator, and iii) an organic solvent, the organic solvent being a non-solvent for the crosslinkable polymer; and allowing the crosslinkable polymer to interfacially react with the crosslinking agent, thereby forming a composite filtration membrane comprising an anti-fouling selective layer comprising the crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a desalination treatment membrane includes a desalting membrane and a base material which is disposed in close contact with the desalting membrane, wherein a solid salt is fixed to the base material by a graft-polymerization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite semipermeable membrane, which comprises a separation functional layer on a microporous support, and in which the separation functional layer is made of a condensation product of a polymer that has acidic groups and a trialkoxysilane groups having an imidazolium structure in side chains. The composite semipermeable membrane has excellent selective separation performance for divalent ions over monovalent ions, while exhibiting excellent long-term durability. Also disclosed is a method for producing the composite semipermeable membrane. The composite semipermeable membrane is suitable for uses in various water treatment fields such as the desalination of seawater and the production of drinking water. In addition, the composite semipermeable membrane does not deteriorate as much as conventional composite semipermeable membrane even in cases where the membrane is sterilized by having chlorine-containing raw water permeate therethrough continuously or intermittently.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to microfiltration and ultrafiltration membranes comprising a microporous material. The microporous material comprises: (a) a polyolefin matrix present in an amount of at least 2 percent by weight, (b) finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble silica filler distributed throughout said matrix, said filler constituting from about 10 percent to about 90 percent by weight of said coated microporous material substrate, (c) at least 20 percent by volume of a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the coated microporous material, and (d) at least one coating composition applied to at least one surface of the membrane to adjust the surface energy of the membrane.

Abstract: A separation membrane includes a membrane comprising a polymer, characterized in that a functional layer is formed on the surface in one side of the membrane, the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface of the preceding functional layer is 0.1% (by atomic number) or more but not more than 10 (% by atomic number), and the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface opposite to the functional layer is not more than 10 (% by atomic number). A separation membrane module suffering from little sticking of organic matters, proteins, platelets and so on is provided with the separation membrane as a built-in membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sugar-immobilized polymer substrate for removing a virus, the polymer substrate allowing efficient removal of a hepatitis virus or the like in a fluid, and a method for removing a virus. In particular, the present invention provides a sugar-immobilized polymer substrate for removing a hepatitis virus or the like, the polymer substrate allowing, in the case of an application to blood of a living body, reduction in the amount of blood taken out of the body, reduction in the removal amount of blood useful components, low invasiveness, and shortening of the operation cycle; and a method for removing a virus. A hollow fiber membrane according to the present invention can be used as a module having a function of effectively removing a virus and a function of not removing useful plasma components.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a composite semipermeable membrane which has excellent chemical resistance, separation performance, and water permeability, and the composite semipermeable membrane has the following structure. The present invention provides a composite semipermeable membrane in which an separation function layer is formed on a microporous supporting membrane, wherein the separation function layer is formed from (A) a silicon compound in which a reactive group having an ethylenically unsaturated group and a hydrolyzable group are directly bonded to silicon atoms, and (B) a compound having an ethylenically unsaturated group other than the silicon compound, by condensation of the hydrolyzable group of the silicon compound (A) and polymerization of the ethylenically unsaturated group of the silicon compound (A) and the ethylenically unsaturated group of the compound (B) having the ethylenically unsaturated group.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis membrane includes a porous support, a polyamide active layer formed on the porous support, and a coating layer including a copolymer including an amphoteric ionic compound and glycidyl (meth)acrylate. The coating layer makes a chemical bond with the polyamide active layer. A method of manufacturing the reverse osmosis membrane also is disclosed.

Abstract: A separation membrane includes a membrane comprising a polymer, characterized in that a functional layer is formed on the surface in one side of the membrane, the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface of the preceding functional layer is 0.1% (by atomic number) or more but not more than 10 (% by atomic number), and the peak area percentage of carbon derived from ester group measured by the electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) on the surface opposite to the functional layer is not more than 10 (% by atomic number). A separation membrane module suffering from little sticking of organic matters, proteins, platelets and so on is provided with the separation membrane as a built-in membrane.

Abstract: A membrane distillation system is provided for distilling liquids. The membrane distillation system includes a heat generating means for heating a non-distilled liquid. The membrane distillation system further includes a microporous membrane that is asymmetric and vapor permeable. The microporous membrane includes a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer. The membrane distillation system further includes a supply means for delivering the heated non-distilled liquid to the hydrophilic layer of the microporous membrane. A collection means is further provided for collecting distilled liquid from the hydrophobic layer of the microporous membrane. A method of fabricating the microporous membrane for use in the membrane distillation system is also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing a resilient ion exchange membrane. The process comprises the steps of (1) selecting a porous matrix, (2) saturating the porous matrix with a homogenous solution comprising a mixture of: (i) a hydrophilic ionic monomer, (ii) a hydrophobic cross-linking oligomer and/or a comonomer, (iii) a free radical initiator, and (iii) a solvent for solubilizing the hydrophilic ionic monomer, the hydrophobic cross-linking oligomer and/or comonomer, and the free radical initiator into a homogenous mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing RAFT, ATRP or NMRP functionalized thin film composite (TFC) polyamide membranes on a microporous substrate. A further aspect of the invention is the subsequent modification of the thin film composite polyamide membrane by controlled free radical polymerization (CFRP) to yield membranes having new chemical and physical properties, e.g. antifouling and/or antibacterial properties. Further aspects of the invention are the functionalized thin film composite (TFC) polyamide membranes on the microporous substrate itself and the membranes modified by controlled free radical polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation membrane for water treatment having high water flux and membrane contamination preventing characteristics, and a manufacturing method thereof. The separation membrane for water treatment according to the present invention includes a nanofiber wherein the separation membrane has a surface electric charge. According to the present invention, a separation membrane for water treatment having high water flux and membrane contamination preventing characteristics, and a manufacturing method thereof may be implemented.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hydrophilic membrane and hydrophilic membranes having improved antifouling property using a supercritical fluid or a subcritical fluid. The method involves combining a coating solution from a hydrophilic group-containing monomer, an initiator, a cross-linking agent and a supercritical fluid or subcritical fluid in a high pressure solution vessel and transferring the coating solution to a membrane in a high pressure coating vessel, coating the surfaces and micropores of the membranes through cross-linking polymerization reactions. Non-reacted coating material is returned to the high pressure solution vessel. The membranes are removed from the coating vessel, cleaned and dried. The hydrophilic membrane manufactured by the present invention is excellent in properties of hydrophobic membranes such as thermal stability, chemical stability and mechanical strength, and surfaces and micropores of the membranes are uniformly coated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibiofouling composition, an antibiofouling membrane and a method for forming the same. The antibiofouling composition comprises a copolymer and at least one solvent. The copolymer comprises at least one hydrophobic segment and at least one antibiofouling segment where the hydrophobic segment comprises a plurality of hydrophobic moieties and the antibiofouling segment comprises a plurality of antibiofouling moieties. The molar ratio of the total of hydrophobic moieties to the total of the antibiofouling moieties is 0.5˜6.0.

Abstract: A separation membrane is provided containing hydrophilic molecules and having, as formed on at least one surface of a feed side and a permeate side thereof, a height difference of from 80 ?m to 2000 ?m, in which a weight of the hydrophilic molecules in a bone-dry separation membrane is from 0.1% to 40% based on a weight of the bone-dry separation membrane from which the weight of the hydrophilic molecules has been subtracted.

Abstract: Described herein are filtration membranes and related, compositions, methods and systems and in particular filtration membranes with embedded polymeric micro/nanoparticles and related compositions, methods, and systems.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed towards polyacrylonitrile- (PAN-) based, amphophilic graft copolymers, for example, for the production of membranes for liquid filtration. In one aspect, the present invention provides systems and methods for preparing high flux, fouling resistant nanofiltration membranes whose pore size can be readily tuned. In some cases, microphase separation of a graft copolymer comprising a backbone comprising polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and hydrophilic side-chains is used. In some cases, nanochannels of tunable width are formed, which may give the membrane permselective properties and/or anti-fouling character. In some cases, a copolymer may be used as an additive in the immersion precipitation casting of ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes. In certain instances, the additive can segregate to the membrane exterior and/or pore surfaces, e.g.

Abstract: Hydrophilic porous substrates, methods of making hydrophilic porous substrates from hydrophobic polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: Filtration membrane comprising polymeric nanofibers and/or microfibers attaching dendrimer component presenting reactive sites selective for chemicals to be filtered, and related nanofibers and microfibers, composite materials, compositions, methods and system.

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: Hydrophilic porous substrates, methods of making hydrophilic porous substrates from hydrophobic polymers are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite membrane includes a filtration membrane and a layer on a surface of the filtration membrane. The layer includes a polymer including a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) derivative with a hydrophilic moiety attached to at least one vertex thereof. A method for making a composite membrane includes applying to a surface of a filtration membrane a photopolymerizable composition including a POSS compound, a hydrophilic comonomer, and a photoinitiator. The composition is cured to form a hydrophilic layer on the filtration membrane.

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: The present invention discloses a membrane stack comprising a first and second membrane layers, and a spacer layer disposed between said first and second membrane layers, said membrane stack configured such that fluid passes through said membrane stack in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said membrane layers and said spacer layer. The application also discloses a module comprising a membrane as described above, said module having a fluid flow path that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the major surface of the membrane and spacer layers ins aid membrane stack.

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: The present invention provides porous barrier compositions comprising color change indicators and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present application discloses a membrane stack comprising a first and second membrane layers, and a spacer layer disposed between said first and second membrane layers, said membrane stack configured such that fluid passes through said membrane stack in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said membrane layers and said spacer layer. The application also discloses a module comprising a membrane as described above, said module having a fluid flow path that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the major surface of the membrane and spacer layers in said membrane stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides sintered polymeric materials and methods of making the same which are useful in a variety of applications. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a sintered polymeric material comprising at least one plastic and at least one elastomer.