Abstract: A method of assessing a membrane, including calculating fluid dynamic characteristics of at least one of a membrane and a material to be passed through the membrane, where the material comprises particles; obtaining characteristic of at least one force acting on the particles of the material to be passed through the membrane due to the interaction between the particles and the membrane, the at least one force being an intermolecular force; combining the calculated fluid dynamic characteristic and the obtained characteristics to assess the flow of the material through the membrane; and optimizing at least one characteristics of the membrane in relation to the material. The membrane includes a plurality of rows and a plurality of teardrop structures arranged in the plurality of rows. The teardrop structures in each row are arranged at substantially the same angle with respect to an anticipated direction of flow through the membrane.

Abstract: A method of assessing a membrane, including calculating fluid dynamic characteristics of at least one of a membrane and a material to be passed through the membrane, where the material comprises particles; obtaining characteristic of at least one force acting on the particles of the material to be passed through the membrane due to the interaction between the particles and the membrane, the at least one force being an intermolecular force; combining the calculated fluid dynamic characteristic and the obtained characteristics to assess the flow of the material through the membrane; and optimizing at least one characteristics of the membrane in relation to the material. The membrane includes a plurality of rows and a plurality of teardrop structures arranged in the plurality of rows. The teardrop structures in each row are arranged at substantially the same angle with respect to an anticipated direction of flow through the membrane.

Abstract: A method of directed evolution for developing a membrane includes using a 3D protocol to simulate particle trajectories and determine the effect of intermolecular forces on particle capture performance during membrane filtration to determine the effectiveness of different candidate membranes in optimizing performance.

Abstract: A method for modifying a polymeric surface is disclosed. The polymeric surface is activated utilizing atmospheric pressure plasma. An atom transfer radical polymerization initiator is then coupled to the activated surface. A monomer is then polymerized on the activated surface utilizing an activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) process. The method enables brush-modification of the polymeric surface, even if the polymeric surface is substantially chemically inert. By way of example, the method enables a chemically inert, substantially hydrophobic polymer surface to be functionalized with substantially hydrophilic polymer brushes. The methods of the present disclosure have general applicability to a myriad of implementations where tunable surface chemistry is advantageous, such as filtration membranes, marine surfaces, and medical devices seeking a biocompatible coating.

Abstract: A method for modifying a polymeric surface is disclosed. The polymeric surface is activated utilizing atmospheric pressure plasma. An atom transfer radical polymerization initiator is then coupled to the activated surface. A monomer is then polymerized on the activated surface utilizing an activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) process. The method enables brush-modification of the polymeric surface, even if the polymeric surface is substantially chemically inert. By way of example, the method enables a chemically inert, substantially hydrophobic polymer surface to be functionalized with substantially hydrophilic polymer brushes. The methods of the present disclosure have general applicability to a myriad of implementations where tunable surface chemistry is advantageous, such as filtration membranes, marine surfaces, and medical devices seeking a biocompatible coating.