Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, biological manufacturing and downstream purification processes.

Abstract: Provided herein are intermediate frame systems and methods, comprising one or more arrays of channels on upper and/or lower edges of the intermediate frame wherein the channels are configured to provide a spatially uniform flow of electrolyte through the plane of the intermediate frame.

Abstract: A sterilization system with multipurpose degasser has a vortex mixing cylinder, an endcap, and a deionization system. The vortex mixing cylinder is a container that has an inlet an outlet. The inlet and out enable an ozone-water mixture to flow into a mixing chamber within the vortex mixing cylinder. The mixing chamber is designed to facilitate the formation of an ozone saturated ozone-water mixture. The endcap is used to cover an opening of the mixing chamber and is used to expel gasses out of the mixing chamber. The deionization system is an electrical filter that removes ozone particles from the air within the mixing chamber. The deionization system is mounted in between the vortex mixing cylinder and the endcap. Accordingly, gasses must pass through the deionization system prior to being expelled through the endcap. The ozone particles are removed from the gasses being expelled through the endcap, prior to expulsion.

Abstract: A liquid transport membrane includes a porous layer having conductive electrodes on the opposite surfaces. The electrodes are arranged so as to induce an electric field across the membrane when a driving voltage is applied to the electrodes. The conductive electrodes each include a thin conductive layer which is coated onto the porous layer and an additional layer to improve the distribution of electricity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to methods, devices, and systems for fluid delivery to a subject using pumps, for example, non-gassing, direct current (DC), electro-osmotic pumps. In some embodiments, delivery of an aqueous fluid may be achieved by contacting the aqueous liquid with an electro-osmotic pump comprising (i) a cathode (e.g., a cathode comprising porous carbon coated with a cerium oxide-comprising coating), (ii) an anode (e.g., an anode comprising porous carbon coated with a cerium oxide-comprising coating), and (iii) a ceramic membrane (e.g., a ceramic membrane formed by fusing uncoated silica spheres, phosphosilicic-acid-coated fused silica spheres, or borosilicic-acid-coated fused silica spheres, wherein the fused spheres are randomly packed between the cathode and the anode) and/or optionally applying (a) a constant potential difference or constant voltage between the anode and the cathode of from about 0.

Abstract: An embodiment is a method and apparatus to provide de-ionization. A plurality of cylindrical-shaped conductive membranes are placed in a feed channel having a feed flow with a first flow direction. Each of the conductive membranes encloses a concentration channel having a second flow direction and an electrode positioned inside the conductive membrane. A voltage distribution network coupled to the conductive membranes provides independent voltages across the channels to cause movement of ions in the feed and concentration flows toward the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention uses the principles of electrochemical ion absorption (charging) and ion desorption (discharge), and relates to a continuous flow-electrode system, a high-capacity energy storage system, and a water treatment method using the same, in which high-capacity electric energy is stored as electrode materials of a slurry phase and electrolytes simultaneously flow in a successive manner within a fine flow channel structure formed on an electrode. More specifically, the present invention relates to a continuous flow-electrode system, an energy storage system, and a water treatment method, wherein electrode active materials consecutively flow in a slurry state whereby a high capacity is easily obtained without enlarging or stacking electrodes.

Abstract: Provided are fabrication, characterization and application of a nanodisk electrode, a nanopore electrode and a nanopore membrane. These three nanostructures share common fabrication steps. In one embodiment, the fabrication of a disk electrode involves sealing a sharpened internal signal transduction element (“ISTE”) into a substrate, followed by polishing of the substrate until a nanometer-sized disk of the ISTE is exposed. The fabrication of a nanopore electrode is accomplished by etching the nanodisk electrode to create a pore in the substrate, with the remaining ISTE comprising the pore base. Complete removal of the ISTE yields a nanopore membrane, in which a conical shaped pore is embedded in a thin membrane of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroosmotic dehydrator, and more specifically to an electroosmotic dehydrator having a structure of improving durability and electrical conductivity of a drum that is a core part of the electroosmotic dehydrator, making it possible to secure stable dehydrating work, extend use lifetime, and reduce power consumption. According to the present invention, An electroosmotic dehydrator comprising: a drum applied with + or ?; a caterpillar or an electrode plate applied with + or ? by being mounted to be spaced by a constant space portion from the drum; and a filter cloth belt wound for transfer and dehydration of sludge between the drum and the caterpillar or the electrode plate, characterized in that a copper plate is mounted to an outer side surface of the drum and a titanium plate is coated with a coating agent of platinum-based metal to an outer side surface of the copper plate.

Abstract: Nozzle device and nozzle for atomisation and/or filtration as well as methods for using the same. The present invention relates to a nozzle and nozzle device for atomisation, in particular a micro-machined reinforced nozzle plate, that may produce small liquid droplets in air (spray) or into a liquid (emulsion) with a narrow droplet size distribution and to make small air bubbles into a liquid (foam) and to methods of making the same. The invention is further related to a nozzle part for filtration as well as means and methods to facilitate atomisation and filtration.

Abstract: In order to solve various problems such as a reduction in a paint resin with the progress of electrodeposition coating treatment and remelting of a coating film or the occurrence of pinholes caused by an increased concentration of an electrolyte as a result of the reduction, upsizing of a hollow electrode with a membrane for electrodeposition coating combined with a barrier membrane (e.g., an ion exchange membrane) and an increase in the number of components should be avoided. In order to realize this, a barrier membrane 20 such as an ion exchange membrane is attached to the exterior surface of an electrode main body 10, which is in a hollow state made of a conductive material and configured so as to allow a liquid to pass through freely between the inside and outside of the electrode serving as a support.

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing acidic electrolyzed water, the use of a protection membrane having slits or other discontinuities allows the protection of a permeable membrane, such as an anion-permeable or anion-selective membrane, from chlorine generated by the electrolysis. The protection membrane further preserves the electrical conductivity of the membrane and electrode assembly, because of a venting action of trapped gas and fluid through the slits. The protection membrane is useful both in three chambered electrolyzers and in two chambered electrolyzers. The preferred protection membrane has slits formed by overlapping strips of fabric or the like. The preferred fabric is a non-woven fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a droplet-based digital microdialysis method that utilizes discrete perfusate droplets marched through a microchannel in an intermittent manner. The droplets sequentially reside on a microdialysis membrane that is in contact with the test fluid, e.g., fluid in an extracellular space. The droplets remain stationary at the membrane site for a period of time for rapid equilibration with the test fluid, and is then marched to an outlet port for processing. The invention further relates to microdialysis probes and methods based on the droplet-based digital microdialysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen conducting membrane includes a dense, mixed-conducting, multi-metallic oxide membrane having one surface which is coated with dispersed particles based on noble metals or magnesium oxide.

Abstract: A spacer element (1) is disclosed having an integral screen for use in filled cell electrodialysis. The spacer (1) has a continuous portion (2) impermeable to flow and a screen (3) which spans a centrally-located flow treatment region that contains active treatment material, such as ion exchange beads. The screen (3) may perform a structural function, allowing operation at elevated pressure, and may also define a minimum gap between adjacent membranes and enhance mixing along the flow path and at cell boundaries. The spacer element (1) may be configured to enhance hydraulic filling of the cells, and cell architecture is readily implemented in a wide range of useful flow path geometries utilizing the screen spacer element (1).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high throughput screening method and system, which can be used to screen a plurality of fluid samples to ascertain their corresponding information. For example, a polymer solution sample is screened to ascertain information about its micro structure character such as including its crystallinity property. The high throughput screen system comprises a plurality of sampling passages and one or more screening devices for screening multiple samples simultaneously or almost simultaneously to get their corresponding information so as to meet research requirement of the relevant field.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a porous membrane for retaining antigens from a sample as the sample passes through the membrane. The apparatus also includes a first binding region within the membrane. The first binding region includes antibodies associated with a first antigen of interest. At least some of the antigens retained in the membrane are brought into contact with the first binding region by applying an electrophoresis field across the membrane. The porous membrane could also include an electrophoresis buffer. A presence of the first antigen of interest could be detected by exposing the first binding region to a chemiluminescent reagent, and a quantity of the first antigen of interest could be determined by performing a chemiluminescent assay on the binding region.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for assessing DNA damage and repair in cells by measuring DNA migration under electrophoresis. In one exemplary embodiment, a microarray configured to hold cells in a predetermined spatial relationship is employed to improve accuracy, speed, and reliability of such measurements. In another embodiment, a self-contained cassette having a matrix material disposed therein can be used to create a substantially uniform environment for analyzing DNA damage and repair. Fluid can be circulated through the cell to assist in creating spatial patterns on the matrix material, or alternatively, the matrix material can already include a microarray pattern disposed thereon. Various methods and systems that take advantage of such microarrays and cassettes are also provided.

Abstract: An electrophoresis membrane support comprising a substantially planar member having four boundaries. an upper face and a lower face; an inlet port disposed near one boundary; an outlet port disposed opposite the inlet port near an opposite boundary; spacers positioned between the inlet port and outlet port adapted to support a membrane positioned on the upper face or on the lower face of the member; interstitial space disposed between the spacers capable of allowing flow of fluid therein; inlet means in fluid communication with the inlet port and the interstitial space; outlet in fluid communication with the interstitial space and the inlet port, the inlet and outlet means adapted to allow flow of fluid along the interstitial space; first flow port disposed near one boundary; and second flow port disposed opposite the first flow port near an opposite boundary, the first and second flow ports direct flow of fluid to or from the electrophoresis apparatus.

Abstract: A system for collecting target nucleic acids from a sample can include at least one sample chamber configured to receive a sample containing target nucleic acids and other material, at least one collection chamber removably mountable relative to the at least one sample chamber and configured to collect target nucleic acids separated from the other material, a filter removably mountable relative to the at least one sample chamber and configured to be disposed between the at least one sample chamber and the at least one collection chamber when the at least one collection chamber is mounted relative to the at least one sample chamber.

Abstract: Injection bonded articles comprised of a rigid core and secured together with an elastomeric material network which also forms seals and encapsulates at least a portion of the rigid core. The elastomeric material is selected to be compatible with the material comprising the rigid core to create a chemical and mechanical bond therebetween. Injection bonding and over-molding techniques are used to fabricate an electrodeionization apparatus spacer comprised of mated rigid segments secured by a unitary elastomeric material network that also forms internal and external seals that fluidly isolate one or more of inlet ports, resin cavities, and outlet ports as well as throughports. Injection bonding and over-molding techniques can also be used to fabricate other articles comprised of multiple segments.

Abstract: An electrodialysis method and apparatus include a source of concentrate fluid, a source of dilute fluid, a collector of treated concentrate fluid, a collector of dilute fluid, an anode and a cathode. A plurality of generally planar spacers are interleaved with a plurality of membranes to define a plurality of cells providing electrically conductive fluid connection between the anode and the cathode. Each of the spacers comprises a gasket that defines a first aperture and a second aperture. Each of said first and second apertures define an independent cell between interleaved membranes. The symmetrical, multiple split cell spacer configuration channels fluid flow through two or more narrow and elongated paths. The split cell arrangement allows for operation of the stack in parallel or in series.

Abstract: Electrodialysis device endbox comprising a vertical electrode (7) and a selectively ion-permeable membrane (10) which is arranged vertically, facing the electrode, and separated from the latter by a vertical passage (19) Electrodialysis device comprising an alternation of selectively ion permeable vertical membranes (1, 2, 3) and dividers (4) between two endboxes (5), at least one of which is as defined hereinabove.

Abstract: The dilute support frame is made up of interphase longitude and latitude bars that preferably are hollow. The bars can be rectangular, rectangular with a rounded end, half-circular, triangular, polygonal or any combination thereof. The bars are sized to support the ion exchange resin in the dilute channel adjacent the concentrate membrane bag. The support frame also assures fluent water flow in the dilute channel. The support frames are arrayed on the membranes with interphase aisle to save the frame arrays and make water flow fluently. The membrane envelopes in turn with the support frames as both are preferably wound to form the cylinder module, and is covered by one plastic protecting net. This new type of support frame can assure fluent water flow in dilute channels and convenient resin filling.

Abstract: A device having a processing chamber, for electroelution and/or dialysis of a substance carried in a sample with respect to an external liquid medium. The chamber has a closed end and an opening at the other end, sufficiently large to permit a sample, particularly a gel contained sample, to be inserted thereto. The chamber has two portals, each laterally disposed with respect to the opening. A tubular membrane covers the portals, and is sealingly fixed onto an outside surface of the housing. The device provides high yield recovery, saves time and allows for easy handling, especially regarding loading an unloading of small volume samples for dialysis, or inserting the gel slice containing the macromolecule sample. The device may be partially immersed in the liquid medium, with the opening above the liquid surface. Optionally, the device may be hermetically sealed via a cap, and fully immersed in the liquid medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concentrating dilute biomolecules in samples using electrophoresis are described. The method involves using the charged nature of the biomolecules to localize them to a microspot containing a dialysis membrane. The method and apparatus may also be used for identifying the presence of a biomolecule in a mixture or to quantitate the amount of a specific biomolecule in a mixture. The method and apparatus may also be used to produce a high throughput method for analysis and quantitation of a sample containing biomolecules.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and method of use includes an expanded conductive mesh electrode. The expanded conductive mesh electrode may be formed from any conductive material that is dimensionally stable and may be coated with conductive coating. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes typically have a diamond-shaped pattern of any size that provides support for an adjacent ion-permeable membrane while allowing an electrode or fluid stream to flow through. The conductive mesh electrode may also be placed against an endblock having fluid channels. These channels may be serpentine or parallel channels, which allow fluid flow to wash away any accumulation. The electrodeionization apparatus may have a protective ion-permeable membrane adjacent the electrode. The electrodeionization apparatus may also have a spacer, such as a fabric, a screen or a mesh, positioned adjacent the electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the current efficiency of suppressor and suppress-like pretreatment devices is disclosed for the purpose of suppressing a high concentration of eluent without the detrimental effects of excess heat generation. The method and apparatus may be used in ion chromatography.

Abstract: An apparatus and system of operation of an electrodialysis membrane and gasket stack for separation of components in liquid mixtures is disclosed. The system of operation for purification and deionizing liquids includes an operation of pretreatment by filtration for removal of inorganic contaminants, includes an operation of adsorption for removing organic contaminants by activated carbon adsorption, and includes an operation of deionizing for removing ions from the effluent liquids. The deionizing operation includes an apparatus having an electrodialysis stack of a plurality of ion exchange membranes and separating gaskets for selectively removing contaminant ions. The combination of treatment operations and the deionizing operation provides a continuous operating system with minimized down-time and improved efficiencies over prior methods for purification of liquid mixtures.

Abstract: An electrically driven membrane process apparatus is provided comprising a first spacer having a perimeter having a surface with an inner peripheral edge defining an opening, and a recess formed on the inner peripheral edge, and an ion exchange membrane having an outer edge fitted within the recess. The spacer can further comprise a plurality of bosses and an ion exchange membrane having a corresponding plurality of apertures for receiving the bosses. The spacer can include a plastic mesh consisting essentially of polypropylene or polyethylene, and a perimeter surrounding the plastic mesh, the perimeter comprising material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic vulcanizates and thermoplastic elastomeric olefins. The spacer can have an upstanding seal member depending therefrom, received by groove within a corresponding frame member. A second spacer is also provided having a continuous flange depending from its surface and surrounding a throughbore, for pinching a portion of the first spacer.

Abstract: An integral, monolithic frame-membrane is disclosed, such frame-membrane having a semi-permeable membrane portion and integral therewith a frame portion, the frame portion having one or more cavities, each cavity juxtaposed to the membrane portion, each cavity having at least one fluid entrance conduit communicating with an entrance manifold aperture and at least one fluid exit conduit communicating with an exit manifold aperture. The integral, monolithic frame-membrane may be used in apparatus for carrying out gas-separation; microfiltration; ultrafiltration; nanofiltration; reverse osmosis (i.e. hyperfiltration); diffusion dialysis; Donnan dialysis; electrodialysis (including filled-cell electrodialysis; i.e. electrodeionization); pervaporation; piezodialysis; membrane distillation; osmosis; thermo osmosis; and electrolysis with membranes.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric netting for use as an ion-conducting ser in an electrodialysis stack having charged groups incorporated in a in polymeric coating applied thereto, imparting to the spacer an average ion exchange capacity of at least 0.25 meq/gr.

Abstract: An integral, monolithic frame-membrane is disclosed, such frame-membrane having a semi-permeable membrane portion and integral therewith a frame portion, the frame portion having one or more cavities, each cavity juxtaposed to the membrane portion, each cavity having at least one fluid entrance conduit communicating with an entrance manifold aperture and at least one fluid exit conduit communicating with an exit manifold aperture. The integral, monolithic frame-membrane may be used in apparatus for carrying out gas-separation; microfiltration; ultrafiltration; nanofiltration; reverse osmosis (i.e. hyperfiltration); diffusion dialysis; Donnan dialysis; electrodialysis (including filled-cell electrodialysis; i.e. electrodeionization); pervaporation; piezodialysis; membrane distillation; osmosis; thermo osmosis; and electrolysis with membranes.

Abstract: A membrane module in which non-porous membranes are bonded to spacer elements, which elements are in turn bonded to each other to create a membrane support zone as a result of contact with the surface of the membrane opposite the surface to which the membrane is bonded. The membrane is restrained from peeling from the membrane bond by the support zone under opposing pressure as may be caused by fluid flowing past the membrane. The preferred use of such a membrane module is for continuous electrodeionization processes.

Abstract: An improved electro-coalescent/magnetic separation (ECMS) system for removing contaminants from water, including desalinization, comprises a device for exposing a stream of water to be treated to an electric field, followed by introduction of ionized coagulating substances, including ionized gases and/or metal ions, followed by plural filter stages. The first filter stage may comprise a polarizable glass, alumina, or ceramic media provided as a bed in a tank with an underdrain, so as to provide substantial residence time. A polishing filter may comprise a very fine fiber or organic gel filter element confined between relatively flexible electrically-conductive screen members and provided with a DC power supply to polarize the filter. This assembly is confined between relatively rigid, perforated members such that the filter assembly can move slightly upon backwash to dislodge caked-on contaminants or the like, while preserving the structural integrity of the filter assembly.