Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic dead-end filter for filtration of liquid. The ceramic dead-end filter comprises at least one ceramic filter membrane having a first side with a front surface and a second side. The ceramic membrane comprises a selective front layer providing said front surface and the selective front layer comprises a maximum pore size diameter of about ?m or smaller, for example between about 0.5 nm and about 25 ?m. The ceramic dead-end filter of the invention provides an effective filtration with a high flux and a long durability. The filter can furthermore be regenerated in a simple way. The invention also relates to filtration system comprising such ceramic dead-end filter, a method of performing the filtration process as well as a method of producing the filter.

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: Composites comprising at least one hollow fiber of oxygen-transporting ceramic material, which is a ceramic material which conducts oxygen anions and electrons or a combination of ceramic material which conducts oxygen anions and a ceramic or nonceramic material which conducts electrons, with the outer surface of the hollow fiber being in contact with the outer surface of the same hollow fiber or another hollow fiber and the contact points being joined by sintering, are described. Further composites comprise at least one hollow fiber of oxygen-transporting ceramic material which is a ceramic material which conducts oxygen anions and electrons or a combination of ceramic material which conducts oxygen anions and ceramic or nonceramic material which conducts electrons and a connection element for the introduction or discharge of fluids at at least one end face, with hollow fibers and connection element being joined.

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: The present invention provides a parylene-based membrane filter device for capturing of circulating tumor cells (CTC). The membrane filter has an array of holes having a predetermined geometric design with precisely controlled size, shape and density. In one aspect, the device has a stack of substantially parallel membrane filters with uniformly-spaced and/or monodispersed holes.

Abstract: A distillation membrane for purifying water includes a superhydrophobic surface having a plurality of protruding features that each include a microchannel therein that protrude from a recessed surface portion that is in a uniform thickness portion of the distillation membrane. A thickness of the uniform thickness portion defines a channel length of the distillation membrane. The distillation membrane includes a plurality of micropores that are each fluidicly coupled to respective ones of the microchannels, wherein the plurality of micropores extend through the channel length. The superhydrophobic surface is operable to reject liquid water and the microchannels coupled to the micropores are operable to pass water vapor therethrough to allow condensation of the water vapor on a side of the distillation membrane opposite the superhydrophobic surface.

Abstract: A microstructured filter is presented having an inlet for unfiltered fluid; an outlet for filtered fluid; a plurality of projections, which form at least one row in a mutually juxtaposed relationship across the filter, that project out of a base plate and are an integral component of the base plate; a plurality of passages between the projections; and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections and the passages. The passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet includes an elongate inlet slot for the unfiltered fluid that extends over approximately the entire filter width and is approximately as high as the projection on the outlet side of the filter.

Abstract: A ceramic filter includes a porous base member formed of a ceramic porous body, a carbonaceous membrane formed on the porous base member, and an inorganic separation membrane formed on the carbonaceous membrane. According to a method for the ceramic filter for reuse, the deteriorated ceramic filter is thermally treated to remove the carbonaceous membrane and the inorganic membrane from the porous base member, then the carbonaceous membrane is formed on the porous base member, and the inorganic membrane is formed on the carbonaceous membrane.

Abstract: A filter material for a filter system and method of filtering a fluid are disclosed. The filter system may include a filter material capable of capturing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from a fluid, where the filter material is disposed between a first and second filter media.

Abstract: A coalescence media for separation of water-hydrocarbon emulsions comprising an emulsion-contacting sheet formed as single dry layer from a wet-laid process using a homogenously distributed, wet-laid furnish including two or more constituents of the group consisting of: (1) up to about 80% cellulose or cellulosic fibers; (2) up to about 50% synthetic fibers; (3) up to about 60% high-surface-area fibrillated fibers; (4) up to about 70% glass microfiber; (5) up to about 80% of a surface-area-enhancing synthetic material; (6) up to about 5% of a wet-laid-paper, dry strength additive; (7) up to about 5% of a wet-laid-paper, wet strength additive; (8) up to about 30% of a strength-enhancing component; and (9) up to about 30% binder resin for the finished sheet (where percent denotes percent of dry weight of the finished sheet).

Abstract: An amorphous silica hybrid membrane structure comprising a monolithic inorganic porous support, optionally one or more porous inorganic intermediate layers, and an amorphous silica membrane. The amorphous silica hybrid membrane is useful for gas separation applications, for example H2 purification and CO2 capture.

Abstract: A microvascular network device comprising: a substrate; at least one microchannel; at least one opening to the microchannel for sample entry; at least one opening to the microchannel for sample exit; and an aspirator which causes the sample to traverse the microchannel.

Abstract: A structure including a support defining an opening, and a tensilely stressed thin-film membrane disposed to occlude the opening, the membrane contacting at least a portion of the support. The stressed membrane includes a material having a characteristic crack spacing greater than one-half of a minimum dimension of the membrane and less than ten times the minimum dimension. A structure including a support defining a opening having a minimum opening dimension, and a compressively stressed thin-film membrane disposed to occlude the opening, the membrane contacting at least a portion of the support. The stressed membrane includes a membrane material having a critical aspect ratio for buckling that is greater than a ratio of one-half of the minimum opening dimension to a thickness of the membrane, and the critical aspect ratio for buckling is less than a ratio of ten times the minimum opening dimension to the thickness of the membrane.

Abstract: A polymer affinity matrix for the binding of one or more substances in a fluid or removing said substance(s) from the fluid and/or decreasing the amount or concentration thereof in said fluid with a view to preventing, eliminating or reducing undesired activation of components in said fluid is described, as well as a method for removing said substance(s) from the fluid and/or decreasing the amount or concentration thereof in said fluid, a method for the production of said matrix, use of said matrix and a kit comprising said matrix. The polymer affinity matrix comprises a solid support, a spacer and a ligand, containing arginine as a binding unit.

Abstract: A media in the form of a multilayered semi porous composite membrane containing a strong positive electrical charge with a highly porous surface consisting of 60 to 90 percent void volume and pore size of about 2 micron capable of retaining negatively charged protozoa, bacteria, and virus as well as di-pole particulate matter as a result of the attraction of the positive charge. A housing is a portable adaptive housing containing and supporting the composite membrane. A low pressure stream of water is within the housing and passes through the media. A composite membrane is positioned within the adaptive housing in the path of the low pressure stream of water. The composite membrane is adapted to treat the low pressure stream of water under from 0.3 to 10 psig pressure delivering 5 to 30 ml/sec.

Abstract: Compositions and methods and for contaminants from water are provided. The compositions comprise ferric hydroxide and ferric oxyhydride coated substrates for use in removing the contaminant from the water Contacting water bearing the contaminant with the substrates can substantially reduce contaminant levels therein. Methods of oxidizing the contaminants in water to facilitate their removal by the ferric hydroxide and ferric oxyhydride coated substrates are also provided. The contaminants include, but are not limited to, arsenic, selenium, uranium, lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, zinc, chromium and vanadium, their oxides and soluble salts thereof.

Abstract: A liquid filtering instrument 10 according to the present invention achieves filtered liquid by pressure-reduced filtration, and it comprises a filter member 12 in which a liquid filter 15 is accommodated, and a holder member 14 for stocking filtered liquid passed through the liquid filter 15, wherein the filter member 12 and the holder member 14 are formed in capable of being fitted so as to be kept substantially air-tight and water-tight under pressure reduced state.

Abstract: A liquid separation membrane installation body includes a porous base material, and a liquid separation membrane provided on the porous base material, the liquid separation membrane is a porous membrane formed of a dispersant layered inorganic compound, and a membrane thickness of the liquid separation membrane is 0.1 to 1.5 ?m. The liquid separation membrane is preferably formed of a sheet-like dispersant layered inorganic compound which has a thickness of 0.1 to 100 nm, a major diameter of 0.01 to 5 ?m and an aspect ratio (the major diameter/the thickness) of 3 or more and which is formed into the membrane on the porous base material. There is disclosed the liquid separation membrane installation body capable of increasing a permeation flow rate of a liquid.

Abstract: Various MEMS filter elements or modules are disclosed, and which may be used in a glaucoma implant (490). One such MEMS filter module (34) includes a first film (70) and a second film (46) that are spaced and interconnected by a plurality of supports (78). A plurality of first flow ports (74) extend through the first film (70), and a plurality of second flow ports (50) extend through the second film (46). A plurality of annular filter walls (54) extend from the second film (46) toward the first film (70), and are separated therefrom by a filter trap gap (58).

Abstract: A membrane composition comprising an inorganic substrate which has a coating of an associating polymer. The membrane composition includes an inorganic substrate selected from the group consisting of a porous silica hollow tube, an alumina hollow tube and a ceramic monolith.

Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a first layer having a plurality of pores; and a second layer disposed on, the first layer. The second layer has a plurality of unconnected pores. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is at least partially filled with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler. At least a portion of the plurality of unconnected pores of the second layer is in fluid communication with at least one of the pores of the first layer. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; disposing a second layer on the first layer, and filling at least a portion of the unconnected pores of the second layer with a filler such that the first layer is substantially free of the filler.

Abstract: Various MEMS filter elements or modules are disclosed. One such MEMS filter module (34) includes a first film (70) and a second film (46) that are spaced and interconnected by a plurality of supports (78). A plurality of first flow ports (74) extend through the first film (70), and a plurality of second flow ports (50) extend through the second film (46). A plurality of annular filter walls (54) extend from the second film (46) toward the first film (70), and are separated therefrom by a filter trap gap (58). A filter trap chamber (62) is disposed on each side of each filter trap gap (58). Therefore, fluid will flow into one filter trap chamber (62), through a filter trap gap (58), and into another filter trap chamber (62), whether the flow is introduced into the filter module (34) through the first flow ports (74) or the second flow ports (50).

Abstract: An anti-microbial filter (105) for a micro-fluidic system (100) includes a silicon-based filter membrane (213) having holes (218) formed therein. The membrane (213) is formed on a substrate (211). One side of the filter membrane (213) has an anti-microbial coating (216) between the holes (218) on the filter membrane (213) and the other side can include filter supports formed from a silicon substrate. A method for making the anti-microbial filter (105) includes forming a filter membrane (213) on a substrate (211), forming holes (218) in the membrane (213) by providing a filter mask (215) and etching holes (218) through holes (222) in the mask (215). Then portions of the substrate (211) are removed from the filter membrane (213) using a masking and etching process to expose the holes (218). An anti-microbial coating is applied to the membrane (213) adjacent the holes (218).

Abstract: A multi-channel modular device (10) processes between two fluid streams of different compositions. The device (10) includes a porous body (150) having a first plurality of feed-flow pathways (110) disposed in the body (150) for transporting a first stream (180). A pathway wall (114) surrounds each of the first plurality of feed-flow pathways (110) for processing the first stream (180) into a first composition (1852) and a second composition (1802). At least one feed-flow inlet (1101) is disposed in the body (150) for introducing the first stream (180) into the first plurality of feed-flow pathways (110). At least one feed-flow outlet (1102) is disposed in the body (150) for discharging the remaining first stream containing the second composition (1802). At least one second pathway (210) is disposed in the body (150) for transporting a second stream (280) having a second inlet (2101) and a second outlet (2102).

Abstract: A composite porous media for either gas or liquid flow is strong and efficient, and can readily be formed in or into a wide range of different shapes and configurations. In particular, the porous media is a composite of a metal, aerogel or ceramic foam (i.e., a reticulated inter-cellular structure in which the interior cells are interconnected to provide a multiplicity of pores passing through the volume of the structure, the walls of the cells themselves being substantially continuous and non-porous, and the volume of the cells relative to that of the material forming the cell walls being such that the overall density of the intercellular structure is less than about 30 percent theoretical density) the through pores of which are impregnated with a sintered powder or aerogel. The thickness, density, porosity and porous characteristics of the final composite porous media can be varied to conform with what is demanded by the intended use.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the collection of biological materials from air. Collection and separation devices utilize a novel membrane structure formed from a functionalized inorganic mesoporous membrane supported by porous substrate.

Abstract: Mesophilic methane bacteria obtained from digested sludge are acclimatized in an H2/CO2 medium and the acclimatized methane bacteria are grown on a support inclusive of inorganic nutritional salts of trace metal elements by using an immobilized bed bioreactor. The grown bacteria are allowed to metabolize a mixed gas, prepared by adding hydrogen to at least one of coal gas and biogas, into methane and at the same time, cobalamin contained in the fermented liquor is recovered as an extracellular product in the form of cyanocobalamin by using potassium cyanide to thereby produce vitamin B12 efficiently in a high content and high yield.

Abstract: A microstructured filter having an inlet for unfiltered fluid; an outlet for filtered fluid; a plurality of projections which are arranged in at least two rows in mutually juxtaposed relationship, project out of a base plate and are an integral component of the base plate; a plurality of passages between the projections and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections and the passages. The passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet includes an elongate inlet slot for the unfiltered fluid that extends over approximately the entire filter width and is approximately as high as the projection on the outlet side of the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photocatalytic filter which can fully secure a space of gaps to constitute a flow path for flowing a fluid to be disposed of and which has gaps structured for easily trapping an organic substance in the fluid when the fluid is brought into contact with a photocatalyst layer.

Abstract: A hydrogen permselective membrane, a method of forming a permselective membrane and an apparatus comprising a permselective membrane, a porous substrate and an optional intermediate layer are described. Using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at low reactant gas concentration, high permselectivities are achieved with minimal reduction in hydrogen permeance.

Abstract: A microstructured filter for a fluid, the filter having an inlet for unfiltered fluid and an outlet for filtered fluid, the filter comprising: a plurality of projections (7) which are arranged in at least two rows (3) in mutually juxtaposed relationship and which project out of a base plate (1) and which are an integral component of the base plate, a plurality of passages (8) between the projections (7), and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections (7) and the passages (8), wherein the passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet, said inlet comprises an elongate inlet slot (5) for the unfiltered fluid, which extends over approximately the entire filter width and which is approximately as high as the projection (7) projecting out of the base plate, on the outlet side of the filter. The filter according to the invention remains operational, even if a part of the filter area is obstructed.

Abstract: A claim is laid to a permeable composite, a process of production of the composite as well as the use of this composite. The composite essentially contains a perforated and permeable carrier, on and in or on or in which another component that essentially contains metallic compounds with elements from group III to VI of the periodic system is stabilized. Stabilization of the component on or in the carrier is carried out by heating a suspension consisting of the component suspended in a metallic oxide sol that has been applied onto or into or onto and into the carrier. In this way, it is possible to produce a permeable composite that is ideally suited for use in filtration and membrane technologies under very mild conditions either by heating for a short time or warming for a longer time.

Abstract: A porous inorganic membrane comprises at least one inorganic phase having separating properties. Said membrane has a carbon content representing 0.05% to 25% by weight with respect to the mass of said inorganic phase and is selective to non-condensable gases. It is obtained by means of a selectivation treatment of a porous carbon-free inorganic membrane using a hydrocarbon feed. It is used in processes for separating non-condensable molecules such as hydrogen, and in association with a catalyst in a catalytic membrane reactor.

Abstract: Microporous hydrophobic inorganic membrane having an average pore size of less than 2 nm and a hydrophobicity index octane/water of at least 2 can be obtained by a process comprising hydrolyzing a metal alkoxide in the presence of a hydrocarbyl metal alkoxide having at least one non-hydrolyzable group in an organic solvent to produce a metal (hydr)oxide sol, and precipitating metal (hydr)oxide from said sol and drying the precipitate. In this process, at least 50% of the amount of hydrocarbyl metal alkoxide is introduced into the solvent after 20% of the hydrolysis period has lapsed.

Abstract: An index filtration method is disclosed for filtering graft polyol dispersions. The method allows for the rapid filtration of large volumes of graft polyol dispersion in an economical manner. The process can be highly automated. The resulting filtered graft polyol dispersion mainly has particles of 25 microns or smaller and is stable under a variety of conditions for at least 9 weeks.

Abstract: An anti-microbial filter (105) for a micro-fluidic system (100) includes a silicon-based filter membrane (213) having holes (218) formed therein. The membrane (213) is formed on a substrate (211). One side of the filter membrane (213) has an anti-microbial coating (216) between the holes (218) on the filter membrane (213) and the other side can include filter supports formed from a silicon substrate. A method for making the anti-microbial filter (105) includes forming a filter membrane (213) on a substrate (211), forming holes (218) in the membrane (213) by providing a filter mask (215) and etching holes (218) through holes (222) in the mask (215). Then portions of the substrate (211) are removed from the filter membrane (213) using a masking and etching process to expose the holes (218). An anti-microbial coating is applied to the membrane (213) adjacent the holes (218).

Abstract: Light-leakage type photocatalyst fibers (10) are bundled together to form a filter assembly having an enormous number of minute gaps which provide fluid communication paths in a longitudinal direction of the photocatalyst fibers. Light is incident to each of the photocatalyst fibers constituting the filter assembly while an object fluid to be processed is introduced through an end face of the filter assembly to pass through the gaps among the photocatalyst fibers in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A filter device (1) is provided for microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration, preferably for varnishes, such as cathodic dipping varnishes, for connection to a conduit, having a pressure housing (2) and at least one ceramic membrane filter element (3) located in the pressure housing (2). In order to make a filter device of the previously mentioned type available which is also suitable for the recycling of varnishes, particularly cathodic dipping varnishes, the ceramic membrane filter element (3) is electrically connected with at least one electrical conductor (5) and is grounded via the electrical conductor (5).

Abstract: A dimensionally stable, flow-porous fluid treatment element suitable for hot fluid treatment, in particular a filter element, characterized by the following components: (a) inorganic solid particles with inner voids; and (b) hardened binder on a water glass base, (c) the binder holding together the solid particles to form the flow-porous fluid treatment element.

Abstract: An article and method for producing extremely small pore inorganic membranes. The method enables reduction of the pore size of a porous inorganic membrane, such as metal oxides, metal carbides, metal nitrides and cermets. Mean pore diameters of below about 10 Å. Can readily and efficiently be achieved. After the conventional formation of an inorganic membrane, the pore size of the membrane is progressively reduced in a controlled manner to deposit one or more layers of an inorganic compound on the pore walls. This is done by exposing the membrane to the vapor of an inorganic precursor compound. The compound reacts with hydroxyl groups and or absorbed water molecules on the surface of the membrane and is thus bonded to the surface. Water vapor, oxygen, or vapors containing one or more oxygen ligands such as an alcohol are used to hydrolyze the deposited material to the inorganic membrane.

Abstract: A device for separating liquid and/or gas components from each other, which device includes a ceramic membrane comprising a porous layer of &ggr;-alumina which is present on top of a porous layer of supporting material, wherein an alkali-free, phosphorous material is provided between said supporting material and said layer of &ggr;-alumina, and wherein said material preferably consists of monoaluminium phosphate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion-conducting composite which is permeable to matter, to a method for producing an ion-conducing composite which is permeable to matter, and to the use of this composite in various processes. Membranes or ion-conducting materials are used for various chemical and physical process, e.g., electrolysis, electrodialysis. The membranes used are often polymer-based. These polymers are relatively non-resistant to solvents and high temperatures. Therefore, the aim of the invention is to provide an ion-conducting composite. The inventive composite consists of inorganic constituents or at least mainly of inorganic constituents, and is characterised in that is very stable in relation to acids and high temperatures. According to the invention, ion-conducting materials or materials which will be ion-conducting after an additional treatment are added to a composite which is permeable to matter during production. Alternatively, the finished composite is treated with said materials.

Abstract: An anti-microbial filter (105) for a micro-fluidic system (100) includes a silicon-based filter membrane (213) having holes (218) formed therein. The membrane (213) is formed on a substrate (211). One side of the filter membrane (213) has an anti-microbial coating (216) between the holes (218) on the filter membrane (213) and the other side can include filter supports formed from a silicon substrate. A method for making the anti-microbial filter (105) includes forming a filter membrane (213) on a substrate (211), forming holes (218) in the membrane (213) by providing a filter mask (215) and etching holes (218) through holes (222) in the mask (215). Then portions of the substrate (211) are removed from the filter membrane (213) using a masking and etching process to expose the holes (218). An anti-microbial coating is applied to the membrane (213) adjacent the holes (218).

Abstract: A micromachined membrane particle filter is formed by making holes in a silicon and coating over the holes with Parylene.

Abstract: A process for producing a composite, containing at least one shrinkage-matched ceramic layer, wherein a starting material for the ceramic layer(s) has shrinkage behavior on sintering which is matched to remaining layer(s), and which is selected such that the ceramic-forming constituent of the same contains at least one ceramic powder of a specific size, and which process entails joining the layers of the composite by sintering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanostructured device comprising a substrate including nanotroughs therein; and a lipid bilayer suspended on or supported in the substrate. A separation method is also provided comprising the steps of supporting or suspending a lipid bilayer on a substrate; wherein the substrate comprises nanostructures and wherein the lipid bilayer comprises at least one membrane associated biomolecule; and applying a driving force to the lipid bilayer to separate the membrane associated biomolecule from the lipid bilayer and to drive the membrane associated biomolecule into the nanostructures.

Abstract: An adjustable nanopore is fabricated by placing the surfaces of two planar substrates in contact, wherein each substrate contains a hole having sharp corners and edges. A corner is brought into proximity with an edge to define a triangular aperture of variable area. Ionic current in a liquid solution and through the aperture is monitored as the area of the aperture is adjusted by moving one planar substrate with respect to the other along two directional axes and a rotational axis. Piezoelectric positioners can provide subnanometer repeatability in the adjustment process. The invention is useful for characterizing, cleaving, and capturing molecules, molecular complexes, and supramolecular complexes which pass through the nanopore, and provides an improvement over previous devices in which the hole size of nanopores fabricated by etching and/or redeposition is fixed after fabrication.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis membrane having excellent antifouling property, which is advantageous in terms of fundamental prevention of fouling generated by inorganic crystalloids, organic contaminants, and microorganisms, and a method for preparing the same. The membrane can be manufactured by hydrolyzing a titanium compound in an acidic aqueous solution to produce TiO2 particles of nano scale; dispersing the produced TiO2 particles in an acidic aqueous solution of pH 1-6 or an alkaline aqueous solution of pH 9-13 to yield a stable TiO2 dispersed solution; and immersing a reverse osmosis membrane prepared by a known method in the TiO2 dispersed solution to incorporate TiO2 into the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of ceramics and to a ceramic network which can, for example, be applied as a deep-bed filter and a method for the production and utilization thereof. The present invention provides a ceramic network in which the mechanical stability is improved and/or an application-dependent structure can be specifically adjusted. To this end, a ceramic network is provided which comprises two or three dimensional ceramic struts that are connected to one another. The cavities in the ceramic struts have a cross-sectional area with a circular or approximately circular or extensively circular or a convex or multiply convex contour. In addition, a method is provided in which a fiber network is produced. The fiber network comprises polymer fibers and/or natural fibers and/or other fibers, with the fibers each having cross-sectional area with a circular or approximately circular or extensively circular or a convex or multiply convex contour.

Abstract: A method for preparing a chemically activated or polyamino acid functionalized membrane includes the steps of permeating a silica-based membrane with a solution of silane and a solvent so as to react methoxy groups of the silane with silanol groups of the membrane to incorporate epoxide groups and attaching a polyamino acid to the membrane by reacting a terminal amine group of the polyamino acid with one of the epoxide groups on the membrane.