Abstract: A method for making crown ether functionalized substrates, which includes modifying crown ether-based molecules by reacting with carboxylic acid functionalize chains. The crown ether-based molecules are then attached to substrates, thereby forming crown ether functionalized substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a functionalized block copolymer comprising (a) at least one end block D comprising on average at least one amino- or phosphino-functionalized polymer unit of formula (I) and one or more additional blocks selected from the group consisting of (b) one or more A blocks substantially free of amino- or phosphino- functional groups and having a number average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 60,000, and has a high service temperature, and (c) one or more B blocks, wherein each block B is essentially non-functionalized, has a number average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000, and has a glass transition temperature of at most about 20° C.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for lateral flow assay device that comprises at least one fabric strand coated with a conducting material and a diagnostic material. The invention also provides a lateral flow assay device(10) having a proximal end(12), a distal end(14) and a testing zone intermediate between the proximal end(12) and the distal end(14). The lateral flow assay device(20) is made of a fabric comprising at least one strand(22) that defines a flow path. The at least one strand of the fabric in the testing zone is coated with a conducting material(24). The at least one strand is made of at least one of a cotton, a silk-based material, and combinations thereof. The invention also provides a lateral flow assay system(40) comprising the lateral flow assay device(42) of the invention, wherein the at least one electrode(52) connected to the strand(50) coated with the conducting material and measurement means(54) to measure the output from the at least one electrode(52).

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer membrane composition having improved water flux and stable pore size. The water flux is improved by increasing the hydrophilicity of the membrane using a matrix polymer blended with controlled architecture amphiphilic block copolymers. Preferred membranes are those having a fluoropolymer matrix and acrylic amphiphilic block copolymers. The addition of the amphiphilic block copolymers are especially useful in microfiltration and ultra filtration membranes when used in water filtration.

Abstract: Porous membranes including a first microporous skin surface having a pore density of at least about 20 pores/50,000 ?m2, and a second porous surface, and a bulk between the surfaces, wherein the bulk has a pore density of at least about 120 pores/mm2, as well as methods of using and methods of making the membranes are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a blends of an aromatic polyimide polymer and a polymer containing aromatic sulfonic acid groups that can be converted into polybenzoxazole (PBO) membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. The PBO membranes that were prepared by thermal treating aromatic polyimide membranes containing between 0.05 and 20 wt-% of a poly(styrene sulfonic acid) polymer. These polymers showed up to 95% improvement in selectivity for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations compared to PBO membranes prepared from corresponding aromatic polyimide membranes without a poly(styrene sulfonic acid) polymer.

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: 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: Disclosed herein are a composite semipermerable membrane and a method for producing the same. The composite semipermeable membrane comprises a microporous support membrane and a separation functional layer provided on the microporous support membrane, wherein the separation functional layer contains a condensation product produced by condensation of at least one selected from the group consisting of ions of trialkoxysilanes each having an imidazolium group and a conjugated base of a polymer having at least one acidic group. The composite semipermeable membrane achieves excellent selective separation of divalent ions over monovalent ions, and is suitable for use in various water treatment fields such as seawater desalination and drinking water production.

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 method for forming a molecularly imprinted polymer biosensor includes: (a) preparing a reaction solution including an imprinting molecule, a functional monomer, an initiator, and a crosslinking agent; (b) disposing the reaction solution in a space between upper and lower substrates each of which is made of a light-transmissible material; (c) disposing on the upper substrate a photomask having a patterned hole; (d) irradiating the reaction solution through the patterned hole of the photomask and the upper substrate so that the reaction solution undergoes polymerization to form a polymer between the upper and lower substrates; (e) removing the upper substrate after the polymer is formed on the lower substrate; and (f) extracting the imprinting molecule from the polymer so that a patterned molecularly imprinted polymer film is formed on the lower substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a composite membrane excellent in both durability and moisture permeability. The present invention provides a composite membrane formed by laminating a layer of a moisture-permeable resin on one surface of a hydrophobic porous membrane, the composite membrane being characterized in that the layer of the moisture-permeable resin is included in a reinforcing porous membrane.

Abstract: This invention discloses an anti-biofouling membrane for water-treatment. The anti-biofouling membrane for water-treatment comprises a substrate, and an anti-biofouling copolymer on the substrate. The anti-biofouling copolymer comprises a plurality of hydrophobic groups and a plurality of hydrophilic groups. The anti-biofouling copolymer can be stably coated on the surface of the substrate by the hydrophobic groups. And the hydrophilic groups can help the anti-biofouling membrane to present excellent anti-biofouling capability. Preferably, the anti-biofouling copolymer coated on the substrate will not decrease the permeability of the substrate. More preferably, the presented capability of the mentioned anti-biofouling membrane for water-treatment can achieve the commercial level filtering membrane.

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: A polymeric membrane for separating oil from water has a pore size of 0.005 ?m to 5 ?m, a thickness of 50 ?m to 1,000 ?m, a water contact angle of 0° to 60°, an oil contact angle of 40° to 100°. The membrane contains a hydrophobic matrix polymer and a functional polymer that contains a hydrophobic backbone and side chains. The side chains each have an oleophobic terminal segment and a hydrophilic internal segment. The weight ratio of the matrix polymer to the functional polymer is 99:1 to 1:9. Also disclosed is a method of making the above described membrane.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of high performance polymer membranes derived from aromatic polyimide membranes and methods for making and using these membranes. The polymer membranes described in the present invention were derived from aromatic polyimide membranes by crosslinking followed by thermal treating. The aromatic polyimide membranes were made from aromatic polyimide polymers comprising both pendent hydroxy functional groups ortho to the heterocyclic imide nitrogen and cross-linkable functional groups in the polymer backbone. The high performance polymer membranes showed significantly improved permeability for gas separations compared to the aromatic polyimide membranes without any treatment. The high performance polymer membranes also showed significantly improved selectivity for gas separations compared to the thermal-treated but non-UV-crosslinked aromatic polyimide membranes.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming microporous membranes. More specifically, vapor induced phase separation techniques are used for forming multizone microporous membranes having improved material throughput.

Abstract: A conformal coating that resists fouling by waterborne contamination in aquatic environments, a method for fabricating the coating, and a filter having such a coating are disclosed. The coating comprises a hydrophilic polymer and a surfactant wherein the surfactant undergoes a phase change upon exposure to a saline solution. Also disclosed are in situ methods for regenerating anti-fouling filters having the fouling resistant coating.

Abstract: Methylated polystyrene having pendant N-halamine and N-halamine precursor groups. Biocidal particles have been prepared by reacting highly crosslinked methylated polystyrene beads as starting materials with various N-halamine precursor compounds. The resulting polymer beads are halogenated with chlorine or bromine. The porous beads will be useful in disinfection applications as well as for sanitization and controlling noxious odor when mixed with absorbent materials in items such as disposable diapers, infant swimwear, incontinence pads, bandages, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, mattress covers, shoe inserts, sponges, animal litter, carpets, and fabrics.

Abstract: The invention discloses a filtration material for desalination, including a support layer, and a desalination layer formed on the support layer, wherein the desalination layer is a fiber composite membrane and includes at least one water-swellable polymer. The water-swellable polymer is made of hydrophilic monomers and hydrophobic monomers, and the hydrophilic monomers include ionic monomers and non-ionic monomers, and the ionic monomers include cationic monomers and anionic monomers.

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: 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: Hydrophobic, asymmetric membranes are formed integrally from elastomeric polymers. The membranes have a dense, discriminating layer and a thick, porous support layer and require no other support. The membranes of the invention provide an economic advantage over prior art composite membranes used for separating target organics from a mixture. Using the methods of the invention it is possible to separate two or more organic components wherein discrimination is made on the basis of molecular size.

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 are thin film composite (TFC) membranes, for use in forward osmosis (FO) and pressure reduced osmosis (PRO) processes. The membrane is comprised of two layers: a composite layer combining a backing layer and a porous, polymer-based support into a single layer, and a rejection layer disposed on top of the composite layer. The membrane of the invention exhibits high water flux values for FO processes, is durable, may be readily manufactured using typical membrane manufacturing processes, such as spiral winding and plate and frame processes, and has sufficient mechanical stability to handle the final membrane product.

Abstract: Oligo- or polyurethane compounds of the formula (I) wherein k and n independently are numbers from 1 to 100, m is from the range 1-100, (X) is a block of formula (II) and (Y) is a block of the formula (III), (A) is a residue of an aliphatic or aromatic diisocyanate linker, (B) is a residue of a linear oligo- or polysiloxane containing alkanol end groups, and optionally further containing one or more aliphatic ether moieties, and (C) is an aromatic oligo- or polysulfone block, may advantageously be used as anti-adhesion additives in polymer compositions e.g. for membranes; related oligo- or polyurethanes wherein m is 0 are especially suitable for the preparation of antimicrobial water separation membranes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a nano-fiber material, wherein the nano-fiber material is formed by spinning an ionic polymer into a nano-fiber nonwoven, and the ionic polymer is represented by the formula: wherein: R1 includes phenyl sulfonate or alkyl sulfonate; R2 includes R3 includes and m/n is between 1/50 and 50/1, q?0.

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

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions for liquid separation and water purification. The present invention includes a purification membrane having a polymer matrix purification membrane that has been treated with hydroquinone, catechol, and/or dopamine coated membrane with a high water flux.

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.

Abstract: A method for forming a hydrophilic porous membrane includes applying a crosslinked coating to a hydrophobic porous membrane via an in-situ polymerization process. Polar functional groups are introduced into the coating, thereby forming the hydrophilic porous membrane.

Abstract: Using the methods of the invention, an elastomeric polymer is dissolved in a suitable solvent, cast in one of the membrane casting techniques using a phase inversion technique, and immersed in a coagulation bath comprised of suitable solvent/non-solvent pairs (e.g., THF/water and ethanol). Asymmetric membranes having a dense discriminating layer and a thicker porous support layer suitable for application in pervaporation processes were obtained in a single step. An increase of the polymer concentration in the casting solution gives a more dense layer. When cast as formed using the methods of the invention, the membrane obtained is an integrally skinned membrane comprising a thin, dense separation layer over a porous support layer (asymmetric membrane) formed in a single casting operation. The resulting membrane is homogenous with respect to chemical composition.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer coated hydrolyzed membrane includes forming a membrane from a first hydrophilic polymer by immersion precipitation, coating the membrane with a thin layer of a second hydrophilic polymer more pH tolerant than the first hydrophilic polymer to form a dense rejection layer, and exposing the coated membrane to a high pH solution thereby forming a hydrolyzed ultrafiltration membrane. A polymer coated hydrolyzed membrane includes a porous membrane formed from a first hydrophilic polymer by immersion precipitation and from hydrolysis, and a dense rejection layer applied to the membrane and formed from a second hydrophilic polymer more pH tolerant than the first hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: Millimeter to nano-scale structures manufactured using a multi-component polymer fiber matrix are disclosed. The use of dissimilar polymers allows the selective dissolution of the polymers at various stages of the manufacturing process. In one application, biocompatible matrixes may be formed with long pore length and small pore size. The manufacturing process begins with a first polymer fiber arranged in a matrix formed by a second polymer fiber. End caps may be attached to provide structural support and the polymer fiber matrix selectively dissolved away leaving only the long polymer fibers. These may be exposed to another product, such as a biocompatible gel to form a biocompatible matrix. The polymer fibers may then be selectively dissolved leaving only a biocompatible gel scaffold with the pores formed by the dissolved polymer fibers. The scaffolds may be used in, among other applications, the repair of central and peripheral nerves.

Abstract: An extracorporeal circuit for removing toxins from the blood and plasma volume control in patients suffering from sepsis and renal failure. The extracorporeal circuit disclosed herein comprises a plasma filter, a toxin removal device and optionally a hemofilter that minimizes electrolyte and protein depletion from the treated plasma while effectively removing both free and protein-bound toxins. The toxin removal device comprises adsorbent materials selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, ion exchange resins and non-ionic exchange resins and the adsorbent materials are coated with albumin. Also provided are associated methods for treating patients suffering from sepsis and renal failure using the disclosed extracorporeal circuit and toxin removal device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a filtration material for desalination, including a support layer, and a desalination layer formed on the support layer, wherein the desalination layer is a fiber composite membrane and includes at least one water-swellable polymer. The water-swellable polymer is made of hydrophilic monomers and hydrophobic monomers, and the hydrophilic monomers include ionic monomers and non-ionic monomers, and the ionic monomers include cationic monomers and anionic monomers.

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 copoylmer 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: A crystalline polymer microporous membrane containing a crystalline polymer microporous film containing a crystalline polymer, and having an asymmetric pore structure; polyamine covering at least part of an exposed surface of the crystalline polymer microporous film; and a crosslinking agent, wherein the polyamine is crosslinked with assistance of the crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A polyamide membrane and method for making and using the same, including use within a spiral wound module. While many different embodiments are described, one embodiment includes a polyamide membrane including a coating comprising a combination of a polyalkylene oxide compound and a polyacrylamide compound.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method to improve the selectivities of polybenzoxazole (PBO) membranes prepared from aromatic polyimide membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. The PBO membranes that were prepared by thermal treating aromatic polyimide membranes containing between 0.05 and 20 wt-% of a poly(styrene sulfonic acid) polymer. These polymers showed up to 95% improvement in selectivity for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations compared to PBO membranes prepared from corresponding aromatic polyimide membranes without a poly(styrene sulfonic acid) polymer.

Abstract: A microporous asymmetrical membrane formed of one or more layers wherein the “tight” side of the membrane has an “opened” face or otherwise highly-porous reticulated surface is described. The microporous asymmetrical membrane has high throughput and high flux, even when used for filtering viscous materials, such as serum or plasma. The membrane's surface can be formed by ablation or solvation, or in a two or more layered structure, through an appropriate selection of casting dopes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method to improve the selectivities of polybenzoxazole (PBO) membranes prepared from aromatic polyimide membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. The PBO membranes that were prepared by thermal treating aromatic polyimide membranes containing between 0.05 and 20 wt-% of a poly(styrene sulfonic acid) polymer. These polymers showed up to 95% improvement in selectivity for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations compared to PBO membranes prepared from corresponding aromatic polyimide membranes without a poly(styrene sulfonic acid) polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides porous membranes with at least a partially modified surface as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A composite article, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a porous membrane formed from a first material, a coating formed from a second material applied to at least a portion of the porous membrane, and a third material covering at least a portion of the porous membrane. The third material is substantially incompatible with the first material. The second material of the coating is compatible with the first material and the third material. The coating is positioned between the first material and the third material The third material is connected to the first material by the coating on the porous membrane.

Abstract: A membrane includes a porous base membrane and a hydrophilic coating. The coating comprises a hydrophilic additive and a hydrophilic polymer derivatized with an electron beam reactive group adapted to form a radical under high energy irradiation. In some embodiments, the membrane comprises a fluoropolymer. Also disclosed are processes for forming the membrane.

Abstract: Functionalized nanopore membranes, apparatus and related methods, as can be used for selective analyte detection and/or separation.

Abstract: A filter device for the depletion of the leukocyte content from blood products comprising: a porous element comprising at least one fibrous web having a pore size suitable for leukocyte removal (possibly the range for the pore size should be defined), said web comprising fibres of a hydrophobic polymer coated with a hydrophilic polymer suitable to enhance the CWST of said hydrophobic polymer, characterised in that said web further includes adsorbent particles having a mean diameter lower than 30 ?m, said particles being bonded to said fibres by means of said hydrophilic polymer coating said fibres.

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 novel polyvinyl alcohol-based polymer membrane is disclosed. The novel polyvinyl alcohol-based polymer membrane of the present invention comprises two different compounds which are crosslinked by irradiating light such as UV or electronic beams or heat treatment to form a covalent bond between double bonds thereby providing improved properties such as chemical resistance and durability. This invention also relates to a process its preparation.

Abstract: Provided are a nanoporous membrane and a method of fabricating the same. The nanoporous membrane includes a support, and a separation layer including a plurality of nano-sized pores at a density of 1010/cm2 or greater and a matrix. The nanoporous membrane has a high flux and a high selectivity.