Abstract: The present invention provides a separating material producable by a) providing a solid substrate, having amino-functional groups coupled to the substrate surface, b) covalently coupling of the amino-functional groups with a thermally labile radical initiator, c) contacting the substrate surface with a solution of polymerizable monomers under conditions, where thermally initiated graft copolymerization of the monomers takes place, to form a structure of adjacent functional polymer chains on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide polymers suitable for use as medical materials. The present invention provides a polymer useful as a medical material having the general formula -(A)1-(B)m—(C)n—??(I) in which A is derived from an alkoxyalkyl (alkyl)acrylate monomer; B is derived from a monomer containing a primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amine group; C is derived from a non-ionic monomer; and 1+m+n=100,0<1, m, n<100.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite support comprising a base support for the treatment of a biological fluid, in which: “the base support is essentially-constituted by a first polymer carrying anionic or anionizable groups;” at least a part of the surface of the base support is coated with a second polymer ionically bonded to the first polymer, the second polymer carrying the cationic or cationizable groups which are capable of forming an ionic bond with the anionic or anionizable groups of the first polymer; in which the second polymer is in the colloidal form and in mixture with a polyacid during application to the support, allowing the composite membrane to adsorb at least one entity containing anionic or anionizable groups by bonding with cationic or cationizable groups of the second polymer.

Abstract: The present invention generally related to a nanofabricated membrane including polymerized proteoliposomes. The nanofabricated membrane is a bio-nano fused selective membrane using protein-incorporated uv-crosslinkable liposomes with a chemical reactive biocompatible interstitial matrix. In the present invention, internally UV-crosslinked protein-incorporated proteolipsomes are used because the proteoliposomes made by natural lipids have a short life time and a weak resistance to the circumstantial stresses such as a high and low temperature, pressure, ionic strength etc. Furthermore, the proteo-vesicles made by amphiphilic block copolymers provide less consistency in accomplishing proper functionality batch to batch because of the inevitable polydiversity of the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a membrane for aromatics separation that is stable in an alcohol containing environment. The polymeric membrane is a epoxy amine based membrane.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a unit element forming a membrane comprising a semi-permeable material able to separate in two compartments a filtration device for extracorporeal treatment of a fluid such as blood or plasma, said material being negatively charged, said element having a first internal face intended to be in direct contact with blood or plasma and a second external face intended to be in contact with filtrate, wherein said second face of said element is treated on the surface by one selected in the group comprising at least a cationic polymer, a mixture of polymers of which at least one polymer is cationic. The unit element can also have said first face treated on the surface by one selected in the group comprising: at least one cationic polymer, a mixture of polymers of which at least one polymer is cationic.

Abstract: This invention relates to the fabrication of a polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the polymeric membrane for separating components of a feedstream. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the fabrication of a polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the polymeric membrane in the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream. The membranes of the present invention possess low soft segment glass transition temperatures and improved separation characteristics.

Abstract: Media and devices, such as anion exchangers including such media, wherein the media is a membrane having a surface coated with a polymer such as a polyallylamine. The resulting membrane offers stronger binding of protein impurities and superior removal of host cell proteins from biological samples than conventional ligands based on quaternary ammonium salts, including trimethylammonium ligands. Also described is a chromatography scheme and method for purifying monoclonal antibodies, wherein the anion exchange sorber is placed downstream of an affinity column (such as Protein A or Protein G affinity column) and optionally one or more polishing devices such as cationic exchange columns. Little or no dilution of the cation exchanger pool (or affinity column exchange pool where no cation exchanger is used) is necessary to lower the conductivity of the sample. The sorber functions well to strongly bind host cell proteins and other impurities in biological samples even at high conductivities and pH.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a hybrid composition membrane comprising the steps of preparing a sol comprising at least one poly(amino-alcohol) and at least one alkoxy silane, casting the sol on a surface and drying the casted sol to form the hybrid composition membrane. The hybrid composition membrane may be used for capturing and separating CO2 and/or H2S from a gas sample.

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 dopamine to form a polydopamine coated membrane with a high water flux and a high hydrophilicity.

Abstract: A storm sewer insert for use in a storm water drainage system includes a collection basin that has an upper inlet opening, a lower outlet opening and at least one overflow bypass opening defined therein. A filter assembly is preferably positioned in the lower opening of the collection basin for filtering storm water that is held in the collection basin. Advantageously, adjustable mounting structure is provided for mounting the collection basin to an inlet opening of a storm sewer or catch basin. In addition, a mosquito barrier is preferably provided for reducing mosquito passage through the bypass opening.

Abstract: A modified polyamide membrane and method for making and using the same. The present invention includes many embodiments including methods comprising contacting a polyamide membrane with certain modifiers, including but not limited to certain oxazoline and/or thiazoline-based compounds, derivatives and polymers thereof. In one embodiment, the surface of a polyamide membrane is coated with a solution including a polyoxazoline and optionally a polyalkylene oxide material, followed by optional heating. Preferred embodiments may exhibit improved performance, e.g. increased rejection of certain species, (e.g. sodium chloride and/or boric oxides such as boric acid or various borate salts), reduced fouling, improved antimicrobial properties, and/or improved storage stability.

Abstract: A method for making a polysulfone having zwitterionic functionality comprising reacting a piperazine amine functionalized polysulfone with sultone is described as are blends with other polymers. Membranes containing polysulfones having zwitterionic functionality are also provided. Membranes thus formed are used in hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and water purification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for water filtration comprising contacting a water stream with a membrane comprising a polysulfone having structural units of Formula I wherein X is OH, NR1R2, or OR3; R1 and R2 are independently at each occurrence hydrogen, a C1-C5000 aliphatic radical, a C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, a C3-C12 aromatic radical, a polypeptide, a combination thereof, or R1 and R2 taken together form a 5- or 6-membered aliphatic ring or a 5-membered aromatic ring; R3 is a C1-C20 aliphatic radical, C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, C3-C12 aromatic radical, or a combination thereof; B? and C? are independently at each occurrence a nitro group, C1-C20 aliphatic radical, C3-C12 cycloaliphatic radical, C3-C12 aromatic radical, or a combination thereof; and q and r are independently at each occurrence 0 to 4.

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 composite membrane includes a filtration membrane with a surface; and a layer on the surface of the filtration membrane.

Abstract: A filtration filter including a cartridge, which contains a crystalline polymer microporous membrane having a plurality of pores, where the average pore diameter of a first surface of the crystalline polymer microporous membrane is larger than that of a second surface thereof, and the average pore diameter of the crystalline polymer microporous membrane continuously changes from the first surface thereof to the second surface thereof, wherein at least part of the crystalline polymer microporous membrane forming the cartridge is subjected to surface modification after the crystalline polymer microporous membrane is formed into the cartridge.

Abstract: To provide a crystalline polymer microporous membrane, which contains a crystalline polymer microporous film containing a crystalline polymer; and a fluorosurfactant covering at least part of the exposed surface of the crystalline polymer microporous film, wherein the crystalline polymer microporous membrane has a plurality of pores, where the average pore diameter of a first surface of the crystalline polymer microporous membrane is larger than that of a second surface thereof, and the average pore diameter of the crystalline polymer microporous membrane continuously changes from the first surface thereof to the second surface thereof.

Abstract: A selective membrane having a high fouling resistance. In one embodiment, the selective membrane is a composite polyamide reverse osmosis membrane in which a hydrophilic coating is applied to the polyamide layer of the membrane, the hydrophilic coating being made by covalently bonding a hydrophilic compound to residual acid chlorides of the polyamide membrane, the hydrophilic compound including (i) at least one reactive group that is adapted to covalently bond directly to the polyamide membrane, the at least one reactive group being at least one of a primary amine and a secondary amine; and (ii) at least one non-terminal hydroxyl group.

Abstract: A modified polyamide membrane and method for making and using the same. The present invention includes many embodiments including methods comprising contacting a polyamide membrane with certain modifiers, including but not limited to certain oxazoline and/or thiazoline-based compounds, derivatives and polymers thereof. In one embodiment, the surface of a polyamide membrane is coated with a solution including a polyoxazoline and optionally a polyalkylene oxide material, followed by optional heating. Preferred embodiments may exhibit improved performance, e.g. increased rejection of certain species, (e.g. sodium chloride and/or boric oxides such as boric acid or various borate salts), reduced fouling, improved antimicrobial properties, and/or improved storage stability.

Abstract: A membrane suitable for separating a gas, in particular carbon dioxide, from a gas mixture containing the gas is provided by a blend of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylamine (PVAm).

Abstract: A multilayered modified membrane and method for making the same, comprising a modified discriminating layer that can have a fouling resistant surface, improved salt rejection, antimicrobial properties, and/or improved solute, and/or small organics rejection as compared to membranes with unmodified discriminating layers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to porous materials for use in solid phase extractions and chromatography. The materials feature at least one hydrophobic component, at least one hydrophilic component and at least one ion-exchange functional group. The materials exhibit superior wetting and ion-exchange performance.

Abstract: A device for the removal of heavy metals and heavy metal complexes, such as thimerosal, from medications is provided wherein the device comprises a solid support having at least one substantially purified metallothionein protein associated therewith.

Abstract: A chlorine resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine and an acid chloride monomer wherein the acid chloride monomer is modified with electron-withdrawing groups that exhibit sufficient activity to (i) minimize any chlorination on both the amine and acid chloride side and (ii) minimize N-chlorination. A membrane is made from the polyamide and, in one application, the membrane is used in a desalination unit.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide polymers suitable for use as medical materials. The present invention provides a polymer useful as a medical material having the general formula -(A)l-(B)m-(C)n-??(I) in which A is derived from a non-ionic monomer; B is derived from a monomer containing a primary, secondary, tertiary or quaternary amine group; C is derived from a monomer containing an acid group; and l+m+n=100, 0<l, m, n<100.

Abstract: A coating that exhibits resistance to fouling by waterborne contaminants, and permselective membranes having this type of coating, are disclosed. For example, a reverse osmosis membrane is coated with a hydrogel-like composition comprising a combination of a hydrophilic polymer, a polyphenolic compound, and a surfactant, whereby the membrane is made more resistant to fouling by organic contaminants. Particularly beneficial are coating compositions containing amine-based surfactants, these being retained in the hydrophilic coating by polar or ionic binding forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric aromatic selective membrane comprising an cross linked polyether imide membrane that comprise the reaction of a polyether amine with an dianhydride, and that may be utilized in a process for selectively separating aromatics from a hydrocarbon feedstream comprised of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons and at least one alcohol, typically ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a membrane for aromatics separation that is stable in an alcohol containing environment. The polymeric membrane is a epoxy amine based membrane.

Abstract: Hydrophilic cross-linked polymeric membranes, when prepared according to the process of the present invention, are unique in character in as much as the steady state permeability of the membrane has been altered by blending and cross-linking polyalkyl amines and polyalcohols. To obtain desired results, the compositions must contain at least 10% polyalkyl amines, with preferred amounts of polyalkyl amines in the composition being in excess of 40%, with over 50% polyalkyl amine concentration by weight.

Abstract: A porous membrane assembly includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a porous membrane substrate having hydrophobic properties. The membrane substrate includes a first side, an opposing second side and a plurality of pores extending therethrough. The membrane substrate also includes a discontinuous layer of an oleophobic coating applied to the first side so that the plurality of pores in the first side are substantially free of the oleophobic coating, and a continuous layer of an amine containing hydrophilic polymer coating applied to the second side of the membrane substrate.

Abstract: A preparation method of a polyamide thin film composite reverse osmosis membrane and a polyamide thin film composite reverse osmosis membrane prepared using the preparation method are provided. The preparation method of a polyamide thin film composite reverse osmosis membrane using interfacial polymerization of an amine aqueous solution and amine-reactive compound includes the steps of (a) forming an active layer through interfacial polymerization by contacting a surface of a porous support with an amine aqueous solution containing a polyfunctional aromatic amine monomer and an organic solution containing polyfunctional acyl halide monomer as an amine-reactive compound, and (b) performing post-treatment preceded by the forming of the active layer by contacting the active layer with an aqueous solution containing 0.1 to 100 wt % of polyfunctional tertiary alcohol amine.

Abstract: A process for production of a microporous affinity membrane having regioselective affinity for compounds in blood or other biologically active fluids to be removed during purification of blood or said fluids is disclosed, as well as a microporous affinity membrane produced by said process, an adsorption device containing such a microporous affinity membrane, and use of such a microporous affinity membrane.

Abstract: Hydrophilic porous polymeric membranes with high permeabilities, and processes for the preparation thereof are disclosed. Membranes may be prepared by including a preferably hydrophilic cross-linkable component such as PVP (either by inclusion into the polymer dope prior to casting, or coating or quenching cast membranes); and treating the polymeric microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane with a crosslinking agent to cross-link said cross-linkable component. Preferred cross-linking agents include Fenton's reagent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ultrafiltration membrane that is capable for the retention of endotoxines and cytokine inducing substances (CIS) including bacterial DNA and/or DNA fragments from fluid and/or liquid media. The invention is further directed to a method of manufacturing such ultrafiltration membranes in a high quality and in an effective and time saving procedure, and to the use of such membranes for the retention of substances from fluids or liquids. The ultrafiltration membrane of the invention consists of a polymer blend comprising at least one hydrophobic polymer containing sulfur in its back bone, at least one hydrophilic, uncharged homo-polymer of polyvinylpyrrolidone and at least one polymer containing cationic charges.

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: Polymer-ceramic mixed matrix compositions contain one or more organic polymers and a nano-sized dispersion of inorganic metal oxide particles which are dispersed throughout the composition. Materials have use in making membranes that act as transfer agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophilic substance production method characterized in that polyvinylpyrrolidone-containing material wetted with an aqueous solution of a cationic polymer is treated with radiation. The invention makes it possible to produce material for blood treatment that prevents adsorption of blood platelets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer blend membrane comprising a bridged polymer which is produced by a selected process. The membrane of the invention displays a significantly improved fracture toughness (elongation at break/stress) combined with virtually unchanged other properties. The membranes of the invention are suitable for producing membrane-electrode units for fuel cells.

Abstract: A chlorine resistant polyamide is formed from the reaction product of an amine and an acid chloride monomer wherein the acid chloride monomer is modified with electron-withdrawing groups that exhibit sufficient activity to (i) minimize any chlorination on both the amine and acid chloride side and (ii) minimize N-chlorination. A membrane is made from the polyamide and, in one application, the membrane is used in a desalination unit.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a filter for selectively removing leukocytes whereby leukocytes can be selectively and efficiently removed without worsening in the performance due to sterilization while causing little elution and minimizing loss in platelets. Namely, a filter for selectively removing leukocytes which is highly tolerant to sterilization and contains a polymer on the filter surface, characterized in that the polymer consists of a hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylate unit having 3 or 4 carbon atoms in the alkyl moiety, a monomer unit having a basic nitrogen-containing functional group, and a monomer unit having an ethylene oxide chain with a repetition number of 2 to 9, the content of the monomer unit having the basic nitrogen-containing functional group ranges from 2% by mol to 9% by mol in the polymer, and the ethylene oxide chain content ranges from 1% by weight to 10% by weight in the polymer.

Abstract: A porous polymeric membrane formed from a blend of a polymeric membrane forming material, such as polyvinylidene fluoride or polysulfone and a polymeric reactivity modifying agent adapted to modify the surface active properties of the porous polymeric membrane. The reactivity modifying agent is preferably a linear polymeric anhydride, such as poly(alkyl vinyl ether/maleic anhydride). The surface activity modifications include modification of the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity balance of the membrane, or hydrolysis followed by reaction with a polyamine to form a crosslinked polyamide layer. Such modified membranes have use as reverse osmosis membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.

Abstract: A membrane is provided, which may include a microporous base membrane; and a cross-linkable coating disposed on a surface of the membrane. The coating may include polyvinyl nucleophilic polymer and a urethane or a blocked isocyanate. The coating may be cross-linked. Also provided is a method of making the membrane.

Abstract: A polyamide having an equilibrium water absorption of not more than 10% is used as a main material. As a polyamide having an equilibrium water absorption of not.more than 10%, for example, a polyamide comprising a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 60-100 mol % of terephthalic acid and a diamine component comprising 60-100 mol % of 1,9-nonanediamine and/or 2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine is used. As a result, a porous membrane showing extremely small dimensional change even after a hot water treatment, and particularly useful as a medical separation membrane permitting an AC sterilization treatment and the like is obtained.

Abstract: A filter device (100) comprising a filter (10) for producing a leukocyte-depleted plasma-rich fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a polymeric membrane assembly and method for selective separation of components of a feedstream utilizing the polymeric membrane assembly. The present invention is a novel concept for the manufacture and use of a polymeric membrane assemblies which require the use of fibrous backing materials for fabrication processes utilizing commercial membrane casting equipment. This invention involves as improved membrane assembly configuration and membrane separation process configuration resulting in improved flux and selectivity properties for a given polymeric membrane composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer membrane assembly for selective separation of permeate compositions by carbon weight. This invention also relates to a process for utilizing these polymer membrane assemblies in separation processes for selective carbon weight separation of hydrocarbon feedstreams components. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the use membrane assemblies for the selective separation by carbon weight of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream.

Abstract: A composite semipermeable membrane which satisfies the following relationship when seawater at 25° C. having a pH of 6.5, a boron concentration of 5 ppm and a TDS concentration of 3.5% by weight is permeated under an operation pressure of 5.5 MPa: Boron removal ratio (%)?95?4×membrane permeation flow rate (m3/m2·day).

Abstract: The present invention provides a positively charged microporous membrane having a protein binding capacity of about 25 mg/ml or greater comprising a hydrophilic porous substrate and a crosslinked coating that provides a fixed positive charge to the membrane. The present invention further provides a positively charged microporous membrane comprising a porous substrate and a crosslinked coating comprising pendant cationic groups. The membranes of the present invention find use in a variety of applications including ion-exchange chromatography, macromolecular transfer, as well as detection, filtration and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, endotoxins, and the like.