Systems and methods of microfluidic membraneless exchange using filtration of extraction outlet streams
AssigneeThe Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
InventorsEDWARD F. LEONARD, Alan C. West, Christian P. Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
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Abstract
A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.
Claims9
1-65. (canceled)
A method of performing ultrafiltration, comprising:
- pumping blood from a human patient into a microfluidic channel to generate a shear flow across the face of filters forming opposite facing walls of the microfluidic channel, the shear flow in the microfluidic channel being maintained at a sufficient magnitude to prevent the clogging of the filters;
- drawing plasma through the filters and removing water and uremic toxins from the plasma by passing the same through an ultrafilter at a higher shear rate than would be tolerated by blood due to the concomitant rate of hemolysis;
- and
- returning dehydrated plasma to the patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.