Modular, disposable 3d printed microfluidic membrane system for separation and purification

A modular membrane extraction apparatus for extracting a component from a first liquid, the apparatus comprising:

• a housing comprised of a first housing half and a mating second housing half;
• the first housing half having a first open faced channel formed within a first recessed portion, and configured to flow the first liquid through the first housing half;
• the second housing half having a second open faced channel formed within a second recessed portion, where the second recessed portion registers with the first recessed portion, and where the second open faced channel is configured to flow a second liquid through the second housing half, the second open faced channel further being arranged to communicate with the first open faced channel when the first and second housing halves are secured together;
• a porous membrane filter disposed in the first and second recessed portions between the first and second housing halves to overlay the first and second open faced channels and communicate with the first and second open faced channels;
• and
• the membrane filter operating to extract the component from the first liquid and to transfer the component into the second liquid as the first and second liquids flow through the first and second housing halves.

A method of extracting a component in a first fluid using a second fluid, the method comprising:

• providing first and second housing halves each having open faced channels which overlay one another when the first and second housing halves are secured together;
• disposing a porous membrane filter over the open faced channels before securing the first and second housing halves together such that the porous membrane filter is captured between the first and second open faced channels and in communication with both of the open faced channels;
• flowing the first fluid through the open faced channel in the first housing half such that the first fluid contacts the porous membrane filter;
• simultaneously flowing a second fluid through the open faced channel in the second housing half such that the second fluid communicates with the porous membrane filter while the first fluid is in contact with the porous membrane filter;
• using the porous membrane filter to extract the component from the first fluid and to transfer the component to the second fluid;
• and
• continuing to flow the first and second fluids out from the first and second housing halves.