Charge modified microporous membrane, process for charge modifying said membrane and process for filtration of fluid

Abstract

A cationic charge modified microporous membrane, process for producing said membrane and use thereof are provided. The membrane comprises a hydrophilic organic polymeric microporous membrane and a charge modifying amount of a primary cationic charge modifying agent bonded to substantially all of the wetted surfaces of the membrane. The primary charge modifying agent if a water soluble organic polymer having a molecular weight greater than about 1000 wherein each monomer thereof has at least one epoxide group capable of bonding to the surface of the membrane and at least one tertiary amine or quaternary ammonium group. Preferably, a portion of the epoxy groups on the organic polymer are bonded to a secondary charge modifying agent selected from the group consisting of: (i) aliphatic amines having at least one primary amine or at least two secondary amines; and (ii) aliphatic amines having at least one secondary amine and a carboxyl or hydroxyl substituent. The charge modified microporous membrane of this invention may be used for the filtration of fluids, particularly parenteral or biological liquids. The membrane has low extractables and is sanitizable or sterilizable.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.