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.
Claims15
A method for exchanging components between a first fluid and a second fluid, comprising:
- forming at least one first layer and at least one second layer of first and second fluids, respectively, such that diffusion-based exchange of components between the first and second fluids occurs in the absence of mixing of the fluids;
- and
- filtering at least a portion of the first fluid through pores sized to block first components from the second fluid while passing second components from the second fluid;
- the forming of the first and second layers including flowing the first and second fluids through a channel and forming two first layers with a single second layer therebetween;
- the filtering including providing a filter forming a portion of a wall of the channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.