A separation membrane for selectively separating (e.g., pervaporating) a first fluid (e.g., a first liquid) from a mixture comprising the first fluid (e.g., first liquid) and a second fluid (e.g., second liquid), wherein the separation membrane includes a polymeric ionomer that has a highly fluorinated backbone and recurring pendant groups according to the following formula (Formula I): OR.sub.f[SO.sub.2N.sup.(Z.sup.+)SO.sub.2R].sub.m[SO.sub.2].sub.n-Q wherein: R.sub.f is a perfluorinated organic linking group; R is an organic linking group; Z.sup.+ is H.sup.+, a monovalent cation, or a multivalent cation; Q is H, F, NH, O-2 Y+, or C.sub.xF.sub.2x+1; Y.sup.+ is H.sup.+, a monovalent cation, or a multivalent cation; x=1 to 4; m=0 to 6; and n=0 or 1; with the proviso that at least one of m or n must be non-zero.

A separation membrane for selectively separating (e.g., pervaporating) a first fluid (e.g., a first liquid) from a mixture comprising the first fluid (e.g., first liquid) and a second fluid (e.g., second liquid), wherein the separation membrane includes a polymeric ionomer that has a highly fluorinated backbone and recurring pendant groups according to the following formula (Formula I): OR.sub.f[SO.sub.2N.sup.(Z.sup.+)SO.sub.2R].sub.m[SO.sub.2].sub.n-Q wherein: R.sub.f is a perfluorinated organic linking group; R is an organic linking group; Z.sup.+ is H.sup.+, a monovalent cation, or a multivalent cation; Q is H, F, NH, O-2 Y+, or C.sub.xF.sub.2x+1; Y.sup.+ is H.sup.+, a monovalent cation, or a multivalent cation; x=1 to 4; m=0 to 6; and n=0 or 1; with the proviso that at least one of m or n must be non-zero.

Provided are methods using and making functionalized silicon membranes, such as, for example, functionalized silicon nanomembranes. The methods may combine one or more (e.g., two) surface modification processes (e.g., using a combination of aldehydes and silanes). Also described are fluidic devices containing functionalized membranes of the present disclosure and uses thereof. The fluidic devices of the present disclosure include one or more functionalized silicon membrane.

Provided are methods using and making functionalized silicon membranes, such as, for example, functionalized silicon nanomembranes. The methods may combine one or more (e.g., two) surface modification processes (e.g., using a combination of aldehydes and silanes). Also described are fluidic devices containing functionalized membranes of the present disclosure and uses thereof. The fluidic devices of the present disclosure include one or more functionalized silicon membrane.

Disclosed herein are asymmetric thin-film composite membranes and methods of making and using the same. Also included herein are asymmetric thin-film composite membranes for preventing and/or reducing microfouling or macrofouling. Additionally included herein are asymmetric thin-film composite membranes for preventing and/or reducing biofilm.

A separation membrane for selectively separating (e.g., pervaporating) a first fluid (e.g., a first liquid) from a mixture comprising the first fluid (e.g., first liquid) and a second fluid (e.g., second liquid), wherein the separation membrane includes a polymeric ionomer that has a highly fluorinated backbone and recurring pendant groups according to the following formula (Formula I): OR.sub.f[SO.sub.2N.sup.(Z+)SO.sub.2R].sub.m[SO.sub.2].sub.n-Q wherein: R.sub.f is a perfluorinated organic linking group; R is an organic linking group; Z.sup.+ is H.sup.+, a monovalent cation, or a multivalent cation; Q is H, F, NH.sub.2, NH.sub.2, O.sup.Y.sup.+, or C.sub.xF.sub.2x+1; Y.sup.+ is H.sup.+, a monovalent cation, or a multivalent cation; x=1 to 4; m=0 to 6; and n=0 or 1; with the proviso that at least one of morn must be non-zero.

A separation membrane for selectively separating (e.g., pervaporating) a first fluid (e.g., a first liquid) from a mixture comprising the first fluid (e.g., first liquid) and a second fluid (e.g., second liquid), wherein the separation membrane includes a polymeric ionomer that has a highly fluorinated backbone and recurring pendant groups according to the following formula (Formula I): OR.sub.f[SO.sub.2N.sup.(Z+)SO.sub.2R].sub.m[SO.sub.2].sub.n-Q wherein: R.sub.f is a perfluorinated organic linking group; R is an organic linking group; Z.sup.+ is H.sup.+, a monovalent cation, or a multivalent cation; Q is H, F, NH.sub.2, NH.sub.2, O.sup.Y.sup.+, or C.sub.xF.sub.2x+1; Y.sup.+ is H.sup.+, a monovalent cation, or a multivalent cation; x=1 to 4; m=0 to 6; and n=0 or 1; with the proviso that at least one of morn must be non-zero.

A microfilter having a hydrophilic surface and suited for size-based capture and analysis of cells, such as circulating cancer cells, from whole blood and other human fluids is disclosed. The filter material is photo-definable, allowing the formation of precision pores by UV lithography. Exemplary embodiments provide a device that combines a microfilter with 3D nanotopography in culture scaffolds that mimic the 3D in vivo environment to better facilitate growth of captured cells.

Micro- and nanofilters with precision pore sizes and pore layout have applications in many fields including capturing circulating tumor cells and fetal cells in blood, water treatment, pathogen detection in water, etc. Methods to fabricate micro- and nanofilters not using track etching or reactive ion etching are provided, allowing easy fabrication of single layer or stack of films simultaneously, and/or stack of films on rolls. Microfilter can be made using one or more layers of material. Invention enables mass production of microfilters with lithographic quality at low cost. Isolation, enumeration and characterization of circulating tumor cells using microfilters provides (i) guides to cancer treatment selection and personalize dosage, (ii) low cost monitoring for treatment response, disease progression and recurrence, (iii) assessment of pharmacodynamic effects, (iv) information on mechanisms of resistance to therapy, and (v) cancer staging. Microfabrication methods are also applicable to fabrication of any free standing patterned polymeric films.

Micro- and nanofilters with precision pore sizes and pore layout have applications in many fields including capturing circulating tumor cells and fetal cells in blood, water treatment, pathogen detection in water, etc. Methods to fabricate micro- and nanofilters not using track etching or reactive ion etching are provided, allowing easy fabrication of single layer or stack of films simultaneously, and/or stack of films on rolls. Microfilter can be made using one or more layers of material. Invention enables mass production of microfilters with lithographic quality at low cost. Isolation, enumeration and characterization of circulating tumor cells using microfilters provides (i) guides to cancer treatment selection and personalize dosage, (ii) low cost monitoring for treatment response, disease progression and recurrence, (iii) assessment of pharmacodynamic effects, (iv) information on mechanisms of resistance to therapy, and (v) cancer staging. Microfabrication methods are also applicable to fabrication of any free standing patterned polymeric films.