A method for forming an isoporous graded film comprising multiblock copolymers and isoporous graded films. The films have a surface layer and a bulk layer. The surface layer can have at least 1?10.sup.14 pores/m.sup.2 and a pore size distribution (d.sub.max/d.sub.min)) of less than 3. The bulk layer has an asymmetric structure. The films can be used in filtration applications.

Photocurable compositions and methods of preparation and use of such compositions. More particularly, photocurable compositions useful for forming topographical features on surfaces such as membrane surfaces. Methods of forming topographical features on a membrane surface using photocurable compositions.

The present invention provides for simple and rapid filtering of biological samples, whereby a sample can be analyzed in the same device or a different device. In one preferred example, a membrane filter 12 that is particularly useful for the filtration of samples comprising viruses along with other biological materials that need be separated from the viruses is used. A lateral flow device 10 incorporating a filter membrane/membrane filter 12 is also disclosed.

The present technology provides microfabricated filtration devices, methods of making such devices, and uses for microfabricated filtration devices. The devices may allow diffusion to occur between two fluids with improved transport resistance characteristics as compared to conventional filtration devices. The devices may include a compound structure that includes a porous membrane overlying a support structure. The support structure may define a cavity and a plurality of recesses formed in a way that can allow modified convective flow of a first fluid to provide improved diffusive transport between the first fluid and a second fluid through the membrane.

A novel or improved base film for impregnation, impregnated base film, product incorporating the impregnated base film, and/or related methods as shown, claimed or described herein.

A mixed matrix membrane which is porous and has a cross section resembling a sponge. The membrane includes nanoparticle fillers which are also porous. The membrane may be freestanding or supported on a substrate. Methods of making the membrane by spin casting or solvent casting are described. Methods of separating a gas/organic vapor using the membrane are described.

There is provided a method of forming a thin film through-hole membrane comprising: providing a patterning structure, the patterning structure comprising a patterning substrate, a sacrificial layer and a thin film; imprinting the thin film with a patterned mold to form a thin-film through-hole membrane; and contacting the patterning structure with water to dissolve the sacrificial layer, thereby releasing the thin film through-hole membrane from the patterning structure. There is also provided a hierarchical membrane comprising the thin film through-hole membrane prepared from the method.

A filter for filtering nucleated cells that includes a body containing at least either a metal or a metal oxide as its main component; and plural through holes, each of which have a shape other than a square shape, formed therein. A longitudinal diameter of an inscribed ellipse within each of the through holes is smaller than a size of a nucleus of each of the nucleated cells to be filtered. The inscribed ellipse of the through hole is an ellipse that abuts all sides that define an opening of the through hole.

To provide: a purification method which uses a polyimide and/or polyamide imide porous membrane that exhibits excellent removal performance for impurities such as metals, and wherein a liquid that is a silylating agent liquid, a film forming material or a diffusing agent composition is an object to be purified; a purification method for purifying a silicon compound-containing liquid that contains a silicon compound which is capable of producing a silanol group by hydrolysis; a method for producing a silylating agent liquid, a film forming material or a diffusing agent composition, which uses the purification method; a filter medium which is composed of the above-described porous membrane; and a filter device which comprises the above-described porous membrane. A purification method for purifying a liquid, which comprises a step in which some or all of the liquid is caused to permeate through a polyimide and/or polyamide imide porous membrane having communicating pores from one side to the other side by means of differential pressure, and wherein the liquid is a silylating agent liquid, a film forming material or a diffusing agent composition that is used for diffusing a dopant into a semiconductor substrate.

A mixed matrix membrane which is porous and has a cross section resembling a sponge. The membrane includes nanoparticle fillers which are also porous. The membrane may be freestanding or supported on a substrate. Methods of making the membrane by spin casting or solvent casting are described. Methods of separating a gas/organic vapor using the membrane are described.