3D-printed microfluidic dialysis apparatus for efficient polymer purification

Abstract

The study focuses on the optimization of a polymer purification system based on dialysis. The aim of the study is to optimize the purification efficiency by maintaining a homogenously mixed polymer solution and optimizing the volume to surface ratio of the dialysis module by modifying the shape and depth of the channels, as well as the overall size of the dialysis module. For this purpose, the current system, initially made from a Teflon flow channel with a stainless steel case, is now completely printed utilizing a digital light processing 3D-printer. Various configurations are investigated, including the addition of curves, sticks, and bumpers to the channels. Among the tested configurations, the optimized designs significantly improve the purification efficiency, with the most effective setup achieving a purification velocity coefficient more than two times higher than the original module (5.48 × 104 s-1 > 2.6 × 104 s-1). Hereby, it could be revealed that reducing the volume-to-surface area ratio of the channels leads to an enhanced purification performance. The optimal configuration was determined to have a channel depth of 0.3 mm and an increased membrane surface area. Thus, this study provides detailed insights into flow-based dialysis and enables other users to use the optimal design for polymer purification setups.