Cross-Flow Filtration of Plasma From Blood From a Microchannel

Steady cross-flow filtration of plasma through microsieves from blood in a microchannel is an important part of several biomedical applications under development, including a new artificial kidney.  Erythrocytes, which comprise the largest volume fraction of all particulates in blood, are believed to create the controlling resistance at the sieve surface.  Maximum steady-state filtration flux has been observed to be a function of wall shear rate, as predicted by any conventional cross-flow filtration theory, but to show weak dependence on erythrocyte concentration, contrary to theory based on convective diffusion.  Maximum filtration flux has also been observed to be a function of sieve pore size and shape (in spite of their very low flow resistance) as well as sieve surface coating.  

Recent experiments have correlated macroscopic measurements (filtration rates, transmembrane pressures) with direct observation of erythrocyte behavior at the filtering surface.  At low filtration rates (low transmembrane pressures), erythrocytes roll across the filter surface, but at higher filtration rates (higher transmembrane pressures), erythrocytes are observed sticking to the sieve surface.  Post-filtration SEM’s, even those obtained at very low transmembrane pressures, reveal significant capture and deformation of erythrocytes in the filter pores.  Careful balances among sieve design (which can be precisely defined by photolithography), surface treatments of sieves, and flow conditions, allow filtration fluxes at rates exceeding 0.1 cm³/cm²-min.