Programmable Separation for Biologically Active Molecules

Abstract

Separation of biologically active molecules (BAMs) is a problem for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Current technologies addressing this problem require too many techniques, toxic additives, and time to filter the desired materials. As a result, a new technology is needed. The objective of this work is to contribute to the development of a device that can separate 0.5 nm to 500 nm sized BAMs. A diaphragm valve is proposed that can control a gap created by two parallel flat surfaces. Position control is achieved by means of a piezoelectric actuator and a capacitive sensor. Modularity was also part of design considerations to address issues of eventual biocompatibility breakdown. Preliminary experiments indicate that gap separation can be controlled to increments of 0.2 nm.