Microfluidic Mimic for Colloid Membrane Filtration: A Review

Abstract

This review provides an overview of the recent improvements of microfluidic membrane mimics. A special focus is given to the filtration of colloids in this device. Methods for on-chip membrane filtration have undergone significant development and improvement over the past two decades. Many efforts have been made to develop a single chip microfluidic platform that integrates the benefits of microfluidics and membrane science and technology. This review addresses the potential for microfluidic devices to serve as microfiltration membranes for separation purposes, as well as, micro-sized tools to study colloidal fouling phenomena at the pore scale.