Ultrafiltration device and method of forming same

Abstract

An ultrafiltration device has a ported reservoir body, and a filter membrane sealed to the body along a closed contour surrounding the port(s) to provide a large area filtered outflow path. A frusto-conical end provides hydrostatic deadstopping with little or no wicking, greatly enhancing recovery time and efficiency. Methods of using the device rapidly isolate a predetermined amount of a desired retentate in the distal portion of the tube, and are also useful for quantitative transfer of smaller molecules and for multi-step processing of sample arrays Linear array strips of such chambers may be formed by bonding together mating halves with filter areas over the chamber ports. The vessel may include a rib to guide and orient filter during assembly, and/or a ledge or recess to engage and align the filter, assuring that the filter is precisely positioned and does not wander during manufacture and bonding. The vessels have a high filter area to volume ratio, maintain open filter surfaces and high rates of filtration throughout the spin, and are fully compatible with robotic loading, multistage operation and in situ multiwell plate filtrate and/or retentate assay or transfer. Attachment of the filter may be effected by heat welding. Preferably the vessel and filter are positioned between a press member and a heat sink and a superheated tool contacts the press member to selectively deliver a defined bolus of heat to the weld areas.