Optimizing Flux Capacity of Dead-end Filtration Membranes by Controlling Flow with Pulse Width Modulated Periodic Backflush

Standard dead-end sample filtration is used to improve sample purity, but is limited as particle build-up fouls the filter, leading to reduced recovery. The fouling layer can be periodically cleared with backflush algorithms applied through a customized fluidic actuator using variable duty cycles, significantly improving particulate recovery percentage. We show a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) process can periodically backflush the filter membrane to repeatedly interrupt cake formation and reintegrate the fouling layer into the sample, improving net permeate flux per unit volume of sample by partially restoring filter flux capacity. PWM flow for 2.19 um (targeted) and 7.32 um (untargeted) polystyrene microbeads produced 18-fold higher permeate concentration, higher recovery up to 68.5%, and an 8-fold enrichment increase, compared to a uniform flow. As the duty cycle approaches 50%, the recovery percentage monotonically increases after a critical threshold. Further, we developed and validated a mathematical model to determine that fast, small-volume backflush pulses near 50% duty cycle yield higher recovery by decreasing fouling associated with the cake layer. Optimized PWM flow was then used to purify custom particles for immune activation, achieving 3-fold higher recovery percentage and providing a new route to improve purification yields for diagnostic and cellular applications.