US Patent 7290667 - CNT filter for microfluidics

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7290667.html

This patent from the University of California teaches a carbon nanotube filter formed in a microfluidic channel. The carbon nanotube mesh can be dimensionally tuned and functionalized to allow for selective discrimination of molecules in a variety of applications. Claim 1 reads:

1. A microfluidic sieve comprising: a substrate having a microfluidic channel; and a compressed carbon nanotube mesh comprising a plurality of intertwined free-standing carbon nanotubes fixedly attached within and randomly extending from the surface of said channel to form irregularly sized mesh pores between the intertwined nanotubes for separating, concentrating, and/or filtering molecules flowed therethrough; and a cover layer sealably capping said microfluidic channel to thereby pack and compress the carbon nanotube mesh in the microfluidic channel, wherein said mesh partially fills a cross-section of the channel to form a central gap therethrough.