Silicon nanotechnology for biofiltration and immunoisolated cell xenografts

Silicon-based clean-room technology is employed for the microfabrication of a particle filter with uniform pore dimensions in the 20-40-nm range. Surface and bulk micromachining are integrated in the fabrication process, resulting in a filtering membrane with large active area, flow rate and resistance to pressure. The microfabricated membrane is especially suitable for biofluid purification, including viral elimination. The nanofilter is a technological precursor for a microfabricated, silicon-based capsule to be employed in the reaction-free xenotransplantation of cells. Results are presented below that address the issue of biocompatibility of the microfabricated capsule components and materials.