High Throughput Membrane Systems Leuven


What is HT?

In general, by using robotics, data processing and control software, liquid handling devices, and sensitive detectors, High-Throughput (HT) screening or HTS allows a researcher to quickly conduct multiple tests. It was originally developed for biochemical, genetic or pharmacological research and later expanded to material science (e.g. semi-conductors and catalysts). Through this process, one can rapidly identify optimized materials or conditions.


HTS is more than just multiplying the number of test devices. Aspects of downscaling (to make the large screenings affordable and minimize waste streams) and automation (to whatever degree desired) are important elements in HTS' usefulness. Once started with HTS, it is important to critically evaluate the ‘whole chain’ in the screening process. Within membrane development for instance, it is not efficient just to have a HT-filtration cell if the preparation of the membranes or the characterization of the separated streams still take very long.

That is why HTML developed a whole HT-platform for membrane research. In this development, 16 was considered the ‘magic number’: most of the current devices can handle 16 samples simultaneously, but this rather random number obviously can be changed easily, as was done for the MBR- and fouling characterization (6 each) or the cross-flow (4 cells) equipment.