Membrane-less microfiltration using microfluidics

Abstract Filtration is a crucial element in most industrial processes, which has led to the development of numerous commercially available membrane-based filtration techniques. Membranes are notorious for fouling requiring frequent replacement and high maintenance costs. Here, we re-evaluate membrane-less filtration techniques as a versatile alternate approach to suit different particle sizes and filtration purposes. Industrial sectors favor highly scalable processes, which can explain the rapid development in this research space. As an alternative to membrane filtration, microfluidic techniques are among the most innovative methods and benefit from low-cost fabrication technology, continuous operational mode, and clogging-free separation methods. This review highlights microfluidic technologies with the potential for scale-up that could pivot away from our use of expensive conventional filtration methods.