US Patent 7189322 Charged membrane

The present invention provides a hydrophilic charged microporous membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a coating comprising a charge-providing agent. The present invention further provides a hydrophilic charged membrane comprising a porous hydrophobic substrate and a hydrophilic charge-providing agent distributed within the substrate. The present invention further provides a filter as well as a filter device comprising the inventive hydrophilic charged membrane. The present invention further provides a process for treating a fluid containing bacterial contaminants such as endotoxins comprising contacting the membrane with the fluid to provide a bacterial contaminant depleted fluid.