Patent ID: 8758542

Claim:
A method for preparing a filter device, comprising: (i) providing a solvable mold comprising an array of pillars of substantially the same size; (ii) depositing a curable resin layer on the solvable mold, curing the resin to form a membrane filter comprising an array of pores of substantially the same size in contact with the solvable mold; (iii) contacting at least a portion of a first surface of the membrane filter away from the mold to a first support; and (iv) dissolving away the solvable mold leaving the membrane filter in contact with the support; wherein the curable resin of step (ii) comprises a uv curable resin or a temperature curable resin and step (ii) comprises: (a) depositing the uv curable resin or temperature curable resin onto the solvable mold; (b) positioning a plate with a substantially flat surface over the uv curable resin or temperature curable resin and exerting pressure on the resin; (c) exposing the resin to UV light or a temperature suitable to cure the resin as appropriate; and (d) removing the plate and any excess resin to obtain a membrane filter with a substantially flat exposed first surface.