Gentle Tangential Flow Filtration System Safeguards Fragile Biotech Products

Many biotechnical processes require the separation of target molecules from a complex matrix of starting materials including growth media and cell lysates, and a new tangential flow filtration (TFF) system makes such separations easier and faster.

A separation system utilizing vibrating membrane filtration (VMF) technology and encapsulated hydrophilic polyethersulfone membrane filter modules has been introduced recently by Pall Corporation (Port Washington, NY, USA), a major producer of filtration, separation, and purification products.

The new PallSep Biotch System is recommended for the gentle separation of target molecules from complex process fluids containing high levels of biomass or particulates and high viscosity. The shear forces generated by VMF are limited to a narrow layer on the membrane surface, ensuring that the bulk of the process fluid is not exposed to the shear. In addition, the required cross flow is much lower when compared to other TFF technologies. The system allows for a dynamic membrane filtration with lower energy input and gentle processing of the target molecule with a low-pressure drop.

The PallSep Biotech System consists of encapsulated 0.2-micron polyethersulfone (PES) filter modules with filter areas of 0.2, 1, and 5 square meters, which allow for process development and full-scale production.

The PallSep Biotech System employs an offset motor that induces oscillation of two masses (the membrane module and a seismic plate) connected by a torsion rod. Operation near the resonance frequency of about 50 Hz requires a very low energy input to maintain the oscillation of the two masses. The oscillation prevents particulates from accumulating at the membrane surface and thus fouling the membrane surface. A stable permeate flow is maintained while achieving high levels of product transmission, even with high particulate density and viscosity.

In order to satisfy customer-specific requirements, the PallSep Biotech System includes all the valves, pumps, sensors, vessel, and piping elements mounted on a skid assembly to operate the unit, either in manual or automated conditions.
"The new PallSep Biotech system expands processing options by allowing users to combine different process steps such as harvest and clarification within the same system, thus simplifying the process design,” said Nathalie Pathier, TFF product manager at Pall Life Sciences. "The stable permeate flow and improved protein transmission that we can achieve with this technology contributes to better process economics.”

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