Field-assisted extraction of cells, particles and macromolecules

Improved bioseparation techniques are increasingly important for biotechnology because separation is often the limiting factor for the success of biological processes. Manufacturers of new enzymes and pharmaceutical products require improved methods for recovering intact cells and intracellular products. Similarly the isolation, purification and concentration of many biomolecules produced in fermentation processes is extremely important. Often such downstream processing contributes a large portion of the product cost and thus efficient and economical alternative approaches to bioseparation processes are needed to eliminate, reduce or facilitate the handling of solids. Field-assisted separations, which hold immense potential for providing a major improvement in bioseparation in the near future, are considered in this review. Special emphasis is given to multistage methods, which are cost-effective compared with competing technologies. Commercial applications of these methods are detailed, we present suggestions for future work and we analyse the scale-up and economic aspects of these processes.