Continuous integrated antibody precipitation with two-stage tangential flow microfiltration enables constant mass...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Bioprocessing

Background:

• Traditional antibody capture methods often involve batch processes or require surge tanks, interrupting continuous flow.
• Centrifugation is unsuitable for antibody precipitate separation due to poor resolubilization of compressed sediment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, continuous precipitation unit operation for antibody capture.
• To establish a continuous separation and washing method for antibody precipitates.
• To enable truly continuous downstream processing of antibodies.

Main Methods:

• Antibody capture via continuous precipitation using Polyethylene Glycol 6000 (PEG6000) and Zinc ions (Zn++) in a tubular reactor.
• Integration with a two-stage continuous tangential flow microfiltration system for precipitate concentration and washing.
• Elimination of surge tanks for uninterrupted product mass flow.

Main Results:

• Achieved 97% antibody purity and 95% process yield in a continuous operation.
• Demonstrated a fivefold reduction in high-molecular-weight impurities.
• Successfully concentrated and washed antibody precipitate continuously without centrifugation.

Conclusions:

• The developed continuous precipitation and filtration method provides a robust and efficient antibody capture process.
• This approach eliminates the need for surge tanks, facilitating truly continuous bioprocessing.
• The system is readily integrable with downstream unit operations like virus inactivation for complete continuous processing.