Continuous ultrafiltration/diafiltration using a 3D-printed two membrane single pass module.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) often requires multiple steps and units.
• Existing single-pass UF concepts have limitations in simultaneous concentration and buffer exchange.
• There is a need for integrated, efficient systems for biomolecule processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a 3D printed module for continuous, simultaneous ultrafiltration and diafiltration.
• To demonstrate the module's capability for concentrating biomolecules and reducing salt buffer in a single pass.
• To evaluate the module's performance and economic potential for small-scale applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D printed module incorporating two membranes for UF/DF.
• Utilizing a single-pass system allowing simultaneous concentration and buffer exchange.
• Testing the module with a dissolved protein to assess concentration factor and salt reduction.

Main Results:

• Achieved continuous protein concentration up to a factor of 4.6.
• Reduced salt concentration to 47% of the initial concentration.
• Demonstrated effective UF/DF in a compact, 5 cm flow path module, despite concentration polarization effects at higher factors.

Conclusions:

• The 3D printed UF/DF module offers a continuous, single-pass solution for simultaneous biomolecule concentration and buffer exchange.
• The integrated design presents potential economic benefits for small-scale bioprocessing.
• Further optimization may mitigate concentration polarization for enhanced performance.