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Direct visualization of virus removal process in hollow fiber membrane using an optical microscope
Miku Ayano1, Yoshiyuki Sawamura2, Tomoko Hongo-Hirasaki3
1Department of Physics, Gakushuin University, 1-5-1 Mejiro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-8588, Japan.
Scientific Reports
|January 14, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a novel dynamic imaging method to observe virus capture in filters. This technique quantifies real-time virus retention in membranes, aiding in optimizing biotherapeutic decontamination processes.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Filtration Technology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Virus removal filters are crucial for biotherapeutic production and research.
- Existing imaging methods for virus capture are limited to static observations.
- Understanding dynamic virus-membrane interactions is key to improving filtration efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel dynamic imaging method for monitoring virus capture in real-time.
- To investigate the mechanism of virus-like particle (VLP) accumulation within hollow fiber membranes.
- To provide a basis for optimizing filtration conditions and understanding membrane structure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an ultra-stable optical microscope for direct examination of biomolecules during filtration.
- Employed fluorescently labeled virus-like particles (VLPs) and proteins.
- Infused samples into a single hollow fiber membrane made of cuprammonium regenerated-cellulose (Planova 20N).
- Quantified VLP trapping in real-time, beyond the diffraction limit.
Main Results:
- Proteins passed through the membrane, while VLPs accumulated in a specific membrane region.
- The real-time process of VLP trapping was successfully quantified.
- Demonstrated the ability to observe dynamic biomolecular interactions during filtration.
Conclusions:
- The novel dynamic imaging method allows detailed monitoring of virus capture processes.
- This technique provides insights into VLP-membrane interactions and filtration mechanisms.
- The findings support optimization of virus removal filtration for biotherapeutics and novel membrane development.
