Inline Protein Concentration by Vibratory Single Pass Tangential Flow Filtration

Area of Science:

• Bioprocessing Engineering
• Separation Science
• Membrane Technology

Background:

• Single Pass Tangential Flow Filtration (SPTFF) is crucial for inline concentration in continuous biomanufacturing.
• Conventional SPTFF requires large membrane areas due to low feed flux and complex staging.
• Protein fouling limits efficiency and scalability in standard SPTFF systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a vibration-assisted SPTFF system for soluble protein concentration.
• To determine the maximum sustainable flux and concentration factor under vibratory and non-vibratory conditions.
• To compare the performance of vibratory SPTFF against conventional systems.

Main Methods:

• Flux-stepping experiments were conducted to assess performance under vibratory and non-vibratory conditions.
• Vibratory and non-vibratory SPTFF modules were compared using screened channel cassettes.
• Long-term filtration trials were performed to evaluate operational stability and protein aggregation.

Main Results:

• Vibration-assisted SPTFF achieved 20x single-pass concentration factors at 17.2 L/m²/h feed flux.
• Non-vibratory SPTFF exhibited rapid fouling at significantly lower concentration factors.
• The vibratory module demonstrated a 6-fold increase in concentration factor over screened cassettes.
• Stable operation for over 8 hours concentrated protein from 20 g/L to 100 g/L without aggregation.

Conclusions:

• Vibration-assisted SPTFF offers a significant advancement for intensified bioprocessing.
• This technology enables higher concentration factors and fluxes, reducing equipment footprint.
• Vibratory SPTFF presents a promising solution for efficient and scalable protein concentration in biomanufacturing.