Methods of protein fractionation using high performance tangential flow filtration

Abstract

Processes and apparati are provided for separating molecules of interest from a mixture containing them which comprises subjecting the mixture to an improved method of high performance tangential flow filtration (HPTFF). The HPTFF of the invention was used to clarify, and process various feedstreams for the removal of a molecule of interest based on both the size and charge of the molecule of interest. According to a preferred embodiment, a transgenic milk feedstream is stabilized and particulate matter such as fat, casein miscelles and bacteria are removed. The method of HPTFF used in the current invention utilizes optimized process parameters that include temperature, trans-membrane pressure, molecular charge, molecular size, cross-flow velocity, and milk concentration. Cleaning and storage procedures were also developed to ensure long membrane life. An aseptic filtration step was also developed to remove any bacteria remaining in a clarified transgenic milk feedstream.

Description

[0001] priority [0002] This application claims priority from USSN 60 / 550,137, filed March 4, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention provides an improved method and system for the clarification of specific target molecules from contaminants found in an initial feed stream. More specifically, the methods of the present invention provide an improved method of processing sample solutions through high efficiency tangential flow filtration that enhances the clarification, concentration and fractionation of desired molecules from a given feed stream. Background technique [0004] The present invention relates to an improved method for fractionating molecules of interest from a given feed stream. It should be noted that the production of large quantities of relatively pure bioactive molecules is economically important for the manufacture of human and animal pharmaceuticals, proteins, enzymes, antibodies, a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0022] However, the precise control of particle size required in the commercial application of this technology is difficult and often unsuccessful

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