Tangential Flow Filtration With Dynamic Sorption Layer for Protein Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tangential flow filtration methods for biomolecule separation result in significant loss of target proteins due to unbound compounds passing through the membrane as permeate, leading to resource wastage and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and process utilizing a tangential flow filtration unit with a dynamic layer of chemically modified porous particles on the retentate side, forming a sorption material layer that adsorbs target compounds, combined with controlled fluid circulation and vacuum management to enhance separation efficiency and reduce resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adsorbent is suspended and recirculated in retentate to prevent membrane fouling, then membrane cleanliness is improved, but target protein loss increases due to unbound compounds passing through permeate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sorption function into two distinct locations: a fixed bed sorption column placed before the membrane filter and a dynamic layer of sorbent particles formed on the retentate side of the membrane. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without interfering with the other, preventing protein loss while maintaining membrane cleanliness.
Solution Approach 2:
A dynamic layer of sorbent particles is introduced as an intermediary between the feed stream and the membrane filter. This intermediary layer captures target compounds through adsorption before they reach the membrane, preventing both membrane fouling and protein loss in the permeate.
2Reliability
If high tangential flow and frequent back flushes are applied to keep membrane free from fouling, then membrane performance is improved, but liquid consumption increases due to washing and elution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed bed sorption column is positioned upstream to perform preliminary removal of target compounds from the feed stream before the liquid reaches the membrane filter. This preliminary action reduces the burden on the membrane and eliminates the need for frequent washing and elution cycles, significantly reducing liquid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorption function is extracted from the recirculating retentate stream and placed in a fixed bed column that processes the feed stream separately. This extraction eliminates the need for continuous recirculation and frequent washing, reducing overall liquid consumption while maintaining membrane performance.
3Productivity
If adsorbent is kept suspended and recycled to maintain separation efficiency, then separation performance is improved, but process complexity and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the separation process into two independent units: a fixed bed sorption column for pre-treatment and a membrane filter for final separation. This segmentation simplifies the overall process by eliminating the need for complex recirculation systems while maintaining high separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed bed sorption column operates continuously without requiring recirculation or complex control systems. The dynamic layer on the membrane side self-regulates through the natural flow dynamics, reducing process complexity while maintaining separation efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly increases the recovery of target biomolecules while minimizing resource consumption by forming a dynamic sorption layer that captures and releases compounds efficiently, thereby optimizing the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
the biomolecules may also be bound by adsorbents in order to retain them in the retentate
Implementation Method 2
a proportion of the material being smaller than the membrane pore size will pass through the membrane as permeate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and process for separation of compounds from a biological composition by means of a dynamic layer of sorption material.