GBS Capsular Polysaccharide Purification via 10 kDa Membrane Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for purifying type II GBS capsular polysaccharides result in low yields, particularly due to the higher molecular weight cut-off membranes causing steric hindrance and loss of the polysaccharide, and often require chromatography steps that are not necessary.
Innovation Solution
A filtration method using a membrane with a cut-off of 10 kDa instead of 30 kDa in the final filtration step, which allows for higher yields and eliminates the need for chromatography, specifically including steps like hydrophobic-interaction chromatography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a membrane with a molecular weight cut-off of about 30 kDa is used in the final filtration step, then the purification process follows the conventional method, but the yield of type II GBS capsular polysaccharide is low due to steric hindrance and loss through the membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter change by switching the molecular weight cut-off parameter of the filtration membrane from 30 kDa to 10 kDa. This change in parameter allows the linear conformation type II GBS capsular polysaccharide to be retained effectively without passing through the membrane, thereby increasing yield from low levels to about 90% while eliminating the need for chromatography steps
2Productivity
If a membrane with a molecular weight cut-off of about 30 kDa is used, then the conventional purification method is followed, but additional chromatography steps (such as hydrophobic-interaction chromatography) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the chromatography steps (including hydrophobic-interaction chromatography) from the purification process by using a 10 kDa cut-off membrane in ultrafiltration. This single membrane filtration step replaces multiple chromatography steps, simplifying the device and reducing process complexity while maintaining high purification efficiency and achieving about 90% yield
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the molecular weight cut-off parameter to 10 kDa, the patent makes the ultrafiltration step sufficient for complete purification, eliminating the need for subsequent chromatography steps and thereby reducing the number of purification steps from multiple to essentially one
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
This approach significantly increases the yield of type II GBS capsular polysaccharide to about 90% while maintaining low levels of contaminants, providing a more efficient and streamlined purification process without the need for chromatography.
Implementation Method 1
ultrafiltration using a cellulose membrane having a cut-off of about 30kDa to remove smaller molecular weight components while retaining the capsular polysaccharide
Data Source
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AI summary
A purification method for the capsular polysaccharide of type II GBS in which the capsular polysaccharide is filtered using a membrane with a cut-off of less than 30 kDa. This method provides a higher yield than previous protocols.