Single-Pass Tangential Flow Filtration for Bioprocessing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tangential flow filtration (TFF) processes require recirculation loops, resulting in high complexity, cost, and low conversion rates, making them unsuitable for pharmaceutical and biotech applications that need high flux and conversion without recirculation loops and intermediate pumps.
Innovation Solution
A single-pass tangential flow filtration (SPF) system with multiple stages, each having channels with a high specific membrane area and dimensionless length, allowing operation without recirculation loops and reducing the need for large feed pumps, enabling high conversion and low hold-up volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tangential flow filtration (TFF) processes are used with recirculation loops, then the system can maintain stable operation, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the recirculation loop from the TFF system, extracting the problematic component that caused complexity while maintaining the core filtration function through a single-pass configuration with optimized channel geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into multiple stages with specific membrane area requirements, where each stage processes the feed stream sequentially, eliminating the need for recirculation while maintaining effective separation through staged concentration
2Quantity of substance
If recirculation loops are used in TFF processes, then the system can achieve adequate conversion, but the productivity decreases due to low conversion rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by implementing a single-pass configuration with specific membrane area thresholds (greater than 40 cm⁻¹) and dimensionless length requirements (greater than 2,000), which fundamentally alters the flow dynamics to achieve both high conversion and productivity without recirculation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional recirculation loop approach to a one-dimensional single-pass linear flow through optimized channel geometry, fundamentally changing the flow path configuration to eliminate dead zones and improve conversion efficiency
3Speed
If large feed pumps are used in conventional TFF systems, then the system can maintain high flow rates, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow rate parameters by operating at lower specific feed flow rates compatible with single-pass configuration, eliminating the need for large high-capacity pumps while maintaining effective filtration through optimized membrane area and channel dimensions
4Quantity of substance
If recirculation loops are implemented, then the system can process large volumes, but the hold-up volume increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the recirculation loop that created large hold-up volumes, implementing a single-pass configuration where the feed stream flows through once without returning, thereby minimizing the volume of liquid retained in the system
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 SPF system achieves high reliable flux and conversion rates, reduces system complexity and costs, and allows for efficient processing with lower hold-up volumes and shorter processing times, making it suitable for pharmaceutical and biotech applications.
Implementation Method 1
In UF the retained species are typically proteins and, in general, macromolecules, while those that permeate are peptides, ions and, in general, small molecules
Implementation Method 2
The tangential flow induces a sweeping action that removes the retained species and prevents accumulation, thereby maintaining a high and stable flux
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.