Tangential Flow Filtration [TFF] is used for clarifying, concentrating and purifying proteins.
Filtration is a pressure driven separation process that uses a membrane to separate components in liquid solution or suspension based on size and charge difference.
Types of Membrane Filtration
1. Normal Flow Filtration – Dead End Filtration
2. Tangential Flow Filtration – Cross Flow Filtration
Tangential Flow Filtration:
Tangential Flow Filtration is divided into categories based on the size of the components being separated.
Generally membrane pore size is given as micron value, particles sized above this value will be retained.
Types of TFF
1. Micro Filtration
2. Ultra Filtration
Ultra Filtration is catagorized into two
- Virus Filtration
- High Performance Tangential Flow Filtration
Process Goals
- Final Product Concentration
- Feed Volume Reduction
- Extent of Buffer Exchange
- Contaminant Removal Specification
Primary Protein Processing Goals
- High Product Yield
- High Product Quality
- High Product Purity
- Controlled Bioburden
Membranes
- Polyethersulfone (PES)
- Regenerated Cellulose
Types of Membranes
- Flat Plate
- Spiral Wound
- Hollow Fiber
Key Parameters to Optimize
- Cross Flow Rate
- Transmembrane Pressure
- Filtrate Control
- Membrane Area
- Diafiltration Design
Factors affecting Product Yield
These are the four contribution of product loss during Tangential FLow Filtration
- Retention Loss
- Adsorption Loss
- Solubility Loss
- Unrecoverable hold up volume loss
Factors affecting Product Quality
Quality of product is compromised due to aggregation or denaturation caused by
- Micro cavitation
- Air-Liquid Interface
- High Protein Concentration
- Temperature Effects
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