Pall Corporation introduces PallSep biotechnology filtration system
15 February 2010
Pall Corporation (NYSE: PLL) has introduced the PallSep Biotech system for the gentle separation of target molecules from complex biotechnology process fluids.
The new system utilizes vibrating membrane filtration (VMF) technology and encapsulated hydrophilic polyethersulfone membrane filter modules. This unique combination reduces the accumulation of retained species on the membrane surface which allows for increased transmission of the target molecule.
“The stable permeate flow and improved protein transmission we can achieve with this technology contribute to better process economics.”
The VMF principle is based on the rapid oscillation of porous membrane plates within a process feed stream to create shear at the membrane surface. The generated shear forces are limited to a narrow portion of the flow channel, reducing the amount of process fluid exposed to the shear. The cross flow requirements are much lower with the PallSep Biotech system than with other tangential flow filtration (TFF) technologies. This creates gentle processing and good product transmission.
The
PallSep Biotech system (see photo on right) supports the production
of high value products like therapeutic vaccines and antigen
extracts. It permits the concentration, clarification and
purification of feed streams with high levels of biomass
particulates and viscosity, along with difficult-to-filter solutions
such as fermentation broths and lysates.
“The new PallSep Biotech system expands processing options by allowing users to combine different process steps such as harvest and clarification within the same system, thus simplifying the process design,” said Nathalie Pathier, TFF product manager, Pall Life Sciences. “The stable permeate flow and improved protein transmission we can achieve with this technology contribute to better process economics.”
The encapsulated 0.2 µm polyethersulfone membrane filter modules, available in filter areas of 0.2, 1 and 5 m2, offer flexibility for scale up and scale down of processes. Typical batch sizes range from a few liters to 500 liters, depending on the process application.
Custom designed for specific requirements, the PallSep Biotech system can be operated manually or within an automated process. It includes all valves, pumps, sensors, vessel and piping elements in a process system. GMP requirements for biopharmaceutical processes are met without compromising ease of use, flexibility, cleanability, safety or operating costs.