Protein concentration with single-pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF)

This paper presents a novel Cadence™ single-pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) process for protein concentration, operating in a continuous mode. The main advantages of the SPTFF technology have been highlighted in a benchmark comparison test versus conventional TFF. SPTFF modules consist of internally staged T-series cassettes for creating longer flow paths that result in significantly higher conversion in one pass. This eliminates the need for the conventional TFF recirculation loop. SPTFF utilizes flow ratio control to achieve target concentration factors and final product concentrations instantaneously. Bovine IgG solutions in PBS (5–45 g/L) were processed to achieve a concentration factor range of 3–25×, which resulted in permeate fluxes in the range of 10–70 L/m2/h over a feed-side pressure drop range of 25–65 psid. Ten cycles of high concentration, product recovery and cleaning were successfully completed with the same SPTFF module to demonstrate experimental reproducibility and process stability. A ∼45 g/L IgG feed solution was concentrated to 190–225 g/L during all cycles resulting in high product recoveries in the range of 95.7–98.9%.