(342c) Role of Electrostatic Interactions During Protein Ultrafiltration - New Developments and Opportunities

A number of studies over the last decade have clearly demonstrated the importance of electrostatic interactions on the transport of charged proteins through semipermeable ultrafiltration membranes. These electrostatic interactions can be exploited for selective protein separations and for the development of ultrafiltration membranes with enhanced performance characteristics. This talk provides a review of recent developments in this field with a focus on the role of both protein and membrane charge characteristics on the rate of protein transport. Data are presented for membranes generated by covalent attachment of novel ligands containing multiple charge groups and different spacer arm lengths. Experimental results are analyzed using available theoretical models to provide additional insights into the role of electrostatic interactions. Examples are also provided on potential applications of charged ultrafiltration membranes for the purification of recombinant protein products and pegylated proteins using high performance tangential flow filtration.