(196g) Membrane Cascading for Downstream Processing of Proteins

Membrane technology is giving growing competition to chromatographic techniques in downstream processing, e.g. for mild fractionation of dissolved solutes in a solvent. However, the most efficient membrane filter cannot provide the high separation performance that is common for chromatographic processes. Membrane performance might be improved with optimum interconnecting membrane configurations known as the ideal membrane cascade technology for gas separations. Lightfoot et al.^1,2 has shown promising simulation results with an ideal cascade of ultrafiltration membranes. However, detailed experimental design and procedures are still lacking in order to achieve the ideal membrane cascade configuration to separate dissolved solutes. This study demonstrates experimental design, protocol procedures, and limitations together with initial results for ideal membrane cascade and other alternative configurations. It shows new challenges for separation of industrial mixtures of bio-molecules.

References

[1] E. N. Lightfoot, Separation Science and Technology 2005, 40, 739.

[2] E. N. Lightfoot, T. W. Root, J. L. O'Dell, Biotechnology Progress 2008, 24, 599.