High Flux, Low Shear Process Saves Cells.

Membrane & Separation Technology News, September, 2004

Inventors at Oxford University have developed a pair of technologies that improve the filtration of valuable bioprocess products on an industrial scale. Both methods, which improve upon existing processes using ceramic block or tubular membrane filters, allow users to obtain high yields without destroying delicate biological products.

The challenge in bioprocessing is to increase production rates without incurring high shear and the resultant cell lysis, which lowers yield. High shear can destroy valuable biological materials such as proteins, blood, algae and yeasts, and also requires higher flow rates, which in turn raise pumping costs.

The University of Oxfords solutions allow bioprocess engineers to achieve both high flux and low shear. The first method...