Method and apparatus for the filtration of biological samples

摘要

A separation module and method are disclosed for processing a liquid sample and providing high conversion by operating a single-pass tangential-flow process without a recirculation loop. In one embodiment, the separation module includes three reservoirs and has at least one long, thin channel with a large ratio of channel membrane area to: channel void volume; volume of a sample feed reservoir; and volume of the feed sample. In another embodiment, the separation module includes an external feed reservoir, an external retentate reservoir fluidly and a first vacuum source adapted to apply a first vacuum to the separation element disposed within the housing. The single-pass TFF separation element and single-pass process provides high conversion while operating with relatively low pressure sources. Certain embodiments disclosed herein can be used for the separation of blood.

主权项

1. A module for filtration of a liquid sample comprising:
a housing having a feed port and a retentate port; a filter comprising a single pass tangential flow filtration (TFF) separation element comprising a membrane, the filter disposed within the housing comprising at least one flow channel having a flow channel inlet disposed at a first end of the flow channel and coupled to the feed port, a flow channel outlet coupled to the retentate port and disposed at a second opposite end of the separation element; the housing includes a permeate port which is fluidly coupled to the separation element; the housing is adapted to place the separation element in communication with a vacuum source; wherein the at least one flow channel has a length a characterized by a dimensionless length greater than about 4000; a feed reservoir disposed within the housing and fluidly coupled to the feed port; a permeate reservoir fluidly coupled to the permeate port; and a vacuum source in communication with the permeate reservoir to apply a first vacuum to the separation element.