Tangential flow filtration (TFF), also called cross-flow filtration, is a separation process widely used in the bio-pharmaceutical and food industries. In this filtration system, the fluid is passed parallel to the filter instead of being pushed against the membrane perpendicularly, which may result in clogging the filtration media. TFF is highly preferred as it allows for continuous filtration and regenerative functioning. The particles passed through the membrane and permeate are put off, while the rest of the elements are recycled back to the feed.
Hence, with the growing pharmaceutical industry, in 2021, $1,237.6 million revenue was generated by the sale of the associated filtration systems, media, and accessories, which is predicted to grow at a rate of 12.8%, to reach $3,667.2 million.
What Can Be Achieved with TFF?
Primarily, TFF is utilized to facilitate an increase in the concentration of a solution, by keeping the solute molecules and removing the solvent. It is done by a specific filter that is smaller than the solute molecules, thus enabling a higher retention of solute molecules than those of the solvent.
Another application of the technology is diafiltration, which involves the separation of small and large particles without modifying the whole concentration, by washing out the salt and remaining buffer and leaving the small particles.
What Is TFF Used for?
TFF is prominently used for larger-scale lab separation processes, such as protein isolation and cell harvesting from culture supernatants. It can filter larger volumes and manage large surface areas, without clogging. This technique recovers and purifies plasmid DNA, antibodies, and recombinant proteins.
Additionally, it is used to harvest cells and prepare samples for chromatography. Moreover, TFF concentrates and desalts proteins, nucleic acids, or peptides. Besides this, it removes endotoxins from media solutions, buffers, and water and also clarifies fermentation broths.
What Are Advantages of TFF?
TFF devices are easy to set up and use, easily connecting with the pump and pressure gauge. Moreover, the process is faster than dialysis and also enables a higher concentration in much-less time than processes that utilize stirred cells and centrifugal devices. It also facilitates concentration augmentation and sample diafiltration on the same system, thus preventing the loss of product and saving time.
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