Economic Analysis of Single Use Tangential Flow Filtration for Biopharmaceutical Applications

Tangential flow filtration (TFF) is a common processing step in concentration and diafiltration (buffer exchange) operations in the downstream processing of biopharmaceutical products. Using a pre-sanitised, disposable TFF membrane makes it possible to reduce the number of process steps and thus reduce labor by 50% or more and reduce buffer and water usage by 75% or more. In addition to the cost savings realised from the reduced labor and buffer usage, single use TFF can increase productivity, by >45% in many cases. This article outlines an economic model for comparing the costs of reusable and single?use TFF in biopharmaceutical applications.

By Michael LaBreck, global product manager for TangenX technology, and Mark Perreault, director of membrane application development for TangenX technology, both at Novasep.

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