Depth Filtration

Depth filtration, part of biopharmaceutical downstream processing, aims to derive a pure and homogeneous protein.

The depth filter uses a series of porous filters which retain particles through channels of varying diameter. Several filters can be placed next to each other to extend the filtration process and trap different particles and substances. Used at the beginning of downstream processing, depth filtration significantly reduces the quantity of large particles in the media, which helps to prevent blockage due to particle buildup.

BioPharmaPro™ LSR Molded Component

Large filter systems are designed to efficiently direct fluid through the series of chambers and withstand the pressure increases required to move the fluid through the filter membranes. A custom molded LSR component seals the system to prevent contamination between the chambers. Our material and design experts partner with customers to design and match the silicone seal to the filter cassette size and shape to ensure pure and clean separation and filtration of media.

BioPharmaPro™ Braided, Reinforced Hose

BioPharmaPro™ braided, reinforced silicone hoses are ideal for use in filtration systems, where they transport media into and out of the filter, as well as distribute media within the system. They are designed to undergo repeated sterilization-in-place (SIP) and cleaning-in-place (CIP) cycles and are suitable for high-pressure applications. They withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining flexibility at temperatures from -80 °F to 500 °F/-62 °C to +260 °C. Our braided, reinforced hoses are manufactured with the same platinum-cured silicone as used for our BioPharmaPro™ silicone tubing.

BioPharmaPro™ Multicomponent Solutions

This valve is produced using multicomponent LSR technology, in which multiple components are integrated into one fully bonded solution. This single-part valve makes additional O-Rings unnecessary, increasing cleanliness and mitigating risks and costs associated with secondary assembly. 

Our in-house team of experts is at the forefront of tool, process, and automation technology for multicomponent liquid injection molding. In a fully automated and closed loop system, either a combination of thermoplastics and LSR or two dissimilar grades of LSR are co-molded into a single bonded component.

BioPharmaPro™ Sealing Solutions

Seals perform critical functions in biopharmaceutical connectors for filtration equipment. By eliminating dead space, sanitary gaskets and clamp seals protect the product from contamination and prevent leakage to the outside environment. Our high-performance sealing solutions are available in a full range of standard sizes, withstand harsh environments and are suitable for use with biopharmaceutical media.

Filtration Processes

The target of biopharmaceutical downstream processing is to recover and purify a drug substance from a mix of media including organisms and various substances. This is done in numerous steps, using chromatography equipment, centrifuges and filtration.

The two most used filtration processes are surface filtration and depth filtration. Both are designed to separate larger particles from the rest of the medium. Depth filtration uses multiple layers or thicker materials to retain particles in filter channels and surface filtration captures particles directly at the surface. Surface filtration is typically a faster process, while depth filtration filters a larger quantity of particles over a longer period.