Continuous single pass diafiltration with alternating permeate flow direction for high efficiency buffer exchange

Looking at current trends within downstream processing (DSP) of high value bioproducts, it shows that there are ongoing efforts in replacing batch processes by continuous variants. However, a unit procedure which still lacks simple and compact variant is diafiltration. Here, we present such single piece diafiltration equipment achieving buffer exchange up to 99.90%. The device composed 3D-printed pass (SPDF) module containing two commercial ultrafiltration membranes. While the retentate flowing through narrow channel between membranes, channels above below can supply or remove permeate solution. obtained results illustrate systematically vulnerability effect concentration polarization membrane surface, this problem be strongly reduced using an alternating direction perfusion membranes as process inherent backflush. By this, quasi-stationary operation could during diafiltration, making interesting option for in-process exchange.