A molecular filtration device and method of use capable of filtering and purifying molecules of a particular characteristic, wherein the amount of molecule to be filtered may be in the nanogram range and may be dispersed in a relatively large volume of solution. The resultant elution may include a relatively high concentration of desired molecule, due to a relatively small volume.

A method of filtering a large volume of a medium using a pre-sterilizable, at least partially automated single-use filtration device which includes an unfiltrate inlet, a filtrate outlet, a main line running between the unfiltrate inlet and the filtrate outlet, filter elements arranged in the main line, a venting line and sensors for detecting specific process parameters and regulating means for adjusting specific process parameters, wherein the sensors and regulating means are connected to an external monitoring and control system which is adapted for evaluating and processing sensor data and for piloting the regulating means based on one or more control algorithms, comprises the following process steps: a) filling the single-use filtration device with medium with low flow; b) venting the single-use filtration device through the venting line; c) closing the venting line; d) rinsing the single-use filtration device, in particular the filter elements; e) filtering the medium by means of the filter elements; f) re-rinsing with high flow; and g) closing the main line; wherein the process steps f) and g) are optional.

The proposed prefabricated filtration module is provided for a modular filtration system, in particular a cross-flow filtration system, for low-volume screening applications. The prefabricated filtration module includes fluid ports and a plurality of components adjusted to low-volume screening applications, which are firmly integrated into the filtration module. The entire filtration module is designed as a single-use filtration module.

A disposable filtration device includes a plurality of disposable filter capsules connected with each other by lines, which are carried by a rigid holder. At least the holder and the lines between the filter capsules preferably are formed of a sterilizable material, so that the filtration device can be sterilized in the pre-mounted, i.e. ready-to-connect condition, and can be packed and transported without a risk of damage.

A fluid filtration assembly includes a filter housing having a first end for fluid connection with a fluid storage vessel. A filter cartridge is disposable within the filter housing, and a plunger pump is coupled at a second end of the filter housing. The plunger pump includes a housing having a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The flexible portion has a plunger-engaging portion for coupling to the plunger of an actuator. The flexible portion selectively movable with respect to the rigid portion via the actuator. The filter cartridge can be a hollow fiber filter. The plunger pump can be configured to induce alternating tangential flow in at least a portion of the assembly. The fluid filtration assembly can be provided as a disposable single-use arrangement.

A fluid filtration assembly includes a filter housing having first and second ends and a connector for fluid communication with a fluid storage vessel. A filter element is disposable within the filter housing, and first and second pumps are coupled at the first and second ends of the filter housing. A controller may coordinate the operation of the first and second pumps to induce alternating tangential flow of fluid between the filter housing and the first and second pumps. At least one of the first and second pumps is a diaphragm pump or a plunger pump. The fluid storage vessel can be a bioreactor.

Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds are adapted to interact with other equipment which can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid. The manifold also can be used in conjunction with one or more sensors such as pressure and conductivity sensors that interact with the controller or are connected to a separate user interface. An aseptic environment obtains avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures.

Track-etched membranes for filtration are provided. Filtration methods utilizing such membranes and cell culture methods are also provided.

Purifying target biomolecules, such as nucleic acids or proteins, from a biological source is a time intensive process and is typically performed by a skilled technician or scientist owing to the highly technical nature of the work. Systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein enable the automated bioprocessing and purification of target biomolecules from a biological source. For example, an instrument and disposable cartridge are provided for automatedly isolating and purifying nucleic acids (such as plasmid DNA from a bacterial culture) or for isolating protein from any biological sample. Such an exemplary instrument and cartridge can work in concert to timely release, mix, and move the target biomolecule and various reagents and buffers through a target biomolecule purification process, resulting in a purified target biomolecule with less manual oversight than traditional approaches.

A disposable cell enrichment kit includes a crossflow filtration device configured to be disposed along a main loop pathway and to receive a process volume containing a biological sample and utilize crossflow filtration, via a micro-porous membrane, to retain a specific cell population in a retentate from the process volume and to remove a permeate including certain biological components from the process volume. The crossflow filtration device includes a laminated filtration unit that includes the micro-porous membrane, a first mating portion, a second mating portion, and a membrane support. The membrane support includes a first plurality of structural features that define a first plurality of openings, wherein the first plurality of structural features are coupled to the micro-porous membrane and provide support to the micro-porous membrane, and the first plurality of openings allow the permeate to flow through them after crossing the micro-porous membrane.