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Media Filtration for Bioprocessing

Graphic of filter preventing microorganisms from entering a bioreactor

Upstream bioburden control and viral safety focuses on preventing microorganisms such as bacteria, mycoplasma, and viruses from entering cell culture processes. Sterile filtration is routinely implemented to remove microorganisms from cell culture media to prevent bioreactor contamination. Media filtration offers a simple solution for protection of your bioreactor and upstream processes.

Selecting the right filter for cell culture media filtration

There are multiple media filtration options, offering different microbial retention specifications that deliver sterility assurance and high performance at every step. Filter selection is guided by risk analysis to identify the level of bioburden control required, retention properties of the filter (bacteria, mycoplasma or virus), the efficiency (throughput) of cell culture media processing, and the filter formats available. Before filter selection is finalized, acceptable performance of your cell culture process should be confirmed.

  • Millipore Express® SHR (Sterile, High Retention) filters contain one layer of 0.1 µm polyethersulfone (PES) membrane and are available with an optional integrated 0.5 µm PES membrane prefilter that protects the high flux membrane, preventing premature plugging. These filters typically offer ≥ 7.0 log removal of mycoplasma and sterilizing-grade performance.
  • Viresolve® Barrier capsule filters contain virus retentive PES membranes and offer high flux virus filtration for cell culture media. These filters offer ≥ 3.0 log removal of parvovirus, ≥ 6.0 log removal of mycoplasma, and sterilizing-grade performance.
  • Millipore Express® SHC (Sterile, High Capacity) filters contain two layers (0.5/0.2 µm) of PES membrane and provide superior throughput and capacity for plugging streams. These filters offer sterilizing-grade performance.
  • Durapore® 0.1 µm and 0.22 µm filters contain one layer of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane and provide high flow rates and throughputs. These filters offer sterilizing-grade performance.

Selecting the right filter format for cell culture media processing

Our filters are fully scalable, from small-scale tools to pilot and production scale manufacturing. Most are offered as disposable capsule filters, as well as cartridge filters for use in stainless steel housings. Some filters are offered in a high-area format which doubles the membrane area compared to standard area filters, without increasing filter footprint. Each filter is available with several connection options, providing flexibility for your specific process needs.

Regulatory compliance

Each sterilizing-grade filter is integrity tested during manufacturing and is supported by comprehensive documentation for compliance with regulatory requirements.

Complementing our product portfolio, the Emprove® Program provides three types of dossiers to support different stages of development and manufacturing operations such as qualification, risk assessment, and process optimization. The dossiers consolidate comprehensive product-specific testing data, quality statements, and regulatory information in a readily available format to simplify your compliance needs.

These filters complement our broad portfolio of cell culture media, chemicals, bioreactors, and clarification filters. Together they provide the complete upstream solution you need to assure success in your cell culture processes, supported with decades of technical expertise.

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