Membranes in the Downstream Processing of Biotech Manufactured Drugs

This review covers synthetic membranes used in the downstream (post fermenter) processing of biotherapeutic proteins manufactured in the biotechnology industry. Biotherapeutics are very expensive proteins, made in gram per liter quantities, in a highly regulated industry. Microfiltration, ultrafiltration, virus removal and adsorption membranes separate and purify the product proteins in the several process steps between the fermenter and the final filled vial. Patent activity for these specialized membranes, primarily in 2006-2007, was reviewed for new membrane development and for novel processes using these membranes.