Explore Sartorius TFF: Single‑Use & Scalable Crossflow Filtration

Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) by Sartorius stands at the forefront of biomolecule concentration, buffer exchange, and purification workflows. Whether you are working at bench scale in discovery labs or scaling up for GMP-compliant manufacturing, Sartorius TFF systems offer unparalleled efficiency, reliability, and scalability. By integrating single-use and reusable technologies, Sartorius enables seamless transition from R&D to commercial production, supporting demanding applications across antibodies, recombinant proteins, viral vectors, nucleic acids, and vaccines.

Product Applications & Advantages of Tangential Flow Filtration

TFF technology is widely recognized as a critical step in the downstream processing of high-value biologics. Sartorius TFF systems excel in key application areas:

• Antibody and Protein Purification: Achieve high-yield concentration and diafiltration for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), recombinant proteins, and enzymes, with gentle processing to maintain molecular integrity.
• Viral Vector and Vaccine Manufacturing: TFF is ideal for purifying and concentrating viral vectors (including lentiviral and AAV) and vaccine components, delivering superior product recovery and reproducibility.
• Nucleic Acid Processing: Streamline purification of plasmids, mRNA, and other genetic materials, benefiting from consistent retention and minimal sample loss.

Compared to traditional dead-end filtration, TFF operates with the feed stream flowing tangentially across the membrane surface, dramatically reducing membrane fouling and maintaining high filtration rates over extended runs. You benefit from:

• Continuous Operation: Suitable for both batch and perfusion-based processes, enabling uninterrupted production.
• High Recovery and Low Shear: Protects delicate biomolecules, maximizing yield and activity.
• Robustness and Flexibility: Easily scale processes from small lab volumes to thousands of liters, with consistent performance at every stage.

These advantages make Sartorius TFF a preferred choice in biopharmaceuticals, cell and gene therapy, and advanced research environments.

Sartorius TFF Product Lines: Vivaflow, Sartoflow, Ambr Crossflow

Sartorius offers a comprehensive portfolio of TFF solutions tailored to your unique workflow, covering laboratory, pilot, and large-scale manufacturing.

Vivaflow® Laboratory TFF Devices
Vivaflow cassettes provide plug-and-play tangential flow filtration for laboratory-scale concentration and diafiltration (0.1 to 5 L sample volumes). Available in multiple MWCOs (e.g., 5 kDa, 10 kDa, 30 kDa, 100 kDa), and membrane types (PES, Hydrosart®), Vivaflow is ideal for rapid, reproducible results in protein research, sample prep, and buffer exchange.

Sartoflow® Pilot & Production TFF Systems
The Sartoflow series (Sartoflow Smart, Advanced, Expert SU, 1000, and 4500) bridges the gap between process development and commercial manufacturing. These systems support single-use and reusable cassette formats, advanced automation, precise process control, and cGMP compliance. Sartoflow TFF systems are engineered for batch sizes from a few liters up to 2,000 L, making them indispensable for biopharmaceutical production and process scale-up.

Ambr® Crossflow High-Throughput TFF Platform
Ambr Crossflow enables automated, parallel TFF process development and optimization at microscale, supporting rapid molecule screening, MWCO selection, and buffer exchange with minimal sample volumes. Its innovative design reduces resource consumption while accelerating decision-making in process development.

Across all series, Sartorius provides a broad range of cassettes (e.g., Hydrosart®, Polyethersulfone), MWCOs, and configurations, ensuring optimal compatibility with your target molecule and workflow requirements.

How to Choose the Right TFF System (MWCO, Scale, Automation)

Selecting the right TFF setup involves aligning your process needs with system specifications:

Sample Volume & Scale:

• Vivaflow: 0.1–5 L (laboratory)
• Sartoflow Smart/Advanced: 5–200 L (pilot/small batch)
• Sartoflow 1000/4500: 200–2,000 L (large scale)
• Ambr Crossflow: <20 mL (process development)

Molecular Weight Cut-Off (MWCO): Choose based on your target molecule. Typical options range from 1 kDa to 300 kDa. For antibodies, 30 kDa–100 kDa is most common; for viral vectors or nucleic acids, larger MWCOs may be suitable.

Membrane Material: Hydrosart® is chemically stable and low-binding; Polyethersulfone (PES) offers broad chemical compatibility.

Single-Use vs. Reusable: Single-use TFF (Sartoflow Expert SU, select Vivaflow cassettes) eliminates cleaning validation and cross-contamination risks, suitable for multi-product or GMP facilities. Reusable cassettes offer cost efficiency for dedicated runs.

TFF Process Principle: The feed stream flows tangentially across the filter membrane, allowing small molecules and buffer components to pass through (permeate), while retaining larger biomolecules (retentate). Crossflow velocity and transmembrane pressure are key parameters for maximizing performance and minimizing fouling.

For detailed selection support, consult Sartorius’ technical guides or contact our product specialists.

Featured TFF Products & Spec Table

Below is a selection of high-demand Sartorius TFF products, featuring core SKUs, membrane materials, MWCOs, sample volumes, and compatible systems.

FAQs & TFF Troubleshooting Tips

Q1: How do I prevent membrane fouling during TFF runs?

A1: Maintain recommended crossflow rates, avoid over-concentration, and use compatible pre-filters when necessary. Sartorius systems offer advanced monitoring to alert users to fouling risks.

Q2: Can I reuse Sartorius TFF cassettes?

A2: Many cassettes are designed for multiple cycles; however, for GMP, multi-product, or sensitive applications, single-use is preferred. Always follow Sartorius cleaning and validation protocols.

Q3: How do I select the right MWCO?

A3: Choose an MWCO at least 3–6 times smaller than your target molecule’s molecular weight for optimal retention and throughput.

Q4: Are Sartorius TFF systems compatible with other suppliers’ cassettes?

A4: Sartorius cassettes are engineered for their systems, ensuring optimal fit and performance. Cross-brand compatibility is not guaranteed.

Q5: What support is available for troubleshooting or process optimization?

A5: Sartorius offers global technical support, comprehensive documentation, and on-site training to help you maximize TFF efficiency.

Why Choose Sartorius for TFF: Innovation, cGMP, Global Support

With decades of expertise, Sartorius has shaped the evolution of tangential flow filtration for bioprocessing. You benefit from:

• Proven Innovation: Industry-first advances in single-use and automated TFF, cGMP compliance, and flexible scaling.
• Comprehensive Support: Global service network, on-demand technical expertise, and validated process solutions for the most demanding regulatory environments.
• Trusted Performance: Sartorius TFF platforms are trusted by leading biopharmaceutical companies, CDMOs, and academic labs worldwide.

Ready to streamline your biomolecule purification? Contact our Sartorius specialists or reach out to Iright for tailored advice, quotations, and logistics support.