Advanced Bio Filters Setting New Benchmarks

Diversified technology company 3M has launched a range of bioburden reduction filters combining the high filtration performance of membrane-type media with enhanced flow characteristics, enabling lower system costs and longer operating lifetimes.

The new LifeASSURE PNA Filter Series from 3M’s Purification division can be used as pre-filters or final filters, where a high level of microbiological control is required.

They are designed specifically for biotech, pharmaceutical and biological applications, such as production of vaccines, laboratory fluids, blood products, fine or bulk chemicals, and purified water.

“The advanced technologies we have engineered into the new LifeASSURE PNA Filter Series will enable customers in the bioprocess, pharmaceutical and other sectors to reduce capital costs and operating overheads whilst simultaneously benefiting from improved microbiological control,” said Andrew Whitehouse, Sales and Marketing Manager for 3M‘s Purification division.

LifeASSURE PNA filter assemblies are available with either a 0.2μm or 0.45μm filtration rating and feature an asymmetric membrane with 3M’s Advanced Pleat Technology (APT) that maximises the useful surface area of the filter. In addition, optimised filter-media support layers are positioned upstream and downstream of the membrane.

Together, these innovations increase flow rate per unit pressure, allowing designers to meet performance targets using fewer cartridges thereby enabling smaller, lower-cost systems. In continuous operation mode the filters achieve longer service lifetimes, saving the costs associated with frequent filter changes. In batch process applications, the higher flow rate can help reduce the number of filters needed to process a given batch volume.

Moreover, tests confirm superior reduction of microorganisms. The 0.2μm PNA020 membrane provides Log Reduction Values (LRV) in excess of 7 with B. diminuta (ATCC 19146) at a challenge concentration of at least 10 7cfu/cm”, while the 0.45μm PNA045 filter achieves an LRV greater than 8 for S. marcescens (ATCC 14756) at 10 6cfu/cm” or higher.