The Zeta Plus Encapsulated System (EZP) with easy-to-use pivot action has been introduced by 3M.
Addressing the demand for reliable, high-quality disposable depth filtration, EZP offers a capsule design and dual zone filter media suitable for cell culture clarification (post fermentation) and the removal of host cell derived impurities.
'EZP has been developed in response to requirements for a disposable depth filtration solution that allows loading and unloading at waist height, so that operators don't have to lift capsules above their heads and risk exposure to fluid spills when handling used capsules,' said Lynne Deakin, field applications specialist of 3M's Cuno Filtration business.
Traditional depth filtration systems need to be stacked vertically to allow effective utilisation of filter media, and dismantling used cartridges can be labour intensive and time consuming.
Fluid spills are also possible during unloading.
With the EZP system, the filter holder system can be pivoted between horizontal and vertical positions.
This not only reduces assembly and disassembly times and operator error, but also reduces fluid contact and cleaning costs while increasing mobility and minimising footprint for the filtration process.
The EZP system incorporates two product lines: a small holder (model 16EZA) for use at pilot or small-scale protein production; and a large holder (model 16EZB) with pivot action that can accommodate up to 11.2m of filter media, making it suitable for large production-scale protein purification.
Both models consist of a filter holder, a set of manifold plates and filter capsules available in either 0.23m and 1.6m configurations.
The holders can accommodate two (model 16EZA) or more (model 16EZB) grades of Zeta Plus EXT media, facilitating single-stage or multi-stage depth filtration.
As no holder components will be in direct contact with process fluids, this eliminates the need for any significant cleaning and associated cleaning validation post use.
The small holder can accommodate one to four 0.23m capsules or one 1.6m capsule and has an integrated torque limiter that signals when the assembly is correctly sealed.
The 1.6m capsule has a CAM locking mechanism for quick and robust capsule-to-capsule connection and its solid core eliminates the need for internal steel bands or a centre post.
This capsule also has two handles for convenient loading and unloading, a low upstream volume and a low residual hold-up volume of less than 100ml per capsule.
The EZP system utilises the Zeta Plus EXT media that can extend depth filtration capacity and improve protection of downstream membranes.
The EXT filter series consists of two layers or 'zones' of media with the upstream layer more open than the downstream layer.
This enhances the contaminant holding capacity, since larger particles are trapped in the upper zone of the filter media and smaller particles are trapped in the lower zone, reducing premature plugging and helping to extend service life.
Zeta Plus EXT Series filter media has demonstrated its effectiveness in removing impurities such as host cell proteins (HCP), viruses, DNA, protein aggregates and also endotoxin.
Therefore, it can reduce the challenge presented to downstream anion exchange chromatographic steps.
