Effect of temperature on protein conformation and activity during ultrafiltration

One of the advantages of ultrafiltration for the bioseparation of proteins is the comparatively mild conditions used. A key operational parameter in such a system is the temperature utilised for the process. There are conflicting demands when selecting an operating temperature between the fluid dynamics and the biochemical properties of the system. An analysis of this conflict, in order to establish the optimal temperature, involved a model crossflow filtration system, where shear rate, volume of protein containing solution and protein concentration can be kept constant and only the temperature varied. In such studies denaturation of the permeate was observed whereas the processing efficiency did not appear to have a temperature optimum.