At a glance
Ultrafiltration
Scope1-100 kDa MWCO
CAPEX$100k-$600k
Best forProtein concentration & buffer exchange
vs
Microfiltration
Scope0.1-10 um
CAPEX$100k-$700k
Best forCell removal, clarification
Decision criteria
| Criterion | Ultrafiltration | Microfiltration | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separation principle | Protein concentration & buffer exchange | Cell removal, clarification | Membrane pore size |
| Throughput / scale | Moderate (high TMP) | High (low TMP, large pore) | MF higher flux |
| Capital cost | $100k-$600k | $100k-$700k | MF lower |
| Operating cost | Higher (pumping) | Low | MF cheaper |
| Product purity ceiling | Retains all proteins | Passes proteins, retains cells | Different purposes |
Quick verdict
MF removes particles; UF removes small molecules. Use them in sequence: MF clarifies, UF concentrates.
Rule of thumb: MF for particles (cells, debris). UF for molecules (proteins, peptides).
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose Ultrafiltration over Microfiltration?
Choose UF to concentrate proteins, exchange buffers, and remove small impurities while retaining the product.
When should I choose Microfiltration over Ultrafiltration?
Choose MF (0.1-10 um) for cell harvest, clarification, and sterile filtration — anywhere you need to remove particles but pass dissolved molecules.
Can these two techniques be used together?
Yes — almost universal. MF or depth filtration first to clarify, then UF to concentrate and exchange buffer.
Which has lower OPEX at scale?
MF is roughly 5-10x cheaper per liter processed at typical bioprocess scales due to lower TMP and longer membrane life.
Read more on each technique
Try both in your flowsheet
Build a process with each option side by side and compare yield, purity, and cost.
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