Bioprocessing filtration refers to the use of filter systems within biotechnological applications to separate and purify biological materials. This process is vital in producing a range of bio-based products, such as vaccines, enzymes, and monoclonal antibodies. Filtration in bioprocessing ensures the removal of impurities and contaminants, resulting in high-purity final products suitable for medical and research use.

Filtration in biotechnology involves the separation of solids from fluids or gases by passing them through a medium that allows only certain components to pass through. It is a critical step in bioprocessing for clarifying, purifying, and concentrating biological products. The process can range from simple gravity-fed paper filters to complex, automated systems using membrane technology designed for specific molecular or particle size exclusion.

The pharmaceutical industry utilizes a variety of filtration systems, including membrane filters, depth filters, and lenticular filters. These systems are designed to ensure sterility, remove particulates, and achieve the required purity in drug manufacturing. Each system offers different benefits, such as high throughput, specificity to particle size, and compatibility with various pharmaceutical substances.

An example of filtration in pharmacology is the use of sterile filtration to remove microbial contamination from injectable drug solutions. This step is crucial to ensure that the final product is safe for patient administration. Sterile filters with a pore size typically at or below 0.22 microns are employed to achieve the required level of cleanliness.

Filters in the pharmaceutical industry are classified based on their function and the size of the particles they remove. Key classifications include pre-filters for large particulates, membrane filters for microbial and fine particle removal, and sterilizing filters for achieving sterility in solutions. Additionally, filters can be categorized by their material, such as glass fiber, polyethersulfone, or nylon.