Ultracel PLC Membranes

The membrane of choice for ultra-low protein binding and robust process performance

Ultracel PLC.
Composite regenerated cellulose with void-free structure.

Ultracel PLC membranes are the membranes of choice for purifying therapeutic protein products when the use of harsh chemicals for cleaning and sanitization is not required.

Typical Applications

Require maximum recovery from dilute protein solutions
Use organic solvents or antifoaming agents

Ultracel PLC membranes are strongly recommended for applications with highly fouling process streams such as lipids, DNA, and RNA. Ultracel PLC void-free composite membranes combine ultra-low protein binding, low fouling, and solvent resistance with superb mechanical strength. Casting the regenerated cellulose membrane onto a microporous polyethylene substrate creates a uniform, robust structure, with high integrity and greater resistance to back pressure.

Advantages of Choosing Ultracel PLC Membranes

Void-free structure results in excellent retention and improved integrity
Regenerated cellulose membrane provides ultra-low protein binding and low fouling during use
Composite structure gives the membrane improved back pressure resistance
Ultracel PLC membranes are available in a wide range of molecular weight cut-offs to meet all of your application needs

Improved Integrity

Figure 1 Air flow integrity testing of Ultracel PLC membranes versus conventional UF membranes

The void-free structure of Ultracel PLC membranes gives them virtually undetectable downstream air flow compared to conventional UF membranes (Figure 1).

Improved Back Pressure Resistance

Figure 2. Back pressure resistance of Ultracel PLC membrane versus conventional UF membrane

Ultracel PLC Membrane has great resistance to reverse pressure pulses (back pressure) compared to

conventional UF membranes (Figure 2).

Low Protein Binding

Figure 3. Protein binding of Ultracel PLC membrane versus conventional UF membrane

Ultracel PLC, a naturally hydrophilic regenerated cellulose membrane, exhibits the lowest non-specific protein binding of any UF membrane. As a result, the low protein-binding Ultracel PLC membrane exhibits low fouling characteristics, and is easily cleaned. Polyethersulfone and cellulose acetate used in conventional UF membranes bind proteins at much higher levels than regenerated cellulose (Figure 3).

Consistent Process Performance

Figure 4.Low fouling characteristics of Ultracel PLC membranes in human serum albumin

Even when used with high concentrations of protein, Ultracel PLC maintains its flux through multiple cleaning cycles, demonstrating the low fouling nature of the membrane (Figure 4).

Improved Cleanability

Figure 5. Consistent return of water permeability after cleaning

A simple caustic cleaning regimen restores normalized water permeability (NWP) to near initial levels following sequential process runs (Figure 5).

Figure 6.UF membrane Dextran retention profile

Specifications

Membrane	Composite regenerated cellulose with void-free structure, compatible with solutions having a pH between 2 and 13.
Relative protein binding	Ultra low for use with dilute protein solutions (less than 0.1 mg/mL).

Ultracel PLC Applications

Ultracel PLC Membrane	*NMWL (kDa)**	Typical Application
PLCCC	5	Proinsulin, hematopoetic factors
PLC10	10**	Hemoglobin enzymes
PLCGC	10	Hemoglobin, enzymes
PLCTK	30	Monoclonal IgGs
PLCHK	100	Small viruses, viral antigens
PLCMK	300	Large viruses, IgMs
PLCXK	1000	Large viruses, cells, colloids, particulates

*Nominal Molecular Weight Limit
**Tighter retention and specification than PLGC