Tangential Flow Filtration and Affinity Chromatography in the Evolution of Biopharmaceutical Analysis

Biopharmaceutical analysis is a rapidly evolving field, as new technologies are paving the way for new discoveries. One of the main focuses of product developers and vendors is to develop new laboratory equipment that can help scientists conduct research in this space more efficiently while reducing the environmental impact laboratory procedures have. Researchers require tools that can adapt to different biomolecules and handling methods, and this need adds to the challenge of developing equipment capable to fulfilling all these objectives.

A recent talk at Analytica USA, which took place in September in Columbus, Ohio, touched upon these pressing issues in the biopharma space. In his analytica USA presentation, John Cashman, product manager for lab filtration at Sartorius, emphasized the importance of biomolecule purity for reliable and reproducible research outcomes (1). He introduced new advances in tangential flow filtration (TFF) and affinity chromatography (AC), highlighting how these complementary purification methods streamline workflows from cell culture to final product (1). Cashman explained how Sartorius’ design innovations and life cycle assessment data translate into practical lab benefits, such as easier operation, improved flexibility, fewer process steps, and faster timelines, ultimately boosting scientific productivity while supporting sustainability (1).

In our interview with Cashman, he discussed what tangential flow filtration (TFF) is, highlighting how it is different from other techniques for buffer exchange. Our first interview with Cashman touched upon the ways TFF’s environmental impact is being reduced through process improvements and design features (2). Through our conversation at analytica USA, Cashman reveals how TFF and affinity chromatography are continuing to advance biopharmaceutical analysis and meeting the needs of the new complex purification workflows that exist.

Our conversation with Cashman is part of our coverage of this year’s Analytica USA conference. To view all our coverage of this conference, click here.

References

1. Analytica USA, John Cashman. Analytica USA. Available at: https://aus2025.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/session-details.cfm?scheduleid=64 (accessed 2025-09-10).
2. Wetzel, W.; Jones, K. An Inside Look at Tangential Flow Filtration. LCGC International. Available at: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/an-inside-look-at-tangential-flow-filtration (accessed 2025-10-03).