Some factors determining protein aggregation during ultrafiltration.

The factors contributing to protein aggregation in albumin ultrafiltration were investigated as a function of operation conditions. The nature of protein deposits was examined by electron microscopy. Protein aggregation appears to occur as a result of rapid supersaturation of protein molecules and high solvent velocity (shear) in the concentrated layer near the membrane surface. The shear occurring in the solvent flow on the membrane surface probably unfolds protein molecules and thus promotes flocculation due to collision between particles. (c) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.