Mass transfer limitations in protein separations using ion-exchange membranes.

Sorption of bovine serum albumin to commercial 150-micron pore size membranes was measured in batch and flow experiments. For residence times of 2-40 min, early and broad breakthrough curves and broad asymmetric elution peaks were observed that depended strongly on flow-rate. System dispersion could not explain the flow-rate dependence. Breakthrough and elution curves were analyzed using new models that included Langmuir sorption, convection and diffusion. From the analysis, film mass transfer resistance was found to be the rate-limiting factor. The maximum allowable pore size that eliminates this limitation was calculated for different molecular weight solutes.