Filtration for fermentation processes
Fermentation is a delicate balance of biology and control. The microorganisms driving the process thrive only in clean, carefully regulated environments, where unwanted contaminants are kept entirely out. Maintaining this balance begins with sterile gas filtration and extends through steam-sterilized vessels, feed lines, and utilities, creating the aseptic conditions needed for consistent biopharmaceutical fermentation performance.
Every input to the bioreactor, water, nutrients, antifoams, or supplements, must be filtered before entry to eliminate hidden contaminants that could disrupt the culture. Inside the vessel, sterile vent filters ensure safe air exchange, while aseptic filtration of steam and gas maintains bioreactor integrity. Once the batch is complete, the broth is clarified to remove solids and prepare it for downstream purification.
Atlas Copco filtration solutions are designed with validated, high-quality materials that meet ISO 9001, FDA CFR Title 21, and EU 1935/2004 standards. Each filter provides reliable protection for both liquid and gas streams, helping maintain microbial control, reduce process variability, and safeguard operator safety.
The process map below illustrates how these safeguards work together, from air and steam filtration to broth clarification, ensuring clean, consistent, and compliant fermentation processes across every batch.
Filtration solutions for pharmaceutical fermentation
Atlas Copco provides advanced gas and liquid filtration to protect yields and prepare cultures for downstream purification. Our solutions include:
- PFP⁺ A PP filters:
Used in prefiltration of ingredients and water, removing particles and reducing bioburden before entering the fermenter. - SME⁺ PES filters:
Sterilizing-grade membranes applied before fermentation to ensure that only sterile liquids enter the system, protecting culture integrity. - SMT-G PTFE filters:
Hydrophobic sterilizing-grade filters that safeguard fermenters by protecting vents during air exchange and providing final sterile filtration of air introduced into the fermenter. - MSS Stainless Steel filters:
Stainless steel steam filters are used for final sterilization of steam lines, maintaining sterile conditions within the fermenter.
Together, these filters ensure that every input, water, ingredients, air, and steam, is free from contamination, supporting consistent fermentation performance and protecting product yields.
Key filtration benefits in fermentation
Benefits for manufacturers
Frequently asked questions
Why is sterile air so critical in fermentation?
Bioreactors must deliver large volumes of oxygen to microbes, but any airborne contamination can outcompete or spoil the culture. Sterile-grade PTFE air filters at the inlet are the standard solution.
How do you stop contamination from antifoams and feeds?
All liquid feeds, antifoams, and supplements are passed through sterilizing-grade filters before entry, ensuring contaminants aren’t introduced with them.
What role does steam play in bioreactor sterility?
Steam sterilization in place (SIP) of vessels and lines before inoculation is a regulatory requirement; it destroys residual organisms and creates aseptic conditions for inoculation.
Does fermentation broth need filtration after the run?
Yes. Harvested broth is clarified, typically using staged depth or pleated fiber filters, before downstream purification, reducing solids load and protecting chromatography or UF systems.
What’s the biggest risk in fermentation filtration?
Biofilm and fouling on air/gas filters. That’s why integrity testing, sterilization cycles, and scheduled replacements are critical.
