Scaling Up TFF for Upstream Continuous Processing: Applications of Mechanistic Modeling

Tangential flow filtration (TFF) enables scalable CHO cell retention for perfusion culture, however, resulting filter fouling reduces product recovery. We present a first-principles model combining cell kinetics, fluid mechanics, and fouling dynamics to predict membrane performance and product-sieving profiles across scales and projects. Our predictive framework demonstrates how operational parameters and filter geometry influence product sieving while providing insights into fouling mechanisms, membrane efficiency, and flux distributions

Presented by Ashna Dhingra, Bioprocess Technologies & Engineering, Senior Scientist, AstraZeneca

Ashna Dhingra is a Senior Scientist in Bioprocess Technologies and Engineering at AstraZeneca, where she supports the development and scale-up of bioprocessing platforms for drug substance manufacturing. Her work spans intensified fed-batch and integrated dynamic bioprocessing, with a focus on bioreactor, cell-retention, and harvest operations.

Ashna’s experience includes technical support for process development, scale-up, and technology transfer. She applies mechanistic modeling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and advanced process control approaches to address upstream engineering challenges across scales. She has also contributed to the application of these models in developing upstream digital twins, supporting improved process monitoring and control as part of broader digitalization efforts across the company.

Ashna joined AstraZeneca six years ago after completing her master’s degree. She received her BS in Chemical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2019 and her MS in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2020.

Followed by a live question and answer session