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 April Wheeler, Senior Product Manager, Microfiltration Technologies at Asahi Kasei Bioprocess

April Wheeler is the Senior Product Manager focused on microfiltration technologies and she is based in San Diego (CA). She has a total of 19 years industry experience, including 10 years of downstream process development experience and 9 years in vendor roles ranging from technology management to product management. April holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana University Bloomington.

Sponsored by Asahi Kasei Bioprocess

Asahi Kasei Bioprocess, a division of Asahi Kasei Life Science, supplies innovative bioprocessing tools and services that enhance the safety, manufacturing efficiency, and purity of modern biotherapeutics and pharmaceuticals. With offerings in purification, fluid management, biosafety testing and contract manufacturing Asahi Kasei Bioprocess provides a growing set of technologies that enable manufacturers of regulated therapeutics to safely and efficiently produce medicines that patients can trust.

To learn more about how Asahi Kasei Bioprocess upholds our commitment of enabling customers to “Outpace Imagination,” please visit www.ak-bio.com.

Followed by a live question and answer session