Cascade Filtration for Macromolecular Separation

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Abstract
Cascade filtration is the use of two or more filters in cascade for differential fractionation of plasma [1]. Using filters with well-defined sieving coefficients, the goal of the procedure is either to reduce the loss of albumin by reinfusing it, or to remove those substances which appear in particular to be therapeutically relevant from the already separated plasma. Removing only macromolecules in the range of the pathogenic proteins, cascade filtration should be clinically as effective as therapeutic plasmapheresis alone. None of the cascade filters currently available is capable of completely separating proteins of different molecular weights in an on-line procedure.Almost quantiative recovery of IgM can be achieved only from pooled, cold-stored plasma. However, during ex vivo, on-line cascade filtration the identical filters are permeable to IgM, although to a lesser extent than to albumin or IgG. For vairous, still uncertain reasons, the sieving coefficient for IgM increases during on-line cascade filtration. Thus, it is necessary for a well standardized protocol to be used for comparing different cascade filters.

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