Products & Services Planova™ 15N, 20N & 35N Virus Removal Filters

The Pioneer Virus Filter with Proven Reliability Since 1989

As the world's first filters developed specifically for removing viruses from biotherapeutic drug products, Planova™ filters have been leading the virus filtration industry. The consistent performance and quality of Planova™ filters in nearly 30 years of time have contributed to the reputation of these filters as the reliable and dependable virus filters in ensuring viral safety of biopharmaceutical drug products.
Quick links to selected Data Sheets, Product Manuals or Validation Reports related to the product.

Applications

First launched in 1989, Planova™ filters containing regenerated cellulose hollow fiber membranes have a long history of application in biopharmaceutical industry. The filters have been trusted by customers worldwide to ensure viral safety of various biopharmaceutical products: from plasma-derived molecules such as immunoglobulins and coagulation factors, to recombinant proteins such as monoclonal antibodies. It is the pioneer and highly reliable virus filter for biopharmaceutical development.

Features & Performances

Accumulated Trust for Wide Range of Application

Planova™ 15N, 20N and 35N filters have been trusted by customers for a long time to ensure viral safety of their biopharmaceutical products, simply because they work for various protein molecules.

The unique hollow fiber membrane structure empowers the excellent filterability of Planova™ filters. Based on size exclusion mechanism, membrane structure of the filters allows proteins to easily pass through the hollow fiber walls without adsorption or denaturation, while viruses are efficiently captured in the membrane pores.
The naturally hydrophilic properties of the cellulose membrane also allow for high permeability to protein. For instance, Planova™ 20N filter is designed to provide high recovery rates for proteins with molecular weights of up to 340 kDa, such as plasma-derived immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Factor VIII.

It is a clear benefit to users who target speedy product development without the need for complex optimization, because the virus filters just simply work.
Protein Recovery Rates
  Polyclonal IgG
(30 mg/mL)
Monoclonal IgG
(20 mg/mL)
Factor VIII
(100 IU/mL)
Planova™ 15N <90% >95% 20-80%
Planova™ 20N >95% >98% 20-80%
Planova™ 35N 100% 100% >95%
Tables below list sample data of various products filtered using Planova™ filters. The data show how Planova™ filters work effectively in removing viruses in various types of protein molecules.
Planova™ 15N
Therapeutics Test Virus Size (nm) LRV Reference
mAb XMuLV 80-120 >6.4 Jpn J Apheresis. 16, pp.160-164 (1997)
IVIG B19 18-26 >6.1 Vox Sang. 90, pp.21-32 (2006)
IVIG EMCV 25-30 >5.8 Vox Sang. 90, pp.21-32 (2006)
IVIG BVDV 50-70 >6.3 Vox Sang. 90, pp.21-32 (2006)
C1 inhibitor CPV 18-26 >4.5 Biologicals. 35, pp.173-181 (2007)
C1 inhibitor BVDV 50-70 >5.5 Biologicals. 35, pp.173-181 (2007)
C1 inhibitor HAV 27-32 >4.9 Biologicals. 35, pp.173-181 (2007)
F-IX HAV 27-32 >6.0 Biologicals. 38, pp.303-310 (2010)
F-VII PPV 18-24 >4.6 Vox Sang. 84, pp.54-64 (2003)
F-VII JEV 40-50 >3.3 Vox Sang. 84, pp.54-64 (2003)
AT-III PPV 18-24 >5.3 Biologicals. 31, pp.165-173 (2003)
AT-III HAV 27-32 >4.5 Biologicals. 31, pp.165-173 (2003)
IFN-α B19 18-26 >4.0 J Intereron Cytokine Res. 21, pp.913-920 (2001)
Planova™ 20N
Therapeutics Test Virus Size (nm) LRV Reference
mAb MVM 18-24 6.9 Biotechnol Bioeng. 100, pp. 488-496 (2008)
mAb XMuLV 80-110 >3.1 Biotechnol Prog. 25, pp.483-491 (2009)
mAb MMV 18-24 >4.2 Biotechnol Prog. 25, pp.483-491 (2009)
IVIG PPV 18-24 4.37 Clin Exp Immunol. 157(1), pp.17-21 (2009)
IVIG EMCV 25-30 4.8 Am J Ther. 15, pp.435-443 (2008)
F-VIII B19 18-26 4.9 Vox Sang. 91, pp.119-125 (2006)
F-VIII PPV 18-24 >5.1 Vox Sang. 91, pp.119-125 (2006)
F-VIII HAV 27-32 >3.4 Vox Sang. 91, pp.119-125 (2006)
rF-VIII PPV 18-24 >7.0 Protein Expression and Purif. 115, pp.165-175 (2015)
rF-VIII HAV 27-32 >5.1 Protein Expression and Purif. 115, pp.165-175 (2015)
Rho(D) EMCV 25-30 4.8 Am J of Therapeutics. 15(5), pp.435-443 (2008)
Rho(D) PPV 18-24 4.1 Am J of Therapeutics. 15(5), pp.435-443 (2008)
Planova™ 35N
Therapeutics Test Virus Size (nm) LRV Reference
IVIG BPV 18-24 6.2 Results Immunol. 2, pp.19-24 (2012)
IVIG SV40 40-50 >5.0 Results Immunol. 2, pp.19-24 (2012)
IVIG BVDV 50-70 >4.9 Results Immunol. 2, pp.19-24 (2012)
IVIG B19 18-26 4.8 Vox Sang. 94, pp.184-192 (2008)
IVIG HAV 27-32 5.7 Vox Sang. 94, pp.184-192 (2008)
IVIG BVDV 50-70 >5.1 Vox Sang. 94, pp.184-192 (2008)
F-VIII BVDV 50-70 >5.3 Vox Sang. 91, pp.119-125 (2006)
vWF SV40 40-50 4.5 Vox Sang. 86, pp.100-104 (2004)
F-IX SV40 40-50 >7.8 Vox Sang. 67, pp.132-138 (1994)
F-IX Reo-3 60-80 >6.1 Vox Sang. 67, pp.132-138 (1994)

Robustness that Contributes to Flexible Opportunity for Optimization

Robustness in filtration performance means stable flux or capacity regardless of changes in filtration parameters. This benefits users in process development stage, as the filters work even when parameters are changed, potentially due to process optimization, to achieve a better bioprocessing overall.

The graphs below illustrates that Planova™ filters exhibit robust filterability, with relatively stable filtration performance even when tested with FVIII molecules of different concentrations.
Filippo Mori, Kedrion, 2017 Planova™ Workshop (adapted)
Another case example shown in the graph below demonstrates that Planova™ filters exhibit consistent flux with minimal decay when tested with mAbs with different pI under different pH conditions. This robustness of Planova™ filters also makes them ideal filters for platform or multi-product manufacturing plant.
Josh Goldstein, Janssen, 2014 Planova™ Workshop (adapted)

Robustness that Contributes to Reliable Viral Safety

Designed specifically to remove viruses, it is crucial for a virus removal filter to maintain its virus removability under changing conditions. Wealth of data of Planova™ filter usage have shown that the filter exhibit robustness in virus removability independent of changing parameters, such as loading amount, concentration, pH and ionic strength of the filtered protein solution.

The graph below shows that Planova™ 20N exhibits an LRV of greater than 4.0 regardless of the concentration of PPV-spiked IgG solution, and that the LRV remains stable regardless of the IgG loading amount. Whereas the tables show that Planova™ 20N exhibit high LRV regardless of pH or pI conditions. This feature of Planova™ filters is key to ensure that viral safety of biopharmaceutical products is well-maintained.
NaCl conc. (mM) PPV LRV Filtration time (h) Filtration vol. (L/m2) Throughput (kg/m2)
1 ≥5.84 6.0 152 1.52
10 ≥6.34 6.0 200 2.00
100 ≥6.00 6.0 240 2.40
200 ≥5.67 6.0 220 2.20
500 ≥6.00 6.0 190 1.90
Filtration conditions: 10 mg/mL IgG, pH 4.5 | Serum-free PPV 0.5 vol% | Pressure: 78.4 kPa
pH PPV LRV Filtration time (h) Filtration vol. (L/m2) Throughput (kg/m2)
4.5 ≥6.00 6.0 152 1.52
5 ≥6.00 6.0 200 2.00
6 ≥6.00 6.0 240 2.40
7 ≥5.78 6.0 220 2.20
8 ≥6.09 6.0 190 1.90
Filtration conditions: 10 mg/mL IgG, 100 mM NaCl | Serum-free PPV 0.5 vol% | Pressure: 78.4 kPa
T. Hongo-Hirasaki et al., J of Membrane Science 278 (2006) 3-9.

Consistent Quality Contributing to Reliable Performance during Operation

We believe that product reliability is not just about consistent performance; it should also helps create user convenience when using the product. Consistent performance and virus removability of virus filters regardless of product lot or scalable size means that it is easy to design process scale-up, and the manufacturing operation using such filters will be trouble-free.

The first graph below show that Planova™ filters exhibit linear increase in average flow rate for filtration accross all scalable surface area sizes. Whereas the second one shows that regardless of filter production lot, there is no significant average flux variation.
AKB's internal data
This reliability of Planova™ filters are realized through well-maintained quality control during the manufacturing as well as release of the filters. Prior to release every single filter is subject to strict quality control to confirm that the filter exhibit the required virus removal capability. Asahi Kasei Bioprocess take pride and believe in each filter we deliver to our customers.
Manufacturer Integrity Test
Filter Inspection

Dependable Technical Support from Virus Filtration Experts

Having unique hollow fiber membranes and filter housing design does not make Planova™ filters difficult to install and operate. The filter's intact module does not require additional stainless steel housing, which minimizes installation error during setup and thereby ensuring virus filtration system integrity.

Operating virus filtration with Planova™ filters is worry-free. Not only we provide supporting documentation which can be accessed via the Library Page, our technical support team will provide full support with regards to process design, installation, operation and integrity testing of our products. Various trainig courses are also available to further familiarize users with technical aspects and operation of our filters and their related products.
Technical Support Service
Viral Clearance Study Service
We also provide solutions to ease the operation of Planova™ filters through automation. Our Virus Filtration Controller or Virus Filtration Rack would ease operators in conducting filtration with Planova™ filters, accurately and efficiently.

Specifications & Parameters

Material Specifications

Planova™ 15N, 20N, 35N1 and 75N2,3 Filter Material Specifications
Effective surface area (m²) 4.0 1.0 0.3 0.12 0.01 0.001
Component Hollow fiber membrane Cuprammonium regenerated cellulose
Housing and headers Polycarbonate
Sealant Polyurethane
O-rings Silicone
Nozzle plugs Silicone -
Nozzle caps - Silicone
Ferrule caps Polycarbonate -
Balloon cap holders Polycarbonate -
Gaskets Silicone -
Balloon caps Silicone -
Nozzle stoppers - Silicone -
Clamp bands Polysulfone -
Threaded clamps Clamp bolts - Polypropylene -
Clamp nuts - Polypropylene -
Pin bands - SUS304 -
Supplied as Filled with purified water4
Sterilization method Autoclaving
Packaging format Packed individually in sterilization bags
1 Planova™ 35N filters can be used as effective prefilters prior to final virus filtration with 15N or 20N.
2 Planova™ 75N filters are prefilters designed to remove impurities or aggregated proteins prior to final virus filtration and are not virus removal filters.
3 Planova™ 75N filters are only available in membrane surface areas of 1.0 m², 0.3 m², 0.01 m² and 0.001 m².
4 Purified water in 4.0 m² filters contains NaCl (≤0.1%).

Suggested Operating Parameters

Suggested operating pressure
(transmembrane pressure)
≤ 98 kPa
Operating pH 3-9

Integrity Testing

Integrity testing of Planova™ filter is conducted to ensure the integrity of the filter when used in filtration process. Users are to perform two types of integrity test for Planova™ 15N, 20N and 35N filters: the Leakage Test and the Gold Particle Test. The combination of these two tests maximizes the range of detectable filter defects and thus enhances the safety and reliability of virus removal processes.
The table below lists the catalog number for Asahi Integrity Test Solution Kit used for Gold Particle Test. Please contact us and cite the number below to order.
Asahi Integrity Test Solution Kits
Product name Volume (L) Catalog number
AGP-HA15 0.88 AGP-HA15M
0.11 AGP-HA15S
AGP-HA20 0.88 AGP-HA20M
0.11 AGP-HA20S
AGP-HA35 0.88 AGP-HA35M
0.11 AGP-HA35S
The Gold Particle Test, which is conducted by introducing colloidal gold particles matching the targeted virus sizes into the filter membrane, is performed after filter use to confirm that the fiber pore size distribution has not changed considerably during filtration.

Automation of Gold Particle Test is also possible with Asahi Gold Particle Test System-II (AGPTS-II). The system allows for easy and speedy integrity testing of Planova™ filters, allowing for a more efficient operation process. Find out more about AGPTS-II here.
The Leakage Test, which is an air-diffusion-based test, is conducted before and after filter use to confirm that the filter is free from pinholes or large membrane defects which may have occured during shipping or during filtration. It can be performed either manually via visual detection of pressurized air bubbling through the hollow fibers or automatically using the Planova™ Leak Tester (for filters with effective surface area size of 0.1 m2 or larger).
The table below lists the catalog number for Planova™ Leak Tester and its parts. Please contact us and cite the number below to order.
Visual Leakage Test
The table below lists the catalog number for Planova™ Leak Tester and its parts. Please contact us and cite the number below to order.
Planova™ Leak Tester
Product Catalog number
Controller (with interface for US) PLT-AM10MU
Controller (with interface for Europe) PLT-AM10ME
Pneumatic Circuit Unit PLT-AM10K0
Tray Set PLT-AM10TS

Pre-filter

Planova™ 75N filter is designed to remove impurities or aggregated proteins prior to final virus filtration. The filter is available in various surface area sizes to support the use from lab to manufacturing scales.
Planova™ 75N Pre-filters
The table below lists the catalog number for Planova™ 75N. Please contact us and cite the number below to order.
Filter type Filter effective surface are size (m²) Catalog number
Planova™ 75N prefilter 1.0 75F1-000
0.3 75NZ-300
0.01 75NZ-010
0.001 75NZ-001

Filtration Accessories

Accessory type Applicable Planova™ filter size Catalog number
Module header (B) 0.3 0.12 m² HEADER-B2
Module coupler 0.3 0.12 m² COUPLER-01
Accessories to support fitting and connection of Planova™ filters with surface area sizes of 0.3 m2 and 0.12 m2 are also available as listed in the table below. Please contact us and cite the number below to order.
Header and Coupler

Ordering information

The table below lists the catalog number for Planova™ 15N, 20N & 35N virus removal filters. Please contact us and cite the number below to order.
Planova™ Filters
Filter type Filter effective surface area size (m²) Catalog number
Planova™ 15N 4.0 15N4-000
1.0 15F1-000
0.3 15NZ-300
0.12 15NZ-120
0.01 15NZ-010
0.001 15NZ-001
Planova™ 20N 4.0 20N4-000
1.0 20F1-000
0.3 20NZ-300
0.12 20NZ-120
0.01 20NZ-010
0.001 20NZ-001
Planova™ 35N 4.0 35N4-000
1.0 35F1-000
0.3 35NZ-300
0.12 35NZ-120
0.01 35NZ-010
0.001 35NZ-001
Planova™ 75N (prefilter) 1.0 75F1-000
0.3 75NZ-300
0.01 75NZ-010
0.001 75NZ-001

Related Equipment