Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For a small protein or nucleic-acid sample, a centrifugal ultrafiltration device is usually the simplest choice: it is self-contained and needs only a compatible benchtop centrifuge. For feed volumes around 100 mL and above, repeated processing, or concentration combined with buffer exchange, tangential flow filtration (TFF) is generally the more scalable workflow. Neither method is universally faster or higher-yielding; the right choice depends on feed volume, membrane selection, target stability, recovery requirements and available equipment.
This comparison uses “centrifugation” to mean centrifugal ultrafiltration, in which a membrane concentrates soluble biomolecules. It does not mean ultracentrifugation or ordinary centrifugation used to pellet cells, debris or virus particles.
Quick decision: which method fits your process?
| Decision axis | Centrifugal ultrafiltration | Tangential flow filtration |
|---|---|---|
| Best operational fit | Small research samples, occasional concentration and self-contained disposable units. | Larger feeds, repeated batches, process development and workflows requiring controlled recirculation. |
| Driving force | Centrifugal force pushes liquid through a membrane. | A pump moves liquid parallel to the membrane; pressure drives permeate through it. |
| Typical workflow | Load, spin, recover retentate and repeat if necessary. | Recirculate, remove permeate to concentrate, then perform diafiltration in the same system when required. |
| Buffer exchange | Possible through repeated dilution and reconcentration cycles, subject to device instructions. | Diafiltration can be integrated with concentration at approximately constant retentate volume. |
| Scale guidance | Vendor formats range from sub-milliliter devices to units rated for up to 100 mL; the usable volume is product-specific. | Laboratory systems are commonly positioned for feeds of at least 100 mL, with cassettes and modules extending to process scale. |
| Main risks | Over-concentration, membrane adsorption, rotor incompatibility, limited capacity and sample left in the device. | Fouling, concentration polarization, excessive pressure or shear, system hold-up volume and a need for process development. |
Use the table as a starting point, not as a performance guarantee. A membrane that works well for one protein can lose another, and a system that handles one buffer may foul in a different formulation.
How the two concentration methods work
Centrifugal ultrafiltration
A centrifugal filter contains a semipermeable membrane inside a sample reservoir. During spinning, centrifugal force drives solvent and molecules smaller than the membrane’s nominal molecular-weight cutoff (MWCO) into the filtrate compartment. The larger target molecules remain above the membrane as retentate. Manufacturers describe these devices for laboratory concentration, desalting and buffer exchange of proteins and nucleic acids. See the Thermo Fisher Scientific protein concentrator guidance and Sartorius laboratory ultrafiltration information.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The flow is essentially normal to the membrane rather than parallel to it. As the retentate becomes more concentrated, viscosity and concentration polarization can increase, reducing flux. A run therefore may need more than one spin, and the final few microliters can be difficult to recover completely.
Tangential flow filtration
In TFF, a pump recirculates feed across the membrane surface. Part of the liquid passes through as permeate while retained molecules remain in the retentate loop. Crossflow limits the buildup of material directly on the membrane compared with a dead-end filter, although it does not eliminate fouling or polarization. TFF systems can concentrate a feed and then perform diafiltration without transferring the product to a second device. The Sartorius Vivaflow TFF overview and Pall’s laboratory and process-development TFF technical guide describe this recirculating arrangement.
Crossflow rate, transmembrane pressure, membrane area and retentate volume determine how the system behaves. The pump, tubing and cassette also add hold-up volume, which matters when the sample is scarce or expensive.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Step-by-step: concentrating a sample with a centrifugal ultrafilter
- Define the target volume and concentration factor. Calculate the desired concentration factor as starting volume divided by final volume. Check the device’s maximum load and minimum recoverable volume before choosing a format.
- Choose the membrane. Select an MWCO that retains the target while allowing solvent and unwanted small solutes to pass. Verify membrane chemistry against the buffer, additives, temperature and intended contact time.
- Condition the device. If the manufacturer requires rinsing, wetting or removal of preservatives, perform that step with the specified solution. Do not substitute a cleaning solvent that could damage the membrane or contaminate the sample.
- Load below the stated capacity. Leave the required headspace and keep the membrane orientation correct. Overfilling can wet seals, slow filtration or cause leakage.
- Balance and install the rotor. Balance opposing tubes by mass, confirm that the rotor accepts the device, and use only the speed, temperature and spin direction specified for that model.
- Spin in short, inspectable intervals. Stop before the retentate reaches dryness or the device’s maximum concentration limit. Record time, temperature and final volume after each interval.
- Recover the retentate. Invert or rinse the membrane only as instructed. A small recovery rinse with compatible buffer can improve yield, but it also dilutes the product and must be included in the volume calculation.
- Repeat for buffer exchange if needed. Add the new buffer, reconcentrate and repeat the dilution cycle. The number of cycles and residual-solute reduction depend on the starting and final volumes and are not universal device specifications.
This approach is convenient when the sample fits a single unit and the number of cycles is limited. It becomes less attractive when many devices must be handled in parallel, when the feed volume exceeds the reservoir capacity, or when hold-up and membrane adsorption represent a large fraction of the product.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Step-by-step: running a TFF concentration and diafiltration
- Specify the process objective. Set the feed volume, target retentate volume, required diafiltration volume, acceptable temperature range and product recovery target.
- Select a cassette or hollow-fiber module. Match membrane MWCO and material to the molecule and buffer. Choose enough membrane area for the intended flux without assuming that a larger area automatically delivers better recovery.
- Prepare the system. Assemble the pump, feed reservoir, retentate line and permeate collection path. Flush or sanitize the flow path using the module manufacturer’s compatible procedure, then condition it with process buffer.
- Check pressure and connections. Confirm that the permeate line is open, pressure sensors are working and tubing is rated for the planned pressure. A blocked permeate path can rapidly over-pressurize a cassette.
- Establish crossflow before loading product. Recirculate buffer to verify flow direction, eliminate air and identify leaks. Set crossflow and transmembrane pressure within the module’s operating window rather than copying values from an unrelated cassette.
- Concentrate by removing permeate. Transfer the feed to the reservoir and recirculate. Collect permeate while monitoring retentate volume, pressure, temperature and flux. Stop at the validated target volume, not when the loop appears nearly empty.
- Diafilter at controlled volume. Add exchange buffer at approximately the same rate that permeate leaves, keeping retentate volume near constant. Continue for the planned number of diavolumes while recording conductivity, pH or another relevant small-solute indicator.
- Recover the product. Rinse the loop and module with a measured volume of compatible buffer if the protocol permits. Combine the rinse deliberately; an unmeasured rinse changes the final concentration.
- Document the run. Record membrane lot, area, MWCO, crossflow, pressure, temperature, start and end volumes, permeate volume, flux decline and recovery assay results. These records are needed to compare batches and to justify scale-up.
TFF can reduce transfers and combine two operations, but it is not a plug-and-play scale-up. Pump pulsation, shear, pressure, membrane area, reservoir geometry and hold-up volume can all change when the system is enlarged.
Membrane MWCO and material: the decisions that control recovery
MWCO is a screening value, not a guarantee
Nominal MWCO describes a membrane’s approximate retention behavior for a defined test solute. It does not predict retention exactly for every protein, antibody, nucleic acid, oligomer or viral particle. Molecular shape, aggregation state, charge, concentration and buffer composition affect passage. Start with a membrane that should retain the target, then verify retention and recovery experimentally.
A membrane with an excessively tight cutoff may retain the product but deliver low flux and longer processing. A cutoff that is too open can allow product loss into permeate. There is no single MWCO-to-molecular-weight ratio that guarantees yield across biomolecules.
Recommended Free Tools
Membrane chemistry matters
Material affects nonspecific adsorption, wetting, chemical compatibility and fouling. Compare candidate materials using the actual formulation, including salts, detergents, sugars, reducing agents and preservatives. Manufacturers advise optimizing membrane choice and operating conditions for the target rather than treating a catalog recommendation as a universal rule. The Sartorius ultrafiltration documentation provides product-specific selection information.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Process conditions can change the result
- Higher concentration increases viscosity and can reduce permeate flux.
- Excessive pressure may compact a fouled layer or increase product stress without producing proportional throughput.
- High crossflow can improve mass transfer but may increase shear for sensitive assemblies.
- Temperature changes viscosity and product stability, so it should be controlled and recorded.
- Air bubbles reduce effective membrane area and can produce unstable pressure readings.
Scale, device capacity and equipment requirements
Catalog capacities are product specifications, not head-to-head performance statistics. Current product information lists the following examples:
| Product information | Stated range or capacity | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| Thermo Fisher Scientific centrifugal protein concentrator formats | 0.5, 6, 20 and 100 mL device formats. | These are available unit sizes; usable sample volume and recovery depend on the particular device and protocol. |
| Sartorius Vivaspin 100 | Positioned for samples up to 100 mL. | A vendor-specific operating range, not a universal boundary between spin filtration and TFF. |
| Sartorius Vivaflow TFF | Positioned for volumes above 100 mL. | Actual feed range depends on cassette, tubing, pump and process conditions. |
| Thermo Fisher Scientific TFF cassette examples | 0.5–6 L processing range. | A stated cassette range; it does not establish equivalent recovery or speed across that span. |
For a centrifugal device, you need a compatible centrifuge, rotor and tube geometry, along with enough units to process the batch. For TFF, you need a pump, pressure monitoring, reservoir, tubing, a membrane module and a way to collect permeate. Sterile or closed processing adds connection, sanitization and integrity requirements.
Use 100 mL only as a planning reference tied to the cited product pages. Some spin devices are smaller, some systems are larger, and the practical boundary is set by the equipment you can operate reproducibly.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Concentration, buffer exchange and purity: what each method can and cannot do
Concentration factor
Both methods increase target concentration by removing solvent and small solutes. The achievable factor is limited by viscosity, solubility, aggregation, membrane fouling, product stability and the device’s minimum working volume. A high nominal factor does not prove high recovery: measure target mass or activity in feed, retentate, permeate and rinses.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Diafiltration and desalting
Centrifugal ultrafiltration can exchange buffer through repeated dilution and reconcentration, but each cycle requires handling and can increase transfer loss. TFF supports continuous diafiltration by adding fresh buffer while removing permeate, which is useful when the process already has a recirculation loop. The advantage is workflow integration, not an automatic guarantee of lower residual salt or better product activity.
Purity
An ultrafiltration membrane separates primarily by size. It will not remove every contaminant that is similar in size to the target, and it is not a substitute for chromatography, precipitation or a validated virus-removal step. Buffer exchange changes small-solute composition but does not by itself resolve all protein or nucleic-acid impurities.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is one method faster or higher-yielding?
No independent, broadly applicable statistic establishes a universal winner for speed, concentration factor or recovery between TFF and centrifugal ultrafiltration. A small spin device may finish a single sample quickly because setup is minimal; multiple spins, viscous feeds or repeated buffer cycles can reverse that advantage. TFF may process a larger batch efficiently once configured, but setup, flushing and product recovery from tubing add time.
Application-specific literature can point in different directions. A review of viral-vector downstream manufacturing describes TFF as scalable and useful for concentration or buffer exchange under mild conditions, while noting that concentration factors may be lower than centrifugation in some applications and that ultracentrifugation can be associated with functional-particle losses. Those observations concern viral vectors and should not be generalized to soluble proteins, antibodies or every biomolecule. See Downstream Manufacturing of Gene Therapy Viral Vectors.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Choose the method by measuring your own target’s recovery, activity, purity, flux and processing time under defined conditions rather than by assuming that one mechanism always wins.
A practical selection workflow
- Classify the feed. Record volume, target concentration, viscosity, solids, expected aggregates and whether the target is a soluble molecule or a particle-containing suspension.
- Set the product requirement. Decide the final volume, acceptable concentration range, buffer composition, activity requirement and maximum temperature or shear exposure.
- Choose the simplest compatible scale. Start with a centrifugal ultrafilter when the sample fits one or a few devices and no extensive diafiltration is needed. Consider TFF when the feed is around 100 mL or more, batches repeat, or integrated diafiltration is important.
- Screen membrane options. Test MWCO and material with representative feed. Include a mass balance so loss to permeate, membrane and tubing is visible.
- Check equipment constraints. Verify rotor compatibility for spin devices. For TFF, verify pump range, pressure limits, tubing, reservoir volume, membrane area and system hold-up.
- Run a small process-development study. Compare at least two operating conditions while measuring flux, recovery, concentration, purity, activity and final buffer composition.
- Define stop criteria. Specify maximum pressure, minimum retentate volume, temperature limit, acceptable flux decline and the action to take if product begins appearing in permeate.
- Scale only after the mass balance closes. Increasing membrane area or batch size changes hydrodynamics and hold-up; confirm performance again at the intended scale.
Troubleshooting common failures
| Symptom | Likely causes | Checks and corrective actions |
|---|---|---|
| Little or no permeate | Blocked membrane, wrong orientation, excessive viscosity, air lock or pressure outside the operating window. | Confirm assembly and flow direction, remove bubbles, check pressure and temperature, and test a clean membrane with buffer. |
| Target detected in permeate | MWCO too open, target smaller than expected, dissociation or membrane damage. | Verify target size and oligomeric state, test a tighter or different membrane, inspect integrity and reduce residence time if stability is an issue. |
| Flux declines rapidly | Fouling, concentration polarization, aggregates or excessive solids. | Lower the concentration endpoint, adjust crossflow or pressure within the validated range, clarify the feed when appropriate, and document the decline. |
| Low recovery despite target retention | Adsorption to membrane or tubing, residual hold-up, incomplete rinse or product precipitation. | Perform a measured recovery rinse, compare membrane materials, reduce unnecessary surfaces and check solubility at the final concentration. |
| Foaming or visible aggregation | Pump pulsation, air entrainment, high shear, temperature change or an unsuitable formulation. | Eliminate leaks and bubbles, reduce agitation or pressure, control temperature and confirm formulation compatibility before repeating. |
| Spin device leaks or rotor vibration | Overfilled reservoir, damaged seal, incompatible rotor or unbalanced tubes. | Stop the run, inspect seals and rotor documentation, rebalance by mass and stay below the stated capacity. |
| Final concentration is inconsistent | Unmeasured rinse volume, evaporation, incomplete mixing or an endpoint based only on spin time. | Measure every volume, mix gently before sampling and define the endpoint by retentate volume or assay. |
Do not confuse soluble-molecule concentration with particle recovery
Primary recovery of cells or debris and pelleting of particles answer different process questions from concentrating a purified soluble biomolecule. A peer-reviewed study of high-cell-density CHO cultures evaluated centrifugation plus depth filtration and alternative primary-recovery approaches, including TFF, at modeled manufacturing scales of 2,000 L, 10,000 L and 20,000 L. Its economic conclusions depended on the scenario. Those findings do not provide a direct head-to-head measurement of purified protein concentration or a universal cost ranking. Read the study at Integrated economic and experimental framework for screening of primary recovery technologies for high cell density CHO cultures.
Likewise, results for viral vectors, cells or particulate suspensions should not be transferred automatically to antibodies, enzymes or nucleic acids. Define the material and unit operation before applying a published result.
Validation checklist before routine use
- Confirm membrane identity, MWCO, material, lot and integrity.
- Demonstrate target retention and quantify target in feed, retentate, permeate and rinses.
- Measure concentration, purity and biological activity, not concentration alone.
- Record pressure, crossflow or spin conditions, temperature, time, volumes and flux.
- Check that the final buffer meets conductivity, pH and excipient requirements.
- Establish cleaning, sanitization or single-use handling appropriate to the application.
- Set acceptance limits for recovery, flux decline, residual volume and product quality.
- Repeat the process with representative batches before relying on catalog capacity claims.
Bottom line
Choose a centrifugal ultrafiltration filter when the sample is small, the workflow is occasional and minimal setup matters. Choose TFF when the feed is larger, processing will be repeated, or concentration and diafiltration belong in one controlled recirculating operation. The decisive work is target-specific membrane and condition screening: volume suggests the platform, but measured recovery, product quality and a closed mass balance decide whether the process is fit for use.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
