Primary Recovery Filters

Primary Recovery Filters are essential components in the early stages of downstream processing, specifically designed for the initial clarification of biologic drug products. These high-capacity filters are used immediately after the harvest step to efficiently remove cells, debris, and other particulate matter from fermentation broths or cell culture fluids. At Wasteless Bio, we offer a wide range of depth filters and membrane filters tailored for high-throughput primary recovery applications in both research and GMP manufacturing environments. In biopharmaceutical production, ensuring a clean and particulate-free feedstream is crucial before proceeding to further purification stages such as tangential flow filtration (TFF) and chromatography. Primary recovery filters provide this first layer of clarification by combining mechanical retention with depth filtration technology, enabling the capture of a broad spectrum of particle sizes without clogging or compromising product flow. These filters are commonly used for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), recombinant proteins, vaccines, and gene therapy vectors. Our offerings include both single-use and reusable filter formats, compatible with a variety of bioprocess systems. Depth filters utilize porous media to capture particles throughout the filter matrix, making them ideal for high-solids applications and reducing the risk of fouling downstream. Membrane filters, on the other hand, provide absolute retention ratings and are typically used as polishing filters after depth filtration. Wasteless Bio stocks filters in various formats—cartridges, cassettes, and modules—to support flexible scaling from lab bench to commercial production. We frequently list filters and housing systems from trusted manufacturers such as Pall, Sartorius, MilliporeSigma, and 3M. Detailed specifications including filter grade, micron rating, compatibility, and flow capacity are provided to help you make informed purchasing decisions. By choosing reclaimed or surplus primary recovery filters through Wasteless Bio, your lab can reduce operational costs and environmental waste. Whether you're preparing a clarified harvest for TFF or ensuring sterility before protein purification, our primary recovery filters deliver reliable, high-performance solutions for early-phase biologic drug processing.