Method and device for centrifugation and filtration

Abstract

The invention provides a filtering and centrifugation device, comprising a barrel, a volume in the barrel for receiving a fluid sample to be processed, a filter medium, at least one piston movable in the barrel to force fluid in the volume through the filter medium to produce a filtrate, and a space for pelleting particulate material. The device is centrifugeable, and said space is located in or communicates with the volume and is located preferably away from the filter medium such that the particulate material does not or at least not completely clog the filter medium during such centrifugation of the device. The invention also provides a method for the sterile filtration of a sample, comprising the steps of introducing the sample into the volume of such a device, subjecting the device to centrifugation to pellet particulate material contained in the sample at the space away from the filter medium, and applying force to the piston(s) to force fluid of the sample in the volume through the filter medium to produce a filtrate. By providing the space for pelleting the particulate material under the influence of the centrifugation force, the clogging of the filter medium can be avoided or considerably delayed. Further, the entire process can be performed in the same device without having to remove the sample for any intermediate clarification steps.