ii3 Membrane has won three awards in the Innovation, Research and Development (R&D), and Environmental categories in the 2025 Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards for its commitment to advancing bioprocessing technologies, particularly through its groundbreaking Digital Membrane Chromatography (DMC) system.
The Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards honor the most significant achievements and innovations in the pharmaceuticals industry. Powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies leading change and shaping the future of the industry.
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i3 Membrane won the Innovation award for its development of Digital Membrane Chromatography (DMC), a technology that revolutionizes biomolecule purification by utilizing electrical fields instead of traditional chemical methods. In the Research & Development category, i3 Membrane was honored for its efforts to scale DMC for commercial therapeutic drug manufacturing, demonstrating superior performance and efficiency. The Environmental award was given for the sustainable practices embedded in the DMC technology to significantly reduce chemical waste and resource consumption.
Revolutionizing bioprocessing with Digital Membrane Chromatography
i3 Membrane’s DMC technology fundamentally alters the approach to biomolecule purification. Unlike traditional methods that often rely on chemical gradients and lengthy processes that can take up to eight hours to complete, DMC utilizes electrical fields to facilitate the elution of biomolecules, significantly reducing purification times to around 30 minutes. This rapid processing not only enhances throughput, but will also allow pharmaceutical companies to respond more swiftly to market demands.
DMC’s innovative design incorporates an ultrathin conductive layer, typically made of gold, which enables the application of electrical fields across ionic and affinity membrane adsorbers. This technology allows for immediate elution without the need for harsh chemicals, which can damage sensitive biomolecules. For instance, monoclonal antibodies, which are crucial in therapeutic applications, can maintain their structural integrity and efficacy due to the gentle elution process employed by DMC. This preservation of molecular quality is vital for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic products.
Furthermore, DMC’s design is intended to be scalable and adaptable, allowing it to be seamlessly integrated into existing analytical chromatography setups. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for pharmaceutical manufacturers looking to upgrade their research and discovery processes without overhauling their entire systems.
“Great thanks to Pharmaceutical Technology. The journey has hardly begun for DMC, and yet the velocity and return on invested capital is remarkable and additive to our other revenue streams. We are delivering biomolecular species intact, practically immediately. Some people like the resultant purity and QTC attributes of the molecules, whilst others enjoy the simplicity of use. Very exciting times are ahead for therapeutic discovery and manufacturing.”
– Kenneth J. Renfrew. FRSB. i3 Membrane Corporation
Advancing protein purification through rigorous research and development
As part of ongoing efforts to scale DMC for high throughput therapeutic drug research, and later manufacturing, i3 Membrane partners with CDMOs, Academia, and large pharmaceutical manufacturers to conduct extensive case studies and comparative analyses that have demonstrated the superior performance of DMC over traditional purification methods. For example, studies have shown that DMC achieves recovery rates of over 95%, which is crucial for maximizing yield and reducing waste in the production of therapeutic proteins.
Addressing critical challenges related to adsorption capacity and scalability is another area where i3 Membrane excels. Traditional membranes and resin-based chromatography methods often require lengthy cleaning processes between cycles. DMC, on the other hand, allows for multiple cycles without the need for chemical cleaning processes, thereby streamlining operations and reducing downtime. This efficiency is particularly important in research and commercial settings where time and resource management are paramount.
The development of customer-specific voltage programs further illustrates i3 Membrane’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. By tailoring the DMC technology to meet the specific needs of clients, i3 Membrane enhances the user experience and ensures optimal performance in various applications. Collaborative efforts with industry partners to explore the potential applications of DMC also highlight the company’s proactive approach to R&D, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of bioprocessing advancements.
Promoting environmental sustainability with green bioprocessing
i3 Membrane’s recognition in the Environmental category reflects its dedication to sustainable manufacturing practices. The DMC technology significantly reduces chemical waste by reducing the need for chemical cleaning processes and high volumes of harsh elution buffers. Traditional purification methods often generate substantial amounts of waste, which can have detrimental effects on the environment. By minimizing chemical usage, DMC not only lowers the environmental footprint of discovery and bioprocessing but also contributes to cost savings for researchers and manufacturers.
Additionally, DMC’s operational efficiency leads to lower processing costs and reduced resource consumption. The avoidance of buffer exchanges and desalination steps not only streamlines the purification process, but also conserves valuable resources. For instance, the ability to operate with minimal pressure drop enhances energy efficiency, making DMC a more environmentally friendly option compared to conventional methods.
The use of an inert conductive layer, such as gold, further emphasizes i3 Membrane’s commitment to sustainability. Gold is environmentally friendly and reduces the reliance on harsh chemicals that can pose risks to both human health and the environment. By offering a research technology that operates under milder conditions, i3 Membrane aligns its practices with the industry’s increasing focus on environmental responsibility, setting a future benchmark for sustainable bioprocessing.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from Pharmaceutical Technology. Digital Membrane Chromatography will provide a transformational change in the way mAbs and gene therapies are discovered, quality assured, and manufactured. The technology was introduced to industry and academia simultaneously without us knowing where the trail would lead, but we learned quickly that applications are very dispersed for the DMC platform, and there is a compelling need for it.“
– Dr. Stephane Brinke-Seiferth, CEO, i3 Membrane GmbH
Company Profile
Membranes are more than just filters. The solutions from i3 Membrane prove this day by day. With the help of plasma-immersion ion implantation (i3), the company has managed to develop the first digitally controllable membranes – and revolutionize traditional separation technology. Thanks to its combination of ion and membrane technologies, i3 Membrane enables more efficient and sustainable separation processes. Its membranes, equipped with functional surfaces, cover a range of applications – from analytics to infection prevention to biotechnology. Its products open up new possibilities of use for customers in the areas of Medical, Lab/Pharma, and Biotech.
As one of the most innovative companies for separation technology, i3 Membrane collaborates with leading research institutes, BioPharma, experienced experts and creative thinkers to tread new paths paved with profound specialist knowledge.
Contact Details
Kenneth J. Renfrew. FRSB
Charlotte, NC, USA
(+1) 980 888 8117
Links:
Website: https://www.i3membrane.com/en/
