Handheld virus concentration method using a hollow fiber filter module

Abstract

A virus concentration method is required for viral vaccine manufacturing and virus-related research. However, concentration methods, such as ultracentrifugation, often require capital investment. We report a simple and easy-to-use handheld syringe method for virus concentration using a hollow fiber (HF) filter module, which can be applicable to viruses of different sizes, without incorporating any special machines or reagents. This virus concentration method does not use pumps, which might cause shear stress for virus particles; therefore, it is useful for stress-sensitive virus particles, and virus-like particles, as well as other proteins.The clarified harvest of flavivirus (Zika virus) was concentrated using an HF filter module and compared with a centrifugal ultrafiltration device (CUD) for demonstration of the HF filter method. The HF filter method achieved concentration of the virus solution in less time than the CUD. The yield comparison of the recovered virus solution indicated that recovery from the developed method was comparable to using the CUD, and infectivity was maintained throughout.•The Zika virus was concentrated from 200 mL to 5 mL within 45 min using the HF filter and handheld syringe module method.•The handheld HF filter method may be applicable to stress-sensitive viruses and proteins of different sizes.•The virus concentration process should be conducted in a safety cabinet, which is preferred for virus containment.