Tangential flow filtration/chromatography systems, use thereof, and methods of separation

A tangential flow filtration/chromatography system for simultaneously separating one or more target molecules from cells, cell debris and further contaminants, the flow filtration/chromatography system comprising:

• a tangential flow filtration/chromatography device comprising at least one fluid inlet, at least one retentate outlet, at least one permeate outlet, and at least one membrane which separates a retentate section from a permeate section in the tangential flow filtration/chromatography device, the at least one retentate outlet being in the retentate section and the least one permeate outlet being in the permeate section,
• wherein a flow from the at least one fluid inlet to the at least one retentate outlet is guided in the tangential flow filtration/chromatography device tangentially along the surface of the at least one membrane,
• wherein the at least one membrane has chromatographically active centers for selectively binding the one or more target molecules, and has a specific convective pore size to
• (i) block the cells and cell debris both having a specific minimum size larger than the convective pore size from permeating into and through the at least one membrane to the permeate section, and
• (ii) allow the further contaminants having a specific maximum size smaller than or equal to the convective pore size to permeate into and through the at least one membrane to the permeate section.