Application of filtration blocking models to describe fouling and transmission of large plasmids DNA in sterile filtration

► Classical blocking models unable to describe the flux decline of plasmid DNA filtration. ► Better fit of the experimental data was observed with combined blocking models. ► A transition of blocking mechanisms was observed during the filtration of plasmid. ► The transition also correlates with the reduction in the transmission of plasmid DNA. ► The study revealed complex interplay between flexibility of DNA and membrane structure.