Provided are filter elements or cells and filtration assemblies or capsules for purifying and/or clarifying fluids used during various biopharmaceutical applications, for example, chromatography or depth filtration, and processes for making and using the same. A filter element comprises a media pack comprising two sides and a separator element located between the two sides, at least one side comprising a filtration media, wherein an inner edge periphery and/or an outer edge periphery of the filtration media comprise a bond directly to a portion of the separator element.