Flocculation in Bioseparations

Solid-Liquid Separations in Bioprocesses

This webinar reviews the application of in situ PAT to understand the flocculation mechanism in bioprocesses, and how the real-time measurement of particle size distribution by PAT can be used to improve product purity and process efficiency. Case studies include laboratory and manufacturing applications to optimize and control flocculation in bioprocesses as a means of increasing clarification throughput.

While higher cell densities help improve product titers for monoclonal antibody expression the increased biomass can be difficult to separate from the product-containing centrate.  Traditionally, a combination of centrifugation and depth filtration is used to effect solid-liquid separation.  However, as cell densities increase, a burden can be placed on existing equipment trains. Flocculation of cells and cell debris has emerged as a useful pre-treatment that allows for faster and more effective separation. Characterization of the flocculation onset, kinetics and endpoint can enable scientists to choose the appropriate parameters that will support the most cost effective separation.

Inline Process Analytical Technology (PAT) has become critical in ensuring process robustness and productivity in the biotechnology industry. By implementing in situ probe based particle measurement technology, real time changes can be tracked to the floc size distribution while measuring inline at full process concentrations, without the need to sample. Particle size distribution tools allow scientists to identify the optimal polymer additive type and dosage for the incoming feed. PAT enables these parameters to be quickly optimized in the laboratory and transferred to the plant.

This webinar will be of interest to:

  • Biochemists
  • Bioengineers
  • Chemical Engineers
  • Molecular Biologists
  • Anyone working in downstream processes
  • Anyone working in product separation, clarification, filtration, centrifugation, purification or recovery

Presenter
Dr. Des O’Grady is METTLER TOLEDO’s Market Development Manager for In-process Particle Characterization. He has extensive experience working with scientists and engineers on particle characterization projects.  Des completed his PhD from the School of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at University College Dublin, Ireland.  His PhD thesis, entitled “Multi-Scale Characterization of Anti-solvent Crystallization”, focused on the use of in situ  particle characterization technologies and novel modeling  approaches to design, characterize and scale-up anti-solvent crystallization.