Bioseparations / Downstream Processing of Biopharmaceuticals

Separation unit operations make up a critical portion of biologics downstream processes. Complexity inherently associated with biologics manufacture such as product heterogeneity and host cell impurities presents process challenges not typically encountered in small-molecule separations. With bioreactor titers increasing steadily over the last several years, production cost and operational pressures are shifting further to downstream. In addition, biological metabolites are still produced in relatively low amounts. The development of cost- and time-effective bioseparation and concentration unit ops is thus key to efficient downstream processes. This session focuses on highlighting the latest advances in bioseparations and downstream processing, aimed at cost reduction, improved efficiency, and shortened development time. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: Centrifugation, Filtration, Crystallization, Extraction, Precipitation, Membrane-based Separation, Adsorption, Ion exchange and Expanded-bed chromatography as well as other Chromatographic Modes.