Downstream process technology

Alas, the engineering scale-up of synthetic bulk drug processes is still badly understated, as most contributors to the new body of literature are synthetic chemists. For compounds derived from biosynthesis, however, there is a large body of biochemical engineering literature that deals in depth with the scale-up of the biosyntheses and the subsequent downstream processing technologies (e.g.. Refs. 8-10). 

The current production cost for PHBHHx is stiU too high for real commercial application. However, many efforts have been made to improve the production process for PHBHHx, including the downstream process technology. Most efforts have been focused on increasing cell density and simplifying the downstream process. A better production strain able to utilize glucose will be one of the most important issues for reducing the PHBHHx production costs. 

Fundamentals and Biotechnological Applications of Downstream Processing Technologies... 

N. K. Prasad, Downstream Process Technology A New Horizon in Biotechnology, Asoke Ghosh, New Delhi, 2010. 

If it is possible to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates at a cost of 1-2 EUR per kg, a diverse range of potential applications become commercially very attractive. According to some industry specialists, this price range is already feasible with current, large-scale and fully integrated bioreactors and downstream processing technology [5]. 

Most of these methods are commonly employed in the downstream processing of the desired ceU culture technology product. Hence, most of the time it is only necessary to demonstrate that the designed process is reducing the putative risk factors to acceptable levels. Validation methods employed for risk reduction are discussed in the Hterature (25). 

Researchers at AECI s Research and development Department have developed a novel microwave depolymerisation process for the thermal decomposition of polymethyl methacrylate and the recovery of the monomer methyl methacrylate. This comprehensive article supplies a detailed explanation and examination of the process which has been patented in South Afriea. The microwave technology provides a purer produet which will simplify downstream processing and reduee effluent volume and chemical consumption. 

Wheelwright, S. M., Designing downstream processes for large-scale protein purification, Bio/Technology, 5, 89, 1987. 

New technologies that operate closer to downstream process requirements are needed. This means technologies that operate within the ranges of gas turbines and syngas conversion processes (i.e., 300 to 700°F). 

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