Optimisation of Continuous Capture Chromatography Processes

Continuous capture chromatography is a chromatographic technique promising higher efficiency through higher resin utilization, higher productivity and lower buffer consumption compared to batch chromatography capture processes. Designing cSMB processes is more challenging than designing standard batch processes because each chromatographic phase is influenced by the previous phase. An iterative approach can be used to identify optimal conditions. Our traditional process design approach was based on single column breakthrough curves and feeding the breakthrough data into a model. However, this concept leads to a sub-optimal process as it is based on a single loading flow rate during all phases, while effectively, flow rates and volumes in interconnected and parallel load phases should be different for an optimal process. In this webinar, I will present an approach where different flow rates and different breakthrough curves are used as model inputs together with pressure-flow dependencies for the resin of interest. Using the improved process design, significantly higher productivities were achieved compared to the standard procedure. The effect was confirmed for a given in-house model process with approximately 50% higher productivities which has been confirmed at laboratory scale. Finally, implications of the new cSMB design approach for large-scale manufacturing are discussed.