Buffer reuse for sustainable production of biologics and vaccines

Important results from the project

The project has conducted two case studies on strategies for reusing aqueous buffer in the production of biologics and vaccines. The case studies focused on local recirculation of the equilibrium buffer and countercurrent reuse of CIP buffer, both of which resulted in a 40-50% reduction in the respective buffer. This means that together, a 20-30% reduction in the total buffer consumption in the downstream process can be achieved.

Expected long term effects

Developments in the pharmaceutical industry have in recent decades been dominated by biological drugs, where production requires large or very large amounts of water, and this trend appears to be increasing further in the new field of cell and gene therapy. The consumption of buffer solutions, mainly in downstream processes, is the single largest factor in reducing the industry´s climate footprint. Being able to reduce buffer consumption by at least 25% has major effects in the long term.

Approach and implementation

The project was carried out as two case studies to experimentally evaluate methodologies for recirculation and minimization of buffer consumption. Both studies were carried out on a complete experimental platform for studies of monoclonal antibody purification. The process steps were modified for each case study. Both case studies have resulted in publications.