Device for continuous virus inactivation

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, wherein the device comprises an axially extending hollow-body holder (1) for holding an elongated, elastically deformable hollow body (2), in particular a flexible tube, wherein the device comprises at least two axially extending rollers (3, 4), in particular three or four rollers (3, 4, 5, 6), each of which, when the device has been assembled as intended, squeezes the hollow body (2) and thereby divides the internal volume (7) of the hollow body (2) into volume portions (8) fluidically separated from one another, wherein the continuous virus inactivation is carried out in the volume portions (8) of the hollow body (2). It is proposed that the device comprises a support element (9) which, when the device has been assembled as intended, supports the lateral faces of each of the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) in at least one point.

Description

[0001] Device for continuous virus inactivation

[0002] The invention relates to a device for continuous virus inactivation according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for continuous virus inactivation using a proposed device according to claim 17, the use of a proposed device for continuous virus inactivation according to claim 19, the use of a preassembled residence time product according to claim 20 and a device for continuous virus inactivation according to claim 22.

[0003] The device in question for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, is used in the context of a bioprocess, in particular a downstream process, for the production and / or quality control of biopharmaceutical bioproducts, in particular proteins, vectors, cells and the like, whereby a product stream can be provided for a downstream unit, in particular a downstream chromatography unit.

[0004] The term "bioprocess" here refers to biotechnological and biopharmaceutical processes involved in the production of therapeutic bioproducts, such as vaccines, biologics, components for cell or gene therapy, or non-therapeutic bioproducts such as pigments, biofuels, or nutrients. Such bioproducts can either be produced by living cells, the cell itself can be the bioproduct, or the bioproduct can be the result of cell-free production based on cellular components of either natural or non-natural origin.

[0005] In process engineering, "downstream process" refers to all processes used to separate and purify fermentation products from the fermentation broth of a biotechnological process. This term includes mechanical, thermal, electrical, and physicochemical processes.

[0006] In the biopharmaceutical industry, the trend is toward process intensification, resulting in the increasing implementation of continuous process steps. In batch production, as carried out routinely and in a standardized manner, the product passes through one process step after another and is collected in storage containers after each step. This practice can limit both the utilization of the bioprocessing setup and the productivity of the process. Continuous processing, on the other hand, means that the product passes through several manufacturing steps without interruption. Continuous processes thus make it possible to carry out the individual work steps on a significantly smaller scale, saving on consumables such as buffers, solvents, and the like, and even to carry out larger processes in a disposable format.The smaller number and size of storage containers also leads to a shorter residence time of the product in the bioprocess.

[0007] The advantages of continuous manufacturing lie primarily in unprecedented control of product quality and greater agility and flexibility in addressing product requirements. Another advantage is the significantly reduced scale-up risk due to the smaller plant design. Continuous manufacturing therefore offers great potential for increasing the economic efficiency of bioprocesses.

[0008] As part of process intensification, new processes such as single-use centrifugation, tangential flow filtration (TFF) or rapid cycling chromatography (RCC) are increasingly being developed, all of which aim to achieve a continuous product flow and thus make the process steps used in the downstream process as space- and cost-efficient as possible.

[0009] Following an initial chromatography step, particularly a protein A affinity chromatography step, a first virus inactivation step is usually performed. The implementation of a continuous virus inactivation step represents a challenge for process development in the context of process intensification.

[0010] The known device for continuous virus inactivation (WO 2018 / 208447 A1), from which the invention is based, serves for the continuous inactivation of viruses during a protein production process. A narrow residence time distribution of the product in the device is achieved by dividing the product flow into defined volume sections. This prevents the individual volume sections from mixing with each other, thus maintaining their predefined conditions. Furthermore, the narrow residence time distribution thus created can shorten the incubation time for complete virus inactivation, which protects the product overall.

[0011] The structural design of the known device for continuous virus inactivation essentially ensures universal applicability. However, the structural design of the known device ensures that only a relatively short hollow body can be used with the device. This is due to the fact that a longer hollow body would also require a longer hollow body holding device. If the hollow body holding device were to be made longer, the rollers would also have to be made correspondingly longer. With a longer roller design, however, there is a risk that the rollers will bend, so that the distance between the roller surface and the hollow body holding device varies over the length of the rollers. This would no longer adequately ensure the tight separation of the individual volume sections in the hollow body, which is necessary for its intended function.Therefore, only relatively short devices have been used to date, allowing only a relatively small maximum volume to be inactivated. This increases the overall processing time and requires the remaining product to be inactivated to be stored temporarily. This, in turn, can be problematic, as products from bioprocesses that are inherently sensitive, such as antibodies, could be destroyed due to excessive storage or processing time.

[0012] As a result, the known device provides only limited efficiency in terms of the volumes that can be inactivated, the long process times that endanger the product, and the use of production space.

[0013] The invention is based on the problem of designing and developing the known device for continuous virus inactivation in such a way as to improve its applicability. The above problem is solved in a device for continuous virus inactivation according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0014] The fundamental consideration is that the device has a support element that supports the rollers towards the outside of the device so that they cannot bend, or at least not significantly.

[0015] The special design of the proposed device for continuous virus inactivation allows it to be equipped with a longer hollow body holding device and a correspondingly longer hollow body, especially a tube, which ultimately allows a larger volume to be virus-inactivated. Furthermore, this improves the applicability of the device, as greater flexibility is achieved with regard to the volume to be inactivated. The rollers are supported by the proposed support element, ensuring uniform contact pressure along their length and keeping the defined volume sections optimally separated from each other in terms of fluid technology to fulfill their intended function.This prevents the individual volume sections from mixing with upstream and / or downstream volume sections, which would reduce the sharpness of the separation and pose the risk of distorting the virus-inactivating conditions.

[0016] In particular, it is proposed that the device has a support element which, when the device is mounted as intended, supports the lateral surfaces of all rollers at least at one point.

[0017] According to the preferred embodiments according to claims 2 and 3, the device comprises an epicyclic gear arrangement with one or more sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears for a positive connection between the hollow body holding device and the rollers. This design of the device, modeled on a planetary gear, enables a uniform positive connection while ensuring smooth running in a simple manner. The preferred embodiment according to claim 4 concerns details regarding the interaction and drive of the sun gears, planet gears, and ring gears of the at least one epicyclic gear arrangement. According to a preferred embodiment, the sun gears are rigid, i.e., stationary.

[0018] The preferred embodiment according to claim 5 concerns details of the proposed support element. These special design options offer particular flexibility in the applicability of the device.

[0019] Claim 6 relates to particularly preferred embodiments of the rollers, the ring gears, and the support element, as well as their positive connection. These preferred embodiments offer the advantage of creating a toothed connection, with the corresponding pitch circle and pitch circle diameters being coordinated in such a way that the components involved mesh perfectly.

[0020] According to a particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 7, the hollow body holding device has through-openings. These offer the advantage that the hollow body can be easily and flexibly arranged on the hollow body holding device, particularly in the case where hollow bodies of different lengths are used with the device.

[0021] Claims 8 and 9 relate to special structural embodiments of the device, including the preferred arrangement of the hollow body on the hollow body holding device. These embodiments offer the advantage, on the one hand, that the intended function can be achieved in a particularly simple manner and, on the other hand, that the device offers particular flexibility in terms of applicability.

[0022] Claims 10 to 13 also relate to special structural embodiments, such as the preferred number of rollers, their interaction with the hollow body holding device for producing fluid conveyance according to the principle of a positive displacement pump, and the preferred arrangement on a support structure. These embodiments offer the advantage that a larger number of rollers can create more volumetric sections in the hollow body, thereby enabling a sharper separation during fluid conveyance. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the distance between the hollow body holding device and the rollers corresponds to a maximum of twice the wall thickness of the hollow body, thereby establishing a seal in a simple and reliable manner, which guarantees the fluid-technical tightness of the proposed device necessary for its intended function.The preferred arrangement of the device on a supporting structure offers the advantage of a particularly compact and space-saving design.

[0023] A particularly preferred embodiment according to claim 14 defines that the device is preferably designed as a disposable component. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in a bioprocess, as it ensures the necessary sterility. This is particularly advantageous because a user can thus replace the hollow body and / or the hollow body holding device after use in a particularly simple manner for a new process.

[0024] A further preferred embodiment according to claim 15 relates to the design of the components of the device that are at least necessary for its intended function as a single assembly. This offers the advantage of increased flexibility regarding the applicability of the proposed device, since the user can easily replace, for example, contaminated assemblies.

[0025] The further preferred embodiment according to claim 16 defines the preferred manufacturing method for individual components of the device. This allows the device to be manufactured in a particularly simple and efficient manner.

[0026] According to a further teaching according to claim 17, which has independent significance, a method for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, using a device according to the proposal is claimed.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment according to claim 18, the proposed method is carried out in combination with chromatography methods and / or filtration methods. This offers the possibility of easily integrating the proposed method into an existing bioprocess. Reference is made to all statements regarding the proposed device in this regard.

[0028] According to a further teaching according to claim 19, which has independent significance, the use of a device for implementing a method for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, is claimed. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed device and the proposed method in this regard.

[0029] According to a further teaching according to claim 20, which has independent significance, the use of a preassembled dwell-time product for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process is claimed. The at least partial preassembly of the device makes it particularly easy to quickly make it ready for operation. The resulting interchangeability of the device as a whole or parts thereof also makes it particularly easy to create and / or maintain sterile conditions.

[0030] According to claim 21, the preassembled dwell-time product is preferably designed as a disposable component, ensuring a cost-efficient process while simultaneously ensuring perfect, sterile conditions. All statements regarding the first, second, and third teachings also apply in full to this fourth teaching.

[0031] According to a further teaching according to claim 22, which has independent significance, a device for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, is claimed, wherein the device has a hollow body holding device extending in an axial direction for holding an elongated, elastically deformable hollow body, in particular a tube, wherein the device has at least two rollers extending in the axial direction, in particular three or four rollers, with which the hollow body is squeezed in the properly assembled state of the device and thereby the inner volume of the hollow body is divided into fluidically separate volume sections, wherein the continuous virus inactivation is carried out in the volume sections of the hollow body.All statements concerning the first, second, third and fourth teachings also apply fully to this fifth teaching.

[0032] In particular, it is proposed that the device for driving the rollers has at least one planetary gear arrangement, each with a sun gear, a plurality of planetary gears meshing with the latter, and a ring gear meshing with the latter.

[0033] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing which merely represents an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a proposed device for continuous virus inactivation in a perspective view,

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a proposed device according to Fig. 1 in a sectional view a) of the positive connection between sun gear, planet gears and ring gear and b) of the positive connection between support element and rollers,

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a proposed device according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view and in a sectional view, which shows the preferred arrangement of the hollow body,

[0037] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a proposed residence time product for continuous virus inactivation for a proposed device according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a proposed device for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process. This device is used in the downstream process of a bioprocess, in particular in the production, purification, and / or quality control of biopharmaceutical products, such as during protein production. Such proteins can be growth factors, hormones, enzymes, and in particular antibodies, antibody derivatives, or the like. The proposed method can be used to ensure that a biopharmaceutical product contains no active virus particles of any type above a certain threshold specified, for example, by the manufacturer and / or regulatory authorities, etc., and in particular, no active virus particles at all.

[0039] The target protein can originate either directly or indirectly from a bioreactor, particularly after processing steps, especially downstream processing steps such as filtration, precipitation, and / or chromatographic separation steps or the like, have been performed. Such chromatographic steps can, for example, be affinity chromatography steps, particularly affinity chromatography steps using protein A.

[0040] The device has a hollow body holding device 1 extending in an axial direction for holding an elongated, elastically deformable hollow body 2, in particular a hose.

[0041] The term “hollow body holding device” is to be understood broadly in the present case and means any device for holding a hollow body that is cylindrical, in particular hollow-cylindrical, and / or has a circumferential contact surface for the hollow body.

[0042] The term "hollow body" is to be understood broadly in this context and refers to any type of fluid-tight, particularly flexible, body that forms an internal channel for the passage of a fluid, in particular a hose or the like. Hollow bodies according to the invention are preferably made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or plastics such as PVC, PUR, PA, PE, or the like.

[0043] The hollow body 2 is preferably round, oval, rectangular or similar in cross-section and has an outer diameter of preferably 5 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 7.5 mm to 15 mm, with a preferred wall thickness of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, more preferably 1 to 5 mm. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the hollow body 2 is 10 mm with a wall thickness of 1 mm. The device has at least two rollers 3, 4 extending in the axial direction, in particular three or four rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, with which the hollow body 2 is squeezed in the properly assembled state of the device, thereby dividing the inner volume 7 of the hollow body 2 into fluidically separated volume sections 8. The continuous virus inactivation is carried out in the volume sections 8 of the hollow body 2.

[0044] The term “roll” is to be understood broadly in this context and means any type of cylinder, hollow cylinder, roller, rod or the like which has an essentially circular base.

[0045] What is essential in the proposed device is that the device has a support element 9 which, in the properly mounted state of the device, supports the lateral surfaces of all rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 at least at one point.

[0046] The term “surface area” in this case means the surface area resulting from the product of the circumference and the height.

[0047] It is particularly preferred that the hollow body holding device 1 has a length to diameter ratio of at least 2:1. Additionally or alternatively, it is particularly preferred that the hollow body holding device 1 and / or the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 are designed to be rigid.

[0048] Here, and preferably, as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the device has exactly one support element 9. More preferably, the device has a plurality of support elements 9. The support element 9 preferably encloses, in the intended state, at least one of the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, preferably all rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, such that the support element 9 positively supports at least one of the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, preferably all rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, at least at one point. The support element preferably supports at least one of the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, preferably all rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, more preferably the lateral surfaces of all rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, at least over their central section, more preferably over their entire length.Preferably, the hollow body holding device 1 has a length to diameter ratio of at least 3:1, more preferably of at least 4:1, more preferably of at least 6:1, more preferably of at least 10:1.

[0049] Here, and preferably, the device is designed such that, due to the positive engagement between rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 and support element 9, the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 completely press down the hollow body 2 to such an extent that a fluid connection is interrupted. This ensures the engagement between rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 and the hollow body 2, which is necessary for the intended function, and thus ultimately the tightness of the individual volume sections 8. The volume sections 8 are preferably designed to be as small as possible by appropriately selecting the number of rollers in order to enable a sharper separation of at least one virus inactivation parameter, in particular the pH. However, pressing down the hollow body 2 causes a reduction in the available internal hollow body volume 7.This reduction is counteracted by the preferred design of the hollow body holding device 1 with a length to diameter ratio of at least 2:1, since this allows a longer hollow body 2 to be arranged on the hollow body holding device 1 and consequently a larger volume 7 in the hollow body 2 is available for virus inactivation.

[0050] Here and preferably, the device for driving the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 comprises at least one planetary gear arrangement, preferably two or more axially spaced-apart planetary gear arrangements. In the present case, an epicyclic gear arrangement refers to a unit for transmitting rotary motions, which, as in an epicyclic gear transmission, comprises the intermeshing components "sun gear", "planetary gears", and "ring gear". Specifically, an epicyclic gear arrangement in this sense comprises a sun gear 10, 11, several planetary gears 12 meshing with the sun gear, and a ring gear 13, 14 meshing with the sun gear. As in an epicyclic gear transmission, the planetary gears 12 can be mounted in a planetary gear carrier, but alternatively, they can also be held without one.Preferably, the planet gears 12 are in meshing engagement with one of the associated sun gears 10, 11 and / or the ring gears 13, 14 by a toothed connection, in particular by an involute toothing. Especially when toothing is used, a planet gear carrier is preferably dispensed with. Preferably, the hollow body holding device 1 has at least one sun gear 10, 11, in particular arranged at the end, preferably two axially spaced-apart, in particular end-arranged sun gears 10, 11, which is / are otherwise rotationally fixed to the hollow body holding device 1. Additionally or alternatively, it is preferred that the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 each have at least one planet gear 12, in particular arranged at the end, preferably two axially spaced-apart, in particular end-arranged planet gears 12, which is / are otherwise rotationally fixed to the respective roller 3, 4, 5, 6.Furthermore, it is additionally or alternatively preferred that the support element 9 has at least one ring gear 13, 14, preferably two axially spaced-apart, particularly end-mounted, ring gears 13, 14, which are / are otherwise rotationally fixed to the support element 9 (Fig. 2a). The respective ring gear 13, 14 can be configured separately from or integrally with the support element 9.

[0051] The term “end-side” is to be understood broadly in this case and means an arrangement in the axial end region or the two axial end regions, in particular at the axial end or the axial ends, of the respective, in particular cylindrical, component of the planetary gear arrangement extending in an axial direction. An axial end region is defined in particular as the last 15%, preferably the last 10%, more preferably the last 5%, of the axial extent of the respective component. “Two axially spaced-apart, end-side” sun gears or planet gears or ring gears means that one of the gears is arranged in one axial end region or at one axial end and the other of the gears is arranged in the other axial end region or at the other axial end.In addition to or as an alternative to at least one of the end-mounted planetary gear arrangements, at least one corresponding planetary gear arrangement can also be arranged axially between the end regions. Thus, with a relatively large axial extension of the device and a correspondingly large length of the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, it is conceivable to arrange another planetary gear arrangement axially in the center of the support element 9 or even several planetary gear arrangements at preferably uniform axial spacings over the axial extension of the support element 9 in order to counteract deflection of the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6.

[0052] During normal operation of the device, the ring gear 13, 14 or at least one of the planetary gears 12 of at least one of the planetary gear assemblies is / are preferably driven by a motor, more preferably via an electric drive motor of the device. According to another embodiment not shown here, the sun gear 10, 11 of at least one of the planetary gear assemblies can alternatively also be driven in this way. However, during normal operation of the device, the sun gears 10, 11 are preferably not driven and, in particular, are rigidly arranged.

[0053] The term "rigid" means that the respective sun gear does not follow the rotational movement of the ring gear and / or the planet gears, but is stationary, particularly relative to a supporting structure or a housing. The rotational movement of a ring gear only causes the planet gears to rotate, which then roll on the non-rotating, i.e., stationary, sun gear.

[0054] The support element 9 is preferably hollow-cylindrical in this case (Fig. 1). However, the support element 9 can also be annular, whereby only a single annular support element 9 can be provided or several annular support elements 9 can be arranged axially adjacent to one another. The support element 9 can also be spiral-shaped.

[0055] The support element 9 preferably has a circumferential, in particular cylindrical, inner surface 15 that is flat in the circumferential and / or axial direction. The rollers preferably have a cylindrical outer surface 16 that is flat in the circumferential and / or axial direction. Here, and preferably, as shown in Fig. 2b, the inner surface 15 of the support element 9 rolls completely on the outer surface of the rollers 16 during normal operation of the device. As shown in Fig. 1, the support element 9 is preferably designed as an axial extension of a ring gear 13, 14. Alternatively, the support element 9 is preferably designed as an axial extension of the two ring gears 13, 14, preferably such that the support element 9 supports the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 over only part of their length. Alternatively, the support element 9 preferably connects the two ring gears 13, 14 axially to one another.The support element 9 is preferably designed in one piece, i.e. integrally, or in several pieces.

[0056] The inner diameter of the support element 9 is preferably matched to the outer diameter of the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 such that the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 and the support element 9 roll against each other at a rolling point (Fig. 2b). Additionally or alternatively, in the properly assembled state of the device, the pitch circle diameters of the planet gears 12 of the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 are otherwise identical to the pitch circle diameters of the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6. In addition, the pitch circle diameters of the ring gears 13, 14 are preferably identical to the pitch circle diameter of the support element 9.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 2a and Fig. 3, the hollow body holding device 1 here and preferably has at least two, in particular at least three or four, through-openings 17. The through-openings 17 preferably connect the inner surface 18 or the interior of the hollow body holding device 1 with the outer surface 19 or the exterior of the hollow body holding device 1. The hollow body 2 is guided through the through-openings 17 in the properly assembled state of the device. Here and preferably, the through-openings 17 form the only connections between the inner surface 18 or the interior of the hollow body holding device 1 and the outer surface 19 or the exterior of the hollow body holding device 1.Here and preferably, the through-openings 17 are arranged such that the hollow body 2 can be mounted on the hollow body holding device 1 in a particularly simple manner to establish the intended state of the device. For this purpose, the hollow body 2 is preferably first guided through a first axial opening into the interior of the hollow body holding device 1 and then through the first through-opening 17, preferably designed as a radial opening, to the outside. The hollow body 2 is preferably wound around the hollow body holding device 1 from the outside and then guided back into the interior of the hollow body holding device 1 through the at least second through-opening 17, preferably designed as a radial opening. Finally, the hollow body 2 is preferably guided from the inner surface of the hollow body holding device 1 centrally out of the hollow body holding device 1 through a second axial opening.Preferably, the hollow body holding device 1 has a plurality of through-openings 17 for different hose lengths, preferably designed as radial openings, next to one another in the axial direction.

[0058] Here and preferably, the hollow body 2 has a fluid inlet 20 and a fluid outlet 21. Here and preferably, the hollow body 2 is wound onto the hollow body holding device 1. Preferably, the hollow body 2 is arranged at least largely transversely, in particular substantially orthogonally, to the geometric longitudinal axis of the hollow body holding device 1 extending in the axial direction, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0059] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the hollow body 2 is arranged here and preferably during the intended operation of the device on the hollow body holding device 1 in such a way that during the intended engagement between rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 and the hollow body 2, there is no distance between two hollow body windings. To establish the intended state, the hollow body 2 is preferably arranged on the hollow body holding device 1 in such a way that the distance between two hollow body windings is at least

[0060] ((( / / 2) - d) corresponds to (U = hollow body circumference, d = hollow body diameter).

[0061] When the device is assembled as intended, a liquid stream 22 containing a target protein and virus-inactivating conditions can be introduced into the device through the fluid inlet 20. To provide a minimum residence time of the liquid stream 22 in the device, the liquid stream 22 can preferably be passed through the device and then discharged from the device through the fluid outlet 21. The device can preferably be flowed through on both sides, such that the liquid stream 22 can alternatively be introduced into the device through the fluid outlet 21 and discharged from the device through the fluid inlet 20. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the length and diameter of the hollow body 2 and the flow rate of the liquid stream 22 can be adjusted, preferably by a user, such that a specific residence time of the liquid stream 22 in the device can be achieved.This means that the possibility of a longer design of the hollow body is accompanied by increased flexibility in the applicability of the proposed device.

[0062] If the number of rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 is even, they are arranged opposite one another here and preferably on the outer circumference of the hollow body holding device 1, in particular evenly distributed over the outer circumference of the hollow body holding device 1. Even if the number is odd, they are preferably evenly distributed over the outer circumference of the hollow body holding device 1.

[0063] During normal operation of the device, a fluid conveyance in the hollow body 2 is preferably generated according to the principle of a positive displacement pump by a relative movement of the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 and the hollow body holding device 1 in such a way that the volume sections 8 in the hollow body 2 which are separated from one another are transported unmixed to one another over the process runtime during normal operation of the device with the preset virus-inactivating conditions.

[0064] Preferably, in the properly assembled state of the device, the distance between the hollow body holding device 1 and rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 corresponds to at most twice the wall thickness of the hollow body 2.

[0065] As shown in Figs. 1, 2a, and 2b, the device preferably comprises a support structure 23. The support structure 23 preferably comprises a base plate and a frame thereon. Preferably, all components of the device are arranged directly or indirectly on the support structure 23. According to a likewise preferred embodiment, at least the hollow body holding device 1 is arranged directly on the support structure 23.

[0066] Here, and preferably, all components of the device, preferably at least the hollow body 2 and / or the hollow body holding device 1, are designed as disposable components. The disposable component is preferably made at least partially of plastic, so that it can be realized with little effort. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of these components is at least partially, preferably predominantly, made of a plastic material, preferably such that the disposable component is at least partially made of a silicone material and / or polymer material and / or bioplastic.

[0067] The components of the device that are at least necessary for its intended function, in particular at least comprising the hollow body holding device 1 and the hollow body 2, preferably form an assembly. Additionally or alternatively, at least the support structure 23, the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, and the support element 9 preferably form an assembly that is designed as a preassembled or one-piece unit.

[0068] Here and preferably, the support structure 23, the hollow body holding device 1, the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 and / or the support element 9, in particular individually or together, is / are manufactured by plastic injection molding, by 3D printing and / or by machining technologies, in particular milling.

[0069] According to a further teaching of independent significance, a method is provided using a proposed device for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, wherein a liquid stream 22 containing a target protein and virus-inactivating conditions is introduced into the device through the fluid inlet 20 and, to provide a minimum residence time of the liquid stream 22, is passed through the device and subsequently out of the device through the fluid outlet 21, preferably so that the device can be flowed through on both sides, such that the liquid stream 22 is alternatively introduced into the device through the fluid outlet 21 and discharged from the device through the fluid inlet 20. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed device in this regard.

[0070] Furthermore, the proposed process can be carried out in combination with an upstream, preferably discontinuous or continuous, chromatography process, in particular affinity chromatography and ion exchange chromatography. Additionally or alternatively, the proposed process can be carried out in combination with an upstream, preferably discontinuous or continuous, filtration process, in particular tangential flow filtration. Additionally or alternatively, the proposed process can be followed by a continuous chromatography process and / or filtration process.

[0071] In principle, the proposed device and the proposed method can be used in combination with all purification, filtration, chromatography, separation, centrifugation, concentration and / or sedimentation processes or other processes that can be assigned to the downstream process of protein products.

[0072] According to a further teaching of independent significance, a use of a proposed device for implementing a method for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, is claimed. Reference may be made to all statements regarding the proposed device and the proposed method in this regard.

[0073] According to a further teaching of independent significance, the use of a preassembled dwell-time product 24 for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, is claimed. The dwell-time product partially or completely comprises the device for continuous virus inactivation, wherein it comprises at least the support element 9, preferably also the support structure 23 and / or the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6. Here, too, all the above statements apply in full.

[0074] Here, and preferably, the preassembled dwell-time product 24 can be configured as at least three different preassembled dwell-time products 24. The first preassembled dwell-time product 24 preferably comprises the entire proposed device. As shown by way of example in Fig. 4, the second preassembled dwell-time product 24 preferably comprises the hollow body holding device 1 and the hollow body 2 arranged thereon. The at least third preassembled dwell-time product 24 preferably comprises the support structure 23, the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, and the support element 9.

[0075] The dwell time product 24 is preferably designed as a disposable component. The preassembled dwell time product 24 preferably includes sterile packaging 25 for sterile storage of the dwell time product 24 (Fig. 4). Replacing the device, either entirely or at least a specific part, after a single use ensures sterility and eliminates any cleaning steps after the end of the process.

[0076] According to a further teaching, which is of independent importance, a device for the continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, is claimed, wherein the device has a hollow body holding device 1 extending in an axial direction for holding an elongated, elastically deformable hollow body 2, in particular a tube, wherein the device has at least two rollers 3, 4 extending in the axial direction, in particular three or four rollers 3, 4, 5, 6, with which the hollow body 2 is squeezed in the intended assembled state of the device and thereby the inner volume 7 of the hollow body 2 is divided into fluidically separated volume sections 8, wherein the continuous virus inactivation is carried out in the volume sections 8 of the hollow body 2.

[0077] What is essential in the proposed device is that the device for driving the rollers 3, 4, 5, 6 has at least one planetary gear arrangement, each with a sun gear 10, 11, a plurality of planetary gears 12 meshing therewith, and a ring gear 13, 14 meshing therewith.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A device for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, wherein the device comprises a hollow body holding device (1) extending in an axial direction for holding an elongated, elastically deformable hollow body (2), in particular a tube, wherein the device comprises at least two rollers (3, 4), in particular three or four rollers (3, 4, 5, 6), extending in the axial direction, with which, in the properly assembled state of the device, the hollow body (2) is each squeezed and thereby the inner volume (7) of the hollow body (2) is divided into fluidically separated volume sections (8), wherein the continuous virus inactivation is carried out in the volume sections (8) of the hollow body (2), characterized in that the device comprises a support element (9),which, when the device is mounted as intended, supports the outer surfaces of all rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) at at least one point.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device for driving the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) has at least one planetary gear arrangement, preferably two axially spaced-apart planetary gear arrangements, each with a sun gear (10, 11), several planetary gears (12) meshing with it and a ring gear (13, 14) meshing with these, preferably that the planetary gears (12) are in meshing engagement with an associated one of the sun gears (10, 11) and / or the ring gears (13, 14) by a tooth connection, preferably by an involute toothing.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the hollow body holding device (1 ) has at least one sun gear (10, 11 ), in particular arranged at the end, preferably two axially spaced apart, in particular end-arranged, sun gears (10, 11 ), which is / are otherwise rotationally fixed with the hollow body holding device (1 ), and / or that the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) each have at least one planet gear (12 ), in particular arranged at the end, preferably two axially spaced apart, in particular end-mounted, planetary gears (12), which are / are otherwise rotatable with the respective roller (3, 4, 5, 6), and / or that the support element (9) has at least one, in particular end-mounted, ring gear (13, 14), preferably two axially spaced-apart, in particular end-mounted, ring gears (13, 14), which are / are otherwise rotatable with the support element (9).

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that in the intended operation of the device the ring gear (13, 14) or at least one of the planet gears (12) of at least one of the planetary gear arrangements is / are motor-driven, preferably that in the intended operation of the device the sun gears (10, 11) are rigidly arranged.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (9) is designed as a hollow cylinder, annular or spiral, that the support element (9) has a circumferential, in particular cylindrical, flat inner surface (15), that the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) have a cylindrical, flat outer surface (16), that during normal operation of the device the inner surface (15) of the support element (9) rolls on the outer surface of the rollers (16), preferably that the support element (9) is designed as an axial extension of a ring gear (13, 14) or as an axial extension of the two ring gears (13, 14), or that the support element (9) axially connects the two ring gears (13, 14) to one another.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner diameter of the support element (9) is matched to the outer diameter of the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) in such a way that the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) and the support element (9) roll against one another at a rolling point, and / or that in the properly assembled state of the device, the pitch circle diameters of the planet gears (12) of the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) are otherwise identical to the pitch circle diameters of the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) and the pitch circle diameters of the ring gears (13, 14) are identical to the pitch circle diameter of the support element (9).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow body holding device (1) has at least two, in particular at least three or four, through openings (17) which connect the inner surface (18) of the hollow body holding device (1) to the outer surface (19) of the hollow body holding device (1), and in that the hollow body (2) is guided through the through openings (17) in the properly assembled state of the device, preferably in that the through openings (17) form the only connections between the inner surface (18) of the hollow body holding device (1) and the outer surface (19) of the hollow body holding device (1).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow body (2) has a fluid inlet (20) and a fluid outlet (21), that the hollow body (2) is wound onto the hollow body holding device (1).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that, in the properly assembled state of the device, a liquid stream (22) containing a target protein and virus-inactivating conditions can be introduced into the device through the fluid inlet (20) and, in order to provide a minimum residence time of the liquid stream (22), can be passed through the device and then discharged from the device through the fluid outlet (21).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) are arranged opposite one another on the outer circumference of the hollow body holding device (1) in the case of an even number, in particular distributed evenly over the outer circumference of the hollow body holding device (1), and are arranged evenly distributed over the outer circumference of the hollow body holding device (1) in the case of an odd number. 11 . Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the intended operation of the device, by a relative movement of the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) and the hollow body holding device (1) to each other, a fluid conveyance is generated in the hollow body (2) according to the principle of a displacement pump in such a way that the separate volume sections (8) in the hollow body (2) in the intended operation of the Device with the preset virus-inactivating conditions are transported unmixed to each other over the process runtime.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the properly assembled state of the device, the distance between the hollow body holding device (1) and rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) corresponds at most to twice the wall thickness of the hollow body (2).

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a support structure (23), that all components of the device are arranged directly or indirectly, and / or at least the hollow body holding device (1) is arranged directly, on the support structure (23).

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all components of the device, or at least the hollow body (2) and / or the hollow body holding device (1), are designed as disposable components.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components of the device which are at least necessary for the intended function, in particular at least comprising the hollow body holding device (1) and the hollow body (2), and / or at least comprising the support structure (23), the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) and the support element (9), form an assembly which is designed as a pre-assembled or one-piece unit.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (23), the hollow body holding device (1), the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) and / or the support element (9), in particular individually or together, are manufactured by a plastic injection molding process, a 3D printing process and / or by machining technologies, in particular milling.

17. A method for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, using a device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a liquid stream (22) containing a target protein and virus-inactivating conditions is introduced into the device through the fluid inlet (20) and, in order to provide a minimum residence time of the liquid stream (22), is passed through the device and then out of the device through the fluid outlet (21), preferably such that the device can be flowed through on both sides, such that the liquid stream (22) is alternatively introduced into the device through the fluid outlet (21) and is discharged from the device through the fluid inlet (20).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the proposed method is carried out in combination with an upstream, preferably discontinuous or continuous, chromatography method and / or filtration method, and / or that the proposed method is followed by a continuous chromatography method and / or filtration method.

19. Use of a device according to one of claims 1 to 16 for implementing a method for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process.

20. Use of a pre-assembled residence time product (24) for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, which comprises the device for continuous virus inactivation according to one of claims 1 to 16, partially or completely, wherein it comprises at least the support element (9), preferably also the support structure (23) and / or the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6).

21. Use according to claim 20, characterized in that the pre-assembled dwell time product (24) is designed as a disposable component, preferably that the pre-assembled dwell time product (24) comprises a sterile packaging (25) for the sterile accommodation of the dwell time product (24).

22. Device for continuous virus inactivation during a protein production process, in particular an antibody production process, wherein the device comprises a Hollow body holding device (1) for holding an elongated, elastically deformable hollow body (2), in particular a hose, wherein the device has at least two rollers (3, 4), in particular three or four rollers (3, 4, 5, 6), extending in the axial direction, with which, in the properly assembled state of the device, the hollow body (2) is each squeezed and thereby the inner volume (7) of the hollow body (2) is divided into fluidically separate volume sections (8), wherein the continuous virus inactivation is carried out in the volume sections (8) of the hollow body (2), characterized in that the device for driving the rollers (3, 4, 5, 6) has at least one planetary gear arrangement, each with a sun gear (10, 11), a plurality of planetary gears (12) meshing with the sun gear, and a ring gear (13, 14) meshing with the sun gear.

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