Chromatography Valve Sequencing for Low-Buffer Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chromatography systems face issues with residue accumulation in valves and piping during mode switching, leading to increased buffer usage and prolonged run times due to the need for extensive cleaning and additional buffer solution.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a valve assembly that sequentially connects multiple purifying units to an inlet port, allowing for efficient loading, washing, and elution, reducing the need for intermediate cleaning and buffer usage by operating in a semi-continuous mode, thereby minimizing dead volume and run time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional chromatography systems switch between operational modes using valves and piping, then mode switching is achieved, but residue buildup occurs and buffer usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs loading, washing, and elution operations in a continuous semi-continuous run without stopping or switching modes. The chromatography system processes multiple purifying units sequentially through all operations in one continuous flow, eliminating the need to switch between discrete operational modes and thereby preventing residue buildup that would require additional buffer for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the feed into multiple purifying units that are processed sequentially. Each unit undergoes loading, washing, and elution in sequence, allowing the system to handle multiple purification tasks in one continuous run without mode switching, thus reducing buffer consumption associated with switching operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional chromatography systems switch between operational modes using valves and piping, then mode switching is achieved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by performing loading, washing, and elution in an uninterrupted semi-continuous run. By eliminating mode switching between operations, the system avoids downtime and residue cleanup steps, thereby increasing overall productivity and throughput while maintaining the capability to process multiple purifying units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic processing of multiple purifying units in a structured sequence. Each unit undergoes the complete cycle of loading, washing, and elution in a periodic manner, allowing efficient utilization of system capacity without the need to switch operational modes, thus maintaining high productivity.
3Loss of substance
If sequential connection of purifying units is implemented, then buffer usage is reduced, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chromatography system is designed with a universal valve assembly that can sequentially connect multiple purifying units to the same inlet and outlet ports. This multi-functional setup allows the system to process multiple units through loading, washing, and elution operations using a single set of ports, reducing buffer usage while managing complexity through standardized connections.
4Productivity
If sequential connection of purifying units is implemented, then productivity is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions by sequentially connecting different purifying units to the same inlet and outlet ports throughout the loading, washing, and elution process. This universal connection system enables enhanced productivity through processing multiple units without requiring separate dedicated ports for each operation, thereby managing device complexity while increasing throughput.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances productivity and reduces buffer consumption by nearly half while significantly shortening process duration, particularly when using membrane adsorbers, which enable faster capture steps and smaller volume purifying units.
Implementation Method 1
Physical separation methods in which the material separation occurs through distribution between a stationary phase and a mobile phase are known by the term chromatography
Implementation Method 2
loading the plurality of purifying units with feed provided through the inlet port of the valve assembly by sequentially connecting each purifying unit to the inlet port of the valve assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for purifying a feed comprising at least one target product in a chromatography system having a plurality of purifying units, each having an inlet and an outlet, and a valve assembly having an outlet port and an inlet port. The inlet and the outlet of each purifying unit being connected to a respective port of the valve assembly. The method comprising loading (S10) the plurality of purifying units with feed provided through the inlet port of the valve assembly by sequentially connecting each purifying unit to the inlet port of the valve assembly: eluting (S12) the plurality of purifying units using an elution provided through the inlet port of the valve assembly by sequentially connecting each purifying unit to the inlet port of the valve assembly: and collecting (S14) the at least one target product from the outlet port of the valve.