Simulated Moving-Bed Chromatography Port Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatographic separation by the simulated moving-bed scheme faces challenges in efficiently purifying antibody drugs due to the need for fractionating target antibodies, fragments, and aggregates, which require different adsorptive properties, and the inefficiency of existing methods in reducing the amount of adsorbent used, leading to high costs and decreased production.
Innovation Solution
A simulated moving-bed type chromatographic separation method using two or more kinds of eluents and strategically positioning the feed solution supply and eluent supply ports in a circulation system with multiple unit packed columns to effectively separate weakly, intermediately, and strongly adsorptive components, allowing for high-purity fractionation with a reduced amount of adsorbent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large amount of eluent is used to desorb strongly adsorptive components, then the desorption efficiency is improved, but the concentration cost of extraction liquid increases and production amount of target purified product per adsorbent decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of eluent strength by using multiple eluents with different desorption strengths (first eluent with weak desorption strength, second eluent with strong desorption strength) instead of a single eluent. This allows optimized desorption at different stages, improving overall desorption efficiency while reducing total eluent consumption.
2Device complexity
If one kind of eluent is used for chromatographic separation, then the system complexity is reduced, but the separation performance for components with different adsorptive properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different eluents with different desorption strengths at different locations/stages of the circulation system. The first eluent (weak desorption strength) is used in one region, while the second eluent (strong desorption strength) is used in another region, allowing optimized separation for components with different adsorptive properties throughout the system.
3Reliability
If the circulation system processes all fractions (weakly, intermediately, and strongly adsorptive), then the purification comprehensiveness is improved, but the amount of adsorbent required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the purification process by dividing it into distinct steps: first extracting the intermediately adsorptive fraction (target antibodies) with the first eluent, then extracting the weakly and strongly adsorptive fractions (fragments and aggregates) with the second eluent. This segmentation allows comprehensive purification while optimizing adsorbent utilization.
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
The method enables high-purity separation of target components while minimizing the amount of adsorbent used, enhancing separation efficiency and reducing costs by optimizing the positional relationship of supply and extraction ports in the chromatographic separation system.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of unit packed columns packed with an adsorbent having a selective adsorption ability with respect to a specific component of two or more components contained in a feed solution
Implementation Method 2
it is necessary to use a large amount of eluent for desorbing (removing) these components
Data Source
AI summary
A simulated moving-bed type chromatographic separation method separating a weakly adsorptive component, a strongly adsorptive component, and an intermediately adsorptive component, with eluents by using a circulation system in which a plurality of unit packed columns packed with an adsorbent are connected in series and in an endless form via pipes in which a feed solution supply port F, two or more eluent supply ports D corresponding to the eluents, an extraction port A of a fraction containing the weakly adsorptive component, an extraction port B of a fraction containing the intermediately adsorptive component, and an extraction port C of a fraction containing the strongly adsorptive component are provided in the pipes of the circulation system, and positions of the ports F, A, B, and C are set to have a specified relationship.