Simulated Moving Bed Separation of Target Molecules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional chromatography techniques face bottlenecks in throughput and resin utilization due to low dynamic capacity and issues with column packing and channeling, leading to inefficient separation and purification of biomacromolecules.

Innovation Solution

A simulated moving bed apparatus using a plurality of filter cartridge modules with a volume of stationary phase particulates adjacent a porous substrate layer, allowing for continuous separation of target molecules through a capture and recovery zone, where each module has a bed height less than 1 centimeter, enabling efficient binding, separation, and regeneration of the stationary phase.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional column chromatography is used, then separation and purification of biomacromolecules can be achieved, but throughput is low and resin utilization is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a simulated moving bed system where stationary phase cartridges are dynamically cycled between capture and regeneration zones. This dynamic operation allows continuous processing without interruption, eliminating the downtime inherent in batch conventional chromatography and significantly improving throughput while maintaining high resin utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous separation operation by having multiple cartridges in different operational stages simultaneously. While one cartridge is capturing target molecules, others are being regenerated or are in intermediate stages, ensuring uninterrupted productive action and eliminating idle time between batches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Quantity of substance

If conventional column chromatography is used, then separation can be performed, but dynamic capacity of adsorption media is significantly less than static capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin capacity utilizationVSAvoidresin waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary regeneration of stationary phase cartridges before they are depleted. By cycling cartridges through regeneration in advance while other cartridges are still productive, the system ensures that resin capacity is fully utilized and restored, preventing premature waste and maximizing the quantity of substance processed per unit of resin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If larger column diameters are used to increase throughput, then more material can be processed, but packing difficulties and channeling increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidcolumn packing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the chromatography system into multiple smaller modular cartridges rather than using one large column. Each cartridge can be efficiently packed with high precision, avoiding the packing difficulties and channeling problems associated with large diameter columns. The segmented design maintains high throughput by allowing parallel processing of multiple cartridges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If absorption operation is shut down at breakthrough, then product purity is maintained, but effective capacity of adsorption media is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin capacity utilizationVSAvoidproduct purity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The simulated moving bed system allows the absorption operation to continue beyond breakthrough by seamlessly transitioning to regeneration mode. Multiple cartridges in different operational stages ensure that when one cartridge reaches breakthrough, another is already ready to take over, maintaining continuous productive action and maximizing resin capacity utilization without compromising product purity through controlled elution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 throughput and reduces resin waste by allowing continuous operation with lower pressure drops and better mass transfer, improving the efficiency and economic viability of biomacromolecule separation and purification processes.

Implementation Method 1

binding the target molecule to the volume of stationary phase particulates to form a target molecule:stationary phase particulate product

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8956535B2Single pass method and apparatus for separating a target molecule from a liquid mixture

Publication Date: 2015.02.17 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A single pass simulated moving bed apparatus and methods are described for continuously separating a target molecule from a liquid mixture, using a simulated moving bed system. The simulated moving bed system includes a plurality of filter cartridge modules in serial fluid communication. Each filter cartridge module includes a volume of stationary phase particulates adjacent a porous substrate layer. The volume of stationary phase particulates has a bed height of less than 1 centimeter.