Automated bioprocessing – 7 advantages of automation

Michael Mühlegger
Michael Mühlegger

Automated bioprocessing brings several advantages for the biopharmaceutical industry. Bioprocessing in general involves the use of living cells to produce drugs, vaccines, and other biologics. The biomanufacturing process is complex and requires process control, optimization, and monitoring to ensure product quality.

Automation has revolutionized the bioprocessing industry, enabling real-time control of the manufacturing process, reducing variability, and improving product quality. In this article, we will explore 7 advantages of bioprocessing supported by automation.

Biopharmaceutical end-to-end solutions – read more

 

Bioprocessing and biopharmaceutical manufacturing

Bioprocessing describes procedures involving living cells, organisms or components to produce biological products like biopharmaceuticals.

The biomanufacturing process includes cell culture, upstream processing, and downstream processing, which includes product recovery, purification, and formulation. The process is complex and requires precise control of process parameters, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels, to ensure product quality.

The biopharmaceutical industry has traditionally relied on stainless steel equipment for bioprocessing. However, the use of single-use technology has gained popularity in recent years due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Single-use equipment allows for easy changeover between batches, reduces the risk of cross-contamination, and eliminates the need for cleaning and sterilization.

Advantages of automated bioprocessing

Automation brings numerous advantages to biotechnology, allowing for the production of high yields in excellent quality. In the following, we discuss the 7 most important advantages of automated bioprocessing.

1. Optimized process control

Automation systems enable real-time monitoring and control of the bioprocessing workflow, allowing for precise control of process parameters. This results in improved process control and optimization, reducing the risk of deviations and improving product quality. Automation platforms provide a comprehensive solution for electronic reports and audit trails, providing upstream (USP) or downstream bioprocessing (DSP) process engineers with access to process automation and data analysis in accordance with FDA’s Title 21 CFR Part 11.

2. Enhanced product quality

Automated bioprocessing improves product quality by reducing the necessity for operator interaction and simplifying production processes. Enhanced user-friendliness, streamlined processes and modern technologies can reduce the risk of human error and variability.

For instance, the automated control over freezing parameters and rates as well as real time monitoring reduces the risk for cryoconcentration. Furthermore, automated monitoring allows for early detection of process deviations and enables immediate corrective action. This results in consistent product quality and reduces the risk of product recalls.

xray cryoconcentration slow fast freezing single use support

3. Coping with variability

The use of automation in bioprocessing reduces variability by providing consistent process conditions, minimizing the impact of unit operation error, and reducing batch-to-batch variability. Accurate filling with RoSS.PADL as well as homogenous aliquoting with RoSS.FILL help to reduce deviations at every production scale, even for smaller volumes. This results in a more reliable manufacturing process and higher product yield.

4. Increased throughput and efficiency

Automation enables increased throughput and efficiency by reducing the time required for manual tasks and allowing for continuous processing. Single-use bioreactors and downstream processing equipment, such as filtration and chromatography, can be easily integrated into an automated workflow, reducing the time required for changeover between batches.

5. Cost savings in biopharmaceutical processing

Automated bioprocessing can provide cost savings by reducing the need for manual labor, minimizing the risk of product recalls, and reducing the time required for changeover between batches. Single-use equipment also provides cost savings in biopharmaceutical processing by eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization, reducing the risk of cross-contamination, and reducing water and energy consumption.

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6. Scalability via bioprocess automation

Scalability is a key requirement in many bioprocesses, when production is brought from lab or small scale to large scale. However, it is important to consider a subsequent scale-up early in the process conception – already at research scale, because although the process might need to be optimized and adapted several times, many issues can be avoided in the first place by thorough planning.[[1]]

small single use bag filling close up single use support

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7. Sustainability with single-use bioprocessing

Sustainability is an essential aspect in process development for the biotech industry. By relying on automated single-use bioprocessing, the environmental impact of the biotechnological industry can be immensely reduced: Single-use technologies do not require elaborate cleaning processes, saving water, energy and time. Additionally, putting adequate waste management into place further reduces the ecological footprint of disposable solutions.

Enhancing sustainability in pharmaceutical industry

 

Applications of automated biopharmaceutical processing

Automated bioprocessing has applications in various areas of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including gene therapy, monoclonal antibody production, and vaccine manufacturing. A major goal is to provide consistent product quality and safety while minimizing the risk of product loss.

Case studies have shown the various beneficial effects of automated biopharmaceutical processing based on single-use technologies, compared to the use of stainless steel vessels. And with an ever growing market of single-use technologies in the biopharma sector, disposable solutions will keep revolutionizing the way biopharmaceuticals are manufactured, stored and transported.

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Conclusion: Why automation is key in bioprocessing

Automated bioprocessing provides numerous advantages to the biopharmaceutical industry, including improved process control, enhanced product quality, reduced variability, increased throughput and efficiency, and cost savings. The use of automation in bioprocessing has revolutionized the industry, enabling real-time control of the manufacturing process and improving product quality.

Single Use Support has been contributing to this shift on the biopharmaceutical market, developing end-to-end solutions based on single-use technologies. With scalable platforms for freeze/thaw processes, fill/filtration as well as solutions for storing and shipping drug substances, Single Use Support provides specialized equipment for customers around the world that help to bring their biopharmaceutical processes to the next level.

Biopharmaceutical end-to-end solutions – learn more

 

References

  1. Emerging trends and challenges in AAV manufacturing for gene therapies, https://insights.bio/cell-and-gene-therapy-insights/webinars/415/Emerging-trends-and-challenges-in-AAV-manufacturing-for-gene-therapies, Published

 

FAQ

What are the advantages of automated bioprocessing?

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The advantages of automated bioprocessing include improved process control and optimization, enhanced product quality, coping with variability, increased throughput and efficiency, and cost savings.

What is downstream processing?

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Downstream processing refers to the final stages of biopharmaceutical processing, including product recovery, purification, and formulation.

How does automation improve bioprocessing?

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Automation improves bioprocessing by enabling real-time control of the manufacturing process, reducing the risk of deviations and variability, and improving product quality. Additionally, single-use bioprocessing solutions can bring an even higher level of efficiency as well as sustainability.

Preview of Single Use Support's case study about automated draining with RoSS.DRAI

Case study: Automated Draining ROI

At the Fill & Finish site of a multinational CDMO, shipped drug substances are emptied from primary packagings – usually single-use bags – before being filled into syringes and vials. In this process step, the liquids are of the highest value.

The draining of drug substances from single-use bags at fill & finish sites is carried out by gravity in a completely manual operation. The draining of drug substances by gravity has its drawbacks. It requires resources, such as a high number of operators and time. Furthermore, it bears also a higher risks of product loss in terms of cross-contamination and residual volume.

The goal was to improve the aseptic process step of draining with a cost-efficient solution to achieve payback of an automated draining solutions within 1 year.

Case study: Automated Draining ROI
 
eBook cover with hands in gloves working on a bioprocessing system, featuring text about single-use technologies.

Single-Use Technologies: Scalable, Modular Systems Bring Cost Efficiency to Bioprocessing

Scalable, modular systems bring cost efficiency to bioprocessing. This eBook explains how the end-to-end process solution provider for fluid management, Single Use Support, pioneers innovative solutions around single-use technologies including packaging, protection, freeze-thaw, fill-drain, cold storage and shipping.

Preview of Single Use Support's whitepaper about automated filling with RoSS.FILL

Donwload whitepaper

Whitepaper: RoSS.FILL - Automated aseptic filling

Discover how RoSS.FILL revolutionizes aseptic filling in biopharma by replacing manual processes with scalable, modular automation and precise aliquotation from 1mL to 1000L.

Michael Mühlegger
Michael Mühlegger Head of Marketing Communications

Michael Mühlegger is the Head of Marketing Communications at Single Use Support. He has 10+ years experience in the fields of marketing, inside sales, communications, content management, and creative production. With a keen understanding of market dynamics and customer behavior, Michael has successfully implemented innovative marketing strategies to drive business growth and enhance brand visibility.

He has a strong background in content management, with a focus on life sciences and biopharma trends, and is adept at creating compelling content across multiple platforms to engage audiences and effectively communicate brand messages.