Increasing productivity in process development can be achieved using small-scale models and automation. Breakthroughs in miniaturization and automation have facilitated high throughput (HT) process development for many downstream unit operations. For example, HT chromatography experiments are now routinely conducted at the microliter scale using small-scale columns with automated liquid handlers. Unfortunately, miniaturization of tangential flow filtration (TFF) systems is challenging due to larger liquid volume requirements. Recognizing challenges with miniaturizing TFF, an alternative strategy leveraging automation has emerged to increase throughput of TFF development. Various commercially available TFF systems now offer full automation capabilities with the ability to run several experiments simultaneously. Procurement of a commercial, automated TFF system, however, can be expensive and may require extensive customization. This work demonstrates an inexpensive and flexible automated TFF system that has been developed at Merck as a platform that can use existing lab equipment. Arduino microcontrollers were programmed to control equipment to run automated concentration and diafiltration functions. A LabVIEW application was designed to connect to multiple Arduinos wirelessly via Bluetooth for data acquisition and display and to initiate automation functions remotely. This remote operation capability along with built-in safety features are especially desirable for work involving potentially harmful biological agents and toxic chemicals. Implementing this system has allowed multiple small-scale experimental arms to be run simultaneously with minimal operator involvement. This presentation will describe features of the automated TFF system and will highlight a range of experiments the automated TFF system has been used for, including ultrafiltration development of a live virus vaccine. Although this approach has so far been used exclusively for ultrafiltration experiments, this technology is highly adaptable and can be used for any activity or unit operation that requires integration of different lab scale instruments.

Developing a simple automation platform to increase throughput for tangential flow ultrafiltration process development

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.