New 18-l process-scale counter-current chromatography centrifuge.

Area of Science:

• Bioprocessing Engineering
• Separation Science
• Chromatography

Background:

• Brunel's Advanced Bioprocessing Centre utilizes Maxi-counter-current chromatography (CCC) for purification.
• A previously installed 4.6-l Maxi-CCC centrifuge has operated reliably for three years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a new 18-l Dynamic Extractions Maxi-CCC centrifuge.
• To assess the performance and scalability of the high-capacity CCC instrument.

Main Methods:

• Commissioning the 18-l Maxi-CCC centrifuge with model systems (benzyl alcohol, p-cresol) and a complex mixture (caffeine, ferulic acid, umbelliferone, vanillin).
• Utilizing a heptane:ethyl acetate:methanol:water (HEMWat) phase system for separation.
• Comparing resolution and performance with the previous 4.6-l model and analytical standards.

Main Results:

• The new 18-l Maxi-CCC centrifuge demonstrates nearly double the resolution compared to the smaller model.
• Separation of a four-component mixture achieved resolutions comparable to analytical instruments.
• Predictable scale-up is feasible from laboratory-scale tests to the full 18-l capacity.

Conclusions:

• The high-capacity 18-l Maxi-CCC centrifuge offers superior resolution and efficiency for bioprocessing.
• This instrument facilitates reliable and predictable scale-up of separation processes.
• Maxi-CCC technology provides a powerful tool for advanced purification in bioprocessing applications.