Monday 19-Sep-2016
Bioprocessing
Module
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| 30 seconds card game. copyright of Calco Games. |
Previously,
I had imagined Bioprocessing would involve the methodology behind large scale
bio manufacturing, as opposed to lab based methodology we have learned in
biotechnology. Our biotechnology module entailed the basic methods of rDNA
splicing with restriction enzymes and the theory behind vector plasmids and
exon shuffling.
Thus far I have only learned the definition of Bioprocessing. It is; "the application of natural or genetically manipulated whole cells/tissues/organs, or parts thereof, for the production of industrially or medicinally importanty products."
Over the first semester of our 4th year I have decided to choose Bioprocessing as an optional module. With the strong demand for bioprocessing knowledge in the Irish pharmaceutical market I feel it would add greatly to the knowledge I have already gained throughout my degree.
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| Vials of bio manufactured products being prepare for lyophilization. Copyright Albany Molecular Research Inc. |
During my work placement I was also exposed to some techniques of bioprocessing, although I was unaware of it at the time. The company I was employed with for work placement, Helsinn-Birex Pharmaceuticals, employs a method called lyophilization for preparing one of their products. Lyophilization is a method of freeze drying materials by exposing them to a vacuum. The product is first frozen and then when exposed to a vacuum, it allows the frozen water molecules to sublimate directly to a gaseous state. This is a common method of preservation in the biomanufacturing industry. Helsinn-Birex currently has a CMO (contract manufacturing organisation) lyophilize their products as it is an expensive process to set up an validate. Knowledge from this module would be useful should they decide to establish a lyophilization process on their site.
I look forward to learning about more complex bioprocesses and how they are applied in the pharmaceutical industry. It seems like knowledge gained in this module will be invaluable in the future of our careers, should they be in the pharmaceutical industry.
