Extraction of bioactive components with ATPS
For separation of bioactive components like pharmaceutically active substances from fermentation broth, aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) can be used. Despite their high viscosity, low density difference, and low interfacial tension, use of ATPS in extraction columns is possible. The goal of this research is to characterize the behavior of the ATPS in standardized lab-scale experiments, derive corresponding models for the description of these specific systems and then to use the models in the extraction-column simulation.
This project has been started in the MoBiDiK consortium (Modular Bioproduction - Disposable and Continuous), which consisted of :
- Bayer Technology Services GmbH (coordination)
- Bayer Healthcare AG
- FH Aachen
- HiTec Zang
- INVITE
- PharmedArtis
- RWTH Aachen
- TU Dortmund
- Uniklinikum Aachen
Our task was the design and validation of the extraction steps. The research is continued with systematic evaluation of mass-transfer and sedimentation velocity of an ATPS generated with phosphate buffer and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), where the mass-transfer component is a test protein. The simulation results based on these models with our drop-based simulation tool ReDrop are then validated with corresponding column experiments.
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