Main Conference: 29-30 April 2027 | Hamburg, Germany
Downstream Processing
De-Bottlenecking Purification, Driving Down COGs, and Operationalising Continuous DSP
Transform your downstream purification train into an intensified, high-yield operation.
The Downstream Processing Track at BioProcess International Europe 2027 brings together leading purification scientists, downstream bioprocess engineers, and technical operations heads to solve primary clarification bottlenecks, transition from batch to continuous DSP, and optimise purification for complex modalities.
Go Beyond Theory in Purification & Recovery
BioProcess International Europe 2027 returns to Hamburg with a dedicated 2-day program built to address the biomanufacturing industry's critical downstream challenges: column pressure drops, high resin costs, buffer footprints, and yield losses in non-platform complex molecules.
As upstream titers and cell densities continue to rise, downstream isolation steps face severe capacity and throughput constraints. This track delivers real-world case studies and operational benchmarks on high-throughput membrane vs. resin selection, low-shear tangential flow filtration (TFF), automated PAT-guided fraction collection, and continuous multi-column chromatography (MCC). Learn how leading downstream teams are eliminating intermediate hold tanks, reclaiming chromatography solvents, and implementing multimodal non-affinity solutions to lower cost of goods (COGs) per dose while satisfying strict regulatory expectations.
Track Themes: A Blueprint for Downstream De-Bottlenecking
Master Next-Gen Purification
High-Throughput Downstream Screening: Develop scale-down models and automated pH/conductivity gradient screens to rapidly map optimal protein elution windows and predict large-scale column dynamics.
Membrane Adsorbers vs. Packed-Bed Resins: Benchmark convection-based membrane adsorbers against traditional packed-bed columns to reduce buffer volumes, eliminate pore diffusion limitations, and accelerate processing times.
Primary Large-Scale Recovery & High-Viscosity Clarification
High-Density Harvest Clarification: Benchmarking centrifugation and synthetic filtration systems to mitigate cell shear stress and reduce host cell protein (HCP) and impurity burdens before capture.
Viscosity & Pressure Management: Solve physical clarification bottlenecks in highly viscous, polymer-rich microbial or mammalian expressions using real-time pressure monitoring and optimised single-use filter loops.
Overcoming Purification Bottlenecks for Complex Modalities
Low-Shear TFF for High-Concentration Formats: Identify optimal single-use filtration loops and hollow fibres to prevent shear damage and structural rupture during high-velocity filtration.
Large Molecule Isolation: Deploy monolithic and connective columns to resolve product loss and pore diffusion limits when purifying large, fragile formats including viral vectors, LNPs, and multi-specifics.
Continuous Processing & Downstream COGs Reduction
Transitioning from Batch to Continuous Polishing: Operationalise multi-column continuous chromatography (MCC) to achieve yield consistency, eliminate intermediate hold tanks via in-line dilution, and clear residual impurities.
Driving Down Capture Costs: Maximise affinity resin re-use schedules and evaluate novel non-affinity, multimodal, or convective alternatives to lower purification COGs per dose.
Explore the full Downstream Processing Agenda
Downstream Processing: Q&A & Expert Insights
How are sustainability and green chemistry incorporated into downstream operations?
Dedicated sessions examine sustainable chromatography, focusing on organic solvent reclamation from column storage/cleaning streams and optimising sanitisation schedules to minimise hazardous waste without risking microbial contamination.
What are the purification challenges for viral gene therapy vectors?
Unlike monoclonal antibodies, viral vectors (like AAV) lack a standard Protein A platform. Downstream processing must be tailored to separate empty from full capsids and remove specific impurities. Developing a "platform" approach for these vectors involves optimising chromatography steps to handle the unique properties of different serotypes while maintaining high yield.
How is the industry moving "Beyond Protein A" for novel proteins?
For therapeutic proteins that lack an Fc region, manufacturers are building a non-affinity purification toolbox. This involves developing robust steps using Ion Exchange (IEX), Hydrophobic Interaction (HIC), and Mixed-Mode Chromatography (MMC) to ensure high purity and HCP clearance without relying on expensive affinity resins.
Can magnetic beads replace chromatography in bioprocessing?
Magnetic bead technology offers a scalable, column-free alternative for separation, particularly for cell-based therapeutics and viral vectors. This method provides "gentle" processing with low shear stress, which is vital for maintaining cell viability and achieving high-purity separations without the pressure limitations of traditional columns
How does "Green Chemistry" impact downstream buffer management?
To improve sustainability, DSP operations are shifting towards bio-based raw materials and green solvents for buffer preparation. This strategy aims to reduce the carbon footprint of chromatography operations and hazardous waste disposal, balancing environmental goals with economic and operational efficiency.