What is bioprocessing equipment?

Bioprocessing is an essential process that’s central to the formulation of medicines and vaccines that people depend on every day, and the development of new or enhanced drugs.

Like any other manufacturing method, a selection of unique equipment, such as bioprocess containers, is required to ensure the process can take place, runs smoothly and culminates in effective products with high yields.

Keep reading to find out more about bioprocessing equipment, particularly bioprocess containers.

Types of bioprocessing equipment

Bioprocessing refers to the production of beneficial products such as medicines and foods from living sources like cells, or their components – which typically include enzymes or bacteria.

This process is used heavily in biopharmaceutical research and manufacturing, as well as food and chemical production.

In order to produce medical treatments such as antibiotics, several types of equipment and apparatus are required throughout the various stages of bioprocessing:

• 2D and 3D bags – These plastic fluid storage bags are used to hold bioprocessing liquids, including buffer solutions and media, and are typically single-use.

• Bioreactor vessels – These units are designed to host chemical and biological reactions. Bioreactors provide the most optimal temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen levels to ensure product effectiveness and quality.
• Mixers – These machines blend bioprocessing materials for various applications across the bioprocess workflow, from buffer and media preparation to homogenisation and final product formulation.
• Sampling systems – The purpose of these systems is to transfer biological samples from bioreactors directly to analytical devices.
• Tubing – Usually made from silicone, tubing is utilised to transfer fluids during numerous bioprocessing stages. For example, during cell culture, these tubes are used to transport media to the bioreactor vessel.
• Connectors – In bioprocessing systems, connectors are sterile couplings used to link or disconnect tubes, enabling greater efficiency during biomanufacturing procedures.
• Filters – Employed across upstream and downstream bioprocessing, filters separate biological materials and help to purify them. These devices collect debris and viral/microbial contaminants from cell cultures to preserve final product quality.
• Chromatography equipment – These systems separate mixtures into individual components/compounds during the purification phase of bioprocessing.

A fundamental part of bioprocessing is keeping valuable liquid media safe and efficiently stored throughout the workflow. This is where bioprocess containers are needed – another important piece of bioprocessing equipment.

Bioprocess containers

Bioprocess containers are vital secondary storage units used to store and handle fluids and media across the entire bioprocessing cycle in several sectors, most notably in pharmaceutical manufacturing during biological research and new medicine development.

A bioprocess container’s main purpose is to hold single-use 3D fluid media bags during cleanroom processes and for storage and shipping throughout the supply and manufacturing chain.

Such liquids may include culture mediums, chromatography feed, bioreactor feed and fraction collection, among others.

By storing media within bioprocess containers, the chances of contamination between fluids are greatly reduced, and facility staff are kept safe from biohazardous substances.

Why choose ALLpaQ containers?

Combining efficient liquid management with sustainability and cost-effectiveness, our systems boast various advantages that make them the ideal solution for your bioprocessing requirements.

Our range includes our Genesis shipping containers and our Cleanroom Folding containers, which are designed specifically for use in cleanroom environments.

ALLpaQ polyethene bioprocess containers are an excellent alternative to stainless steel systems, as they:

• Are long-life plastic containers expertly welded to last for several years
• Are recyclable for sustainable disposal at the end of their lifespan
• Provide exceptional levels of media protection during storage and transportation (as an ISO-9001 company, we can guarantee high-quality systems that won’t let you down)
• Halt bacterial growth and fluid cross-contamination thanks to their smooth wall design
• Are convenient to clean thanks to removable jet-washable wall panels with smooth surfaces
• Can be stored in warehouses and folded away efficiently due to their stackable, collapsible and ergonomic engineering

Custom bioprocess containers for unique bio applications

We supply a variety of bioprocess containers for various steps of the manufacturing workflow, but if the sizes and dimensions in our range don’t align with your specific or niche requirements, we can design bespoke bioprocess container systems for your company according to your specifications.

Our experienced team can make the necessary modifications to match your bag port positionings for filling, draining and processing.

Get in touch with ALLpaQ

Here at ALLpaQ, we only design, manufacture and supply top-grade bioprocessing products that provide you with assurance and peace of mind. 

From our shipping units to our cleanroom models, our range of bioprocess containers is vast – for more guidance about our systems, don’t hesitate to contact us. Information and our very helpful team will assist you with your enquiry.

Author

Niamh Allen

As a dedicated and detail-oriented Marketing Assistant, Niamh brings a strong passion for creativity and analytics to the marketing team.

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