The use of bioprocessing containers in chemical bioprocessing
Oct 07th, 2025
Upstream and downstream processing work in tandem to produce desirable products, such as beneficial pharmaceuticals like medicines or biochemicals. But what exactly is the difference between the two?
Keep reading as our specialists dive deeper into the aspects of bioprocessing, and how our bioprocess containers can support your process workflows!
The initial stage of bioprocessing is upstream processing, which is centred around the growth and development of cell lines or microbes.
The purpose of this stage is to produce desirable biological components, such as proteins, ready for purification during downstream processing (we’ll get to this later!). If done correctly, the efficiency, quality and quantity of the end product will be greater – everything pharmaceutical companies strive to achieve!
Here are the main steps of upstream processing:
This involves identifying the most suitable cell line or microorganisms for the intended product – whatever it may be! This could include mammalian or plant cells, or microorganisms like bacteria, yeast or fungi.
The selection of a nutrient-rich culture medium to optimise the development and growth of cells. The medium and other biomanufacturing fluids are safely stored in bioprocess containers to keep them free from contamination.
The chosen biomaterials, collectively known as an inoculum, are placed into the culture media where they’ll grow and multiply in a bioreactor.
This crucial stage is known as cell culture or inoculation when working with cells, or in the case of microbes, fermentation.
A bioreactor provides biomasses with the best environmental conditions for development, such as the correct temperature and pH levels.
Want to know more about upstream processing? Take a look at our ‘How bioprocess containers can benefit upstream processing’ blog.
Downstream processing is the separation and purification of any biological molecules created during the upstream stage.
The goal is to achieve a complete and final product ready for distribution to clients and customers. In the pharmaceutical industry, this may include medicines such as vaccines and antibiotics. Or acids and alcohols in food biomanufacturing.
The key stages of the downstream journey include:
This is the removal of debris from the culture mixture formulated during upstream processing. Clarification method examples include filtration and centrifugation, among others.
This is the breakdown of the cell membranes that release beneficial products such as proteins and enzymes. Chemical and physical methods can be used to retrieve these compounds.
The concentration step during downstream processing involves the removal of water molecules from the filtrate to boost the potency of the end product.
Purifying the product, whatever it may be, ensures efficacy and product safety – this stage separates the target molecule from other components.
The end stage of downstream processing revolves around preserving the final product and packaging it ready for distribution.
Upstream processing greatly influences the downstream process, making each crucial to the production of desirable medicinal, food or biochemical products.
Although these stages differ in terms of aims and when they take place, similar storage equipment is required to house and distribute the fluids involved in their processes, including bioprocess containers. But how are they used?
Bioprocess containers are tough poly storage boxes that are designed to hold 3D media bags containing essential liquid solutions for upstream and downstream bioprocessing applications. Such fluids may include:
Bioprocess containers are very useful across an array of sectors as they make transferring and mixing fluids more efficient and ensure product safety by shielding each bioprocess bag from damage. This also helps to stop contamination.
As an ISO 9001-certified company, we ensure our bioprocess container systems meet the highest quality standards, providing storage units you can trust!
Take a look at their many benefits for yourself and see how they can enhance your day-to-day operations.
| Benefits of ALLpaQ bioprocess containers | How can this enhance your upstream and downstream processing? |
| Expert design and construction | All of our containers are constructed and tested in-house by our knowledgeable welders, giving you peace of mind that they will withstand impacts and keep your fluids safe. |
| Custom containers | We can accommodate unique size, shape and bag port requirements with bespoke bioprocess containers. |
| Sustainability and recyclability | Further your company’s commitment to greener practices with our reusable containers that are recyclable at the end of their life cycle. Our EcoVadis Gold accreditation highlights our devotion to environmentally friendly procedures, which boosts your company’s impact. |
| Hygiene and contamination control | ALLpaQ containers feature smooth jet-washable walls that inhibit bacterial growth, helping to stop cross-contamination during your workflow. |
| Impressive strength-to-weight ratio | Our durable yet lightweight poly bioprocess containers are designed for easy handling, lowering both shipping expenses and environmental impact. |
| Collapsible and foldable | Our user-friendly container systems are collapsible and can be easily folded away when not in use, clearing warehouse space and reducing storage costs. Since the items are folded and stacked, you can return multiple units to us at once instead of being limited to only half the quantity taken out. |
Switch your fleet of heavy steel storage totes for reusable plastic units from ALLpaQ.
As experienced manufacturers of bioprocess containers, our products are trusted worldwide by clients across a wide range of industries.
For more information or to discuss a custom order with our experts, get in touch with our team online or call us on 01472 800 373, and we’ll be happy to support you with your query.
