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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, […]
Jul 14th, 2025
Single-use Bioprocessing – when it’s needed and when it can be avoided
Bioprocessing represents a defining shift in modern biomanufacturing, particularly in key aspects of the workflow.
Thanks to our involvement in bioprocessing teams for over a decade, we’ve seen first-hand how and where disposable technology earns its place and delivers better long-term value.
This guide explains exactly what single-use bioprocessing is and where it’s used within upstream and downstream bioprocessing.
What is Single-use Bioprocessing?
Single-use bioprocessing refers to a bioprocess workflow that utilises disposable one-time-use equipment usually made from plastics.
These single-use technologies have been used in the biopharmaceutical, food, or fuel manufacturing sectors for years. They’re often employed in laboratories and production facilities across the upstream and downstream stages.
Because the product contact surfaces are pre-sterilised and are disposable, you can remove the cleaning and sterilisation steps between batches. This is a huge contributor to its popularity and wide adoption, effectively reducing cross-contamination risks according to the US National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
Where is single-use technology used in bioprocessing?
Single-use technology is used at every stage of modern bioprocessing. Workflows can typically be split into two halves – upstream and downstream bioprocessing.
Upstream processing
Upstream processing is the initial stage of bioprocessing and encompasses the preparation of biological materials and the cultivation of cell cultures.
Various other single-use pieces of equipment are used during the early steps of bioprocessing, including:
- Bioreactors
- Mixers
- 2D and 3D bags
- Sampling systems
- Tubing and connectors
Downstream processing
The final phase of the entire biomanufacturing process is downstream processing – the harvesting and purification of the biomass, resulting in the final product.
The following items involved in this stage are typically disposable:
- Chromatography equipment
- Tubing and hoses
- Connectors
- Filter cartridges
What are the advantages of single-use bioprocessing?
Opting for single-use bioprocessing systems offers several benefits, including:
- Faster turnaround – As no cleaning or sterilisation is required between batches. This also means minimal waste water generated.
- Lower contamination risk – Single-use bioprocessing equipment comes pre-sterilised, with closed components that reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
- Flexibility – Switch up products or scale up multi-product facilities with ease.
- Lower upfront costs – Single-use bioprocessing tends to require less investment than fixed stainless steel infrastructure and cleaning systems.
When should you use reusable equipment instead?
While some single-use equipment is essential in bioprocessing, such as poly liquid media bags, reusable systems can be especially helpful during storage, transport, and secondary storage. You can use reusable systems for when:
- You’re shipping or storing media repeatedly
- Sustainability targets matter
- You need durable protection
- Long-run cost is the priority
As reusable equipment can be used over and over again, bioprocess containers are very economical in the long run and can help to improve the sustainability of your company.
Single-use vs reusable bioprocessing equipment
When comparing single-use and reusable bioprocessing equipment, the trade-off comes down to speed and flexibility, versus long-term cost and sustainability:
| Consideration | Single-use | Reusable |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Cost per use over time | Higher | Lower |
| Cleaning & validation | Eliminated | Required |
| Waste generated | Higher | Lower |
| Best suited to | Process-contact steps | Storage, shipping, and containment |
Why choose ALLpaQ containers?
At ALLpaQ, we’re an ISO-9001-certified manufacturer of reusable secondary packaging units designed to house 3D media bags.
These systems are employed for various applications, such as containing and protecting essential fluid media in research laboratories and during transportation or storage.
If you’re looking for liquid-management solutions that you can rely on, our Genesis range for storage and shipping, and our Cleanroom Folding models for cleanroom applications could be the perfect option.
Our unique products are used across numerous sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry and beyond.
Benefits of ALLpaQ bioprocess containers
- Reusability – ALLpaQ containers are designed to be used again and again, saving you the hassle of disposing of them after every use. Plus, when they eventually reach the end of their lifespan, they’re simple and efficient to recycle.
- Cleanliness and hygiene – Our systems are constructed from poly materials that resist bacterial growth and are straightforward to clean. Simply remove the jet-washable wall panels and lid and disinfect them to maintain excellent product quality standards.
- Strength and durability – Strong poly plastic bioprocess containers welded by our specialists safeguard your fluid and media bags from impacts and damage throughout the manufacturing and supply cycle.
- Convenient design – ALLpaQ bioprocess containers are stackable with pallet bases and easy to store away thanks to collapsible walls. They’re also lightweight and simple to handle, unlike traditional stainless steel models.
Get in touch for a bespoke quote
Thinking about enhancing your research or manufacturing equipment? Are the benefits of ALLpaQ bioprocess containers too appealing to ignore?
We can help you find the best product for your applications. Whether it is a standard model from our Genesis or Cleanroom range, or a custom container.
