What are bioprocess containers?

Used daily across the scientific research and pharmaceutical industries, biocontainers have an extensive range of uses that help to streamline workflows and make operations safer. 

But what exactly are they and are there any better alternatives to your current storage set-up?Our knowledgeable experts explain all there is to know about bioprocess containers in this handy guide – keep reading to find out more!

What is a bioprocess container?

Bioprocessing containers are flexible fluid-handling systems designed for various applications in the life sciences and biopharmaceutical fields. Typically, bioprocess containers are utilised to store and transport bags of fluids, such as upstreaming media, buffers, and biohazardous waste.

These systems are available in numerous sizes and layouts to suit most requirements – however, custom biocontainers are always an option for more specialised workflow processes.

What are bioprocess containers used for?

As mentioned, bioprocess containers are primarily used by researchers and lab technicians to safely transport fluid media across departments or facilities, and store them efficiently in cleanrooms and warehouses.

These systems help to:

• Ensure laboratory staff are kept safe from hazardous or toxic biological materials
• Prevent cross-contamination and dust infiltration to reduce the chances of inaccurate findings and results

Uses in laboratory cleanrooms

Cleanroom bioprocess containers are used during crucial liquid handling processes across all stages of the bioprocess workflow. From upstream processing, such as media preparation, and cell culture right the way through to downstream processing.

Some other fluids that these containers are designed to work with include:

• Buffer solutions
• Chromatography feed
• Bioreactor feed
• Fraction collection
• Product samples

Bioprocess containers are a necessity in controlled cleanroom environments and are designed to help maintain the cleanroom’s regulated conditions by minimising bacterial growth and preventing cross-contamination.

What do bioprocess containers look like?

The most common containers on the market are single-use assemblies that eliminate the post-cleaning process. These foldable film and poly structures have numerous unique components to meet a range of applications including various fittings, connectors, filters, and tubing.

However, as they’re intended to be used once, single-use bioprocess containers aren’t the most sustainable option, leading to waste disposal issues and ecological implications for your facility as well as higher consumable costs in the long term.

Are there other more beneficial alternatives to single-use containers?

A superb alternative to single-use systems are reusable foldable bioprocess containers – the ideal outer packaging for 2D and 3D bags. Made from robust yet lightweight plastic, this option offers ecological and cost-saving advantages.

Please note, with reusable bioprocess containers, you’ll still have open access to drain tubes and bag components.

The benefits of hard plastic biocontainers:

Reusability

Investing in repeat orders of disposable containers can improve your company’s sustainability as the energy consumption required to frequently produce them is higher compared with one-off reusable system construction.

You’ll get many years of use out of repeated-use bioprocess containers.

Durability and hardiness

Thanks to their innovative design, rugged polypropylene construction, and barrier and strength properties, reusable bioprocessing containers keep valuable media and buffers safe from external impacts during transit or storage.

The plastic shell also offers excellent chemical compatibility ratings, meaning they resist chemicals impressively and won’t corrode.

Storage features

Unlike film containers, hard containers are stackable with pallet bases, perfect for efficient warehousing and forklift access. 

What’s more, they can be collapsed for return journeys or when not in use, helping to save space in your facility.

Hygiene

Multi-use systems are highly hygienic due to their smooth removable jet-washable panels for easy and thorough cleaning. So, you don’t need to stress about bacterial growth in your cleanroom or warehouse.

Customisability

Bioprocessing requirements vary based on the applications and processes you decide to employ across your workflow. Custom biocontainers ensure your fluid management system is precise and perfectly aligned with your needs.

To enhance your sustainable practices and warehousing, as well as increase the protection of your stored fluids, you should consider switching to collapsable hard plastic bioprocess containers.

These revolutionary systems can be designed to your specifications and will help to save money in the long term.

Enquire today

Here at ALLpaQ, we supply an extensive range of reusable, foldable, and stackable biocontainers for use across numerous research facilities.

As industry experts, we’re fully aware that your particular bag storage requirements may be unique, niche, or non-standard, so we’ll work with you to custom-build your container if necessary.

If you’d like to speak with our professionals directly or want more details about our products, don’t hesitate to contact us today on 01472 800 373 or email us at enquiries@allpaq.com.

Author

Phill Allen

Managing Director

Phill is an innovative thinker particularly in fluid management. His expertise lies in ensuring the seamless flow of pharmaceutical liquid logistics, whether it's optimising current processes or pioneering new approaches.

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