Process-scale column packing

Getting it right the first time

When column packing is done right, you ensure a robust, reliable chromatographic process. But when it is done wrong, you risk expensive downtime and loss of product. Packing a bed too densely can lead to channeling and early breakthrough. Whereas packing a bed too loosely can cause a liquid gap where mixing can occur. The key to column packing is getting it right, with industry insights and practice.

Ensuring robust chromatography column packing

To make sure the purification process and the final product are robust and secure, packed columns need to be properly prepared and qualified. Column efficiency testing and slurry and buffer preparation, regardless of scale, are vital in this process.

Packing columns using different resins

Different chromatography resins need different packing strategies. We can give you guidance for packing:

Column packing methods

Techniques for column packing have evolved. Historically, column packing was a manual process, using techniques like pack-in-place and constant flow. To meet the needs of bioprocess scale-up, technology has advanced. Axial compression supports situations requiring rapid, highly reproducible packing, and is used in AxiChrom, our automated column packing platform.

Explore our tools for column packing such as column volume calculator and bed height converter

Packing small scale AxiChrom columns

How to pack small-scale AxiChrom™ chromatography columns

Thursday, May 28, 2009 | 3:23

Packing small scale AxiChrom columns 3:23

Using slurry concentration determination kit 4:40

Using gravity settling to determine slurry concentration 2:17

Column life cycle management in UNICORN 0:26

Packing large scale AxiChrom columns 4:19

Process changeover: column cleaning and sanitization

Large columns used in cGMP environments need to maintain very high standards of hygiene. A multifaceted approach that includes effective column sanitization will minimize the risk of a contamination incident.

Chromatography scale up and technology transfer

Reproducibility is essential as your process moves from process development to full-scale manufacturing. When scaling, there are several aspects to consider. A scalable column platform will help. Using column volume per hour instead of constant bed height can be an alternative option.

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TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Cytiva offers Fast Trak lab-based courses in 4 main areas:

Upstream processing
Downstream processing
Techniques (includes courses for large-scale and small-scale column packing)
UNICORN system control

See our training courses
Download the 2018 Fast Trak Education and Training brochure