Integrated Biosystems is developing a cryogranulation technology specifically designed for more crude feed stocks such as cell suspensions, cell paste, and inclusion bodies
Integrated Biosystems, Inc.pany%> is developing a cryogranulation technology specifically designed for more crude feed stocks such as cell suspensions, cell paste, and inclusion bodies. <%=company%> has developed a proprietary, high efficiency cryogen utilization (HCU) process for cryogranulation of biopharmaceutical products. This HCU process is based on the principle that all latent heats from the evaporation and sublimation of cryogenic fluids are used in the cooling and freezing of the product. The process operates in batch mode by injection of cryogenic fluids (carbon dioxide and liquid nitrogen) into the agitated product. Large batches can be frozen in granular form (typically 2-5 mm) in as little as 30-45 minutes while consuming close to the theoretical minimum of cryogenic fluids. Products are normally frozen to -40º to 85ºC, however temperatures as low as -135º have been achieved. At the end of the freezing cycle, the granules are discharged from the system through a discharge chute into lined containers and moved into a low temperature storage facility. Designs are available for both pilot and production scale cryogranulation systems.
The pilot can handle from 15 to 45 liters of product while the production system can handle up to 500 liters per batch. The systems have been successfully used with aqueous protein solutions, water, buffers, and microbial and inclusion body suspensions of various concentrations, including dense cell suspensions and pastes from centrifuges and filtration systems. At the heart of the process is the ability to accurately and control the cooling and freezing rates. The freezing chamber is jacketed to facilitate phase transition. During the cooling and freezing process, numerous parameters are monitored and controlled. They include product temperature, system pressure, liquefied gas pressure and flow, jacket flow and temperature, agitation power, and exhaust temperature.
Integrated Biosystems, Inc.pany%> 536 Stone Dr., Suite H, Benicia, CA 94510. Contact: Lee Leonard, 707-747-6860.
