Advanced Course

Downstream Processing

Course introduction

The challenge for biochemical engineers is to design compact and clean processes to efficiently separate instable products, such as recombinant proteins, from dilute complex fermentation broths to the required pharmaceutical degree of purity. Therefore, the quantitative systematic design of integrated downstream processes is the general theme of this Advanced Course. The aim of the course is to provide the tools for the participants to be able to quantitatively and systematically design an integrated downstream process. This course has been organised since 1989.

1 - 5 July 2024
Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands

Advanced Course Downstream Processing

Programme

Topics
This intensive course consists of theoretical and applied lectures, exercises, case studies and computer simulations. The course will be taught in English. A pocket calculator is required. The course presents the state of the art in downstream processing of biotechnological products. It provides knowledge of different techniques for solid-liquid separation, product release, refolding, concentration and purification of precious biotechnology products with a focus on the total integrated process. An international group of experts from both industry and academia will lecture to assure an optimal balance of practical knowledge and theoretical insight, which subsequently will be trained by exercises, into the quantitative engineering aspects of bioseparations. At the end of the course, the participants should be able to estimate main equipment dimensions, know qualitative constraints to the integrated bioprocess and have a quantitative insight in process streams, structure and economics. The course starts with an overview of possibilities and problems typically associated with the recovery of bioproducts. Physico-chemical characteristics of the products, as well as the fermentation broth with its multiple contaminants, are discussed in relation to possibilities for selective separation. Using this information, the general structure of large scale industrial processes will be outlined. The thermodynamical basics and biochemical engineering principles will be introduced and developed during the course related to bio-separations. Special attention will be paid to the unit operations typically used in this field of industry. Firstly, various solid-liquid separation techniques and cell disruption will be treated. Particular consideration will be given to the application of major concentration techniques such as extraction, adsorption and membrane separation. Furthermore, the scientific and industrial aspects of purification by means of precipitation and chromatography will be discussed. In addition, the release of intracellular products as well as protein folding in industrial protein processes will be discussed. Process integration is the binding element in the course. During the course, a case study on the design of an integrated purification process for a recombinant protein will offer the participants the opportunity to practice on the individual unit operations as well as on the integrated process. Finally, possibilities of computer-aided, rational design of integrated separation processes will be demonstrated.

Study load

The course (including preparatory materials) is valued 41 hours of work.

Advanced Course Downstream Processing

Who should attend?

This Advanced Course is aimed at professionals (MSc or PhD level is required) in (bio)chemical engineering, or in microbiology or biochemistry with a basic working knowledge in chemical engineering. The course is primarily aimed at those already employed in industry and who are interested in the separation of biotechnological products. In addition, this Advanced Course is an option in the two-year postgraduate programs of Delft University of Technology.

Advanced Course Downstream Processing

Fee

*To be eligible for the reduced early bird fee you need to register before 22 April 2024. If this date is exceeded, the regular fee applies.

**A limited number of fellowships is available for PhD students and SME’s (small/medium enterprise). Fellowships will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. To apply as to one of these fellowships, please include a copy either of your registration as a PhD student from your university or a proof of the SME-status of the company you work at.

The fee includes course materials, lunches and the buffets and the course dinners as indicated on the program. The fee does not cover other meals or lodging.

The course fee

Early bird*

€ 2.750,-

Regular fee

€ 3.000,-

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME/Startups/scaleups)**

€ 1.925,-

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME/Startups/scaleups) of Biotech Campus Delft**

€ 1.375,-

PhD Students**

€ 1.375,-

Advanced Course Downstream Processing

Course board members

Prof.dr.ir. Marcel Ottens

Board member

Prof.dr.ir. Luuk van der Wielen

Board member

Advanced Course Downstream Processing

Downloads

Advanced Course Downstream Processing

Register

After registration you will receive a confirmation e-mail from us and another email with an invoice. We look forward to welcoming you in our course in Delft!

Note

A limited number of fellowships is available for PhD students (reduced fee). Deadline for registration is 10 June 2024.

Advanced Course Downstream Processing

Register

Advanced Course Downstream Processing

Testimonials

‘I would highly suggest this course to broaden your knowledge in DSP’

Katya Harkovski

R&D Project manager at Collplant I applied to broaden my knowledge in DSP, specifically in chromatography, my current area of research. The course was focused on advanced industry experience combined with theoretical practices, which altogether gave a complete process overview of the smallest details of the DSP process. Read more
‘A great learning experience to refresh my DSP knowledge’

Robin Mack

R&D Research Engineer at BASF This course was a great learning experience. I signed up to refresh my DSP knowledge and gain insight on current developments in this field. I really appreciate the mix of theory-focused lectures, presentations from industry, and exercises in which you can apply your knowledge. Read more
‘I always lacked a bit of knowledge about fermentation’

Arthur Schuller

R&D Scientist Bioprocess Development at DSM During my doctorate, I was able to gain a lot of skills in the area of upstream development, but I always lacked a bit of knowledge about what comes after fermentation. Therefore, I can highly recommend the downstream course, as you can refresh your theoretical knowledge or learn new things within a quite intensive week. Read more
‘I’m glad that I got the chance to participate, learn from the best’

Maria Loos

Senior Associate Scientist at MSAT, Janssen Biologics B.V. My work as Life Cycle Management SME often relates to DSP processes and I wanted to get deeper understanding of that, both on how the development works as well as real-life implications. Read more