Working Group on Downstream Processing

Chairman Dr. Guilherme N.M. Ferreira University of Algarve Faculty of Natural Resources Engineering (FERN) Campus de Gambelas, 8000-117 Faro Portugal Tel: +351-289-800-900 EMail: gferrei@ualg.pt

Vice-Chairman Prof. Owen RT Thomas The University of Birmingham Director of Biochemical Engineering School of Engineering Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT United Kingdom Tel: (+44) (0) 121 414 5278 Email: O.R.Thomas@bham.ac.uk

Introduction
Downstream processing (DSP) is the recovery and purification operations that follow biochemical reaction, especially fermentation, but also animal and plant cell culture and agricultural synthesis. Any treatment of the culture broth after fermentation is known as DSP. The main purpose of DSP is to concentrate and purify a given product.
The M3C Working group is an interface between European industry and academia.

Mission
The mission of the Working Group on Downstream Processing (WGDSP) is to stimulate advancement of the field of downstream processing by providing a platform for communication, education and exchange of scientific ideas between industry and academia. WGDSP concerns itself with scientific, industrial and societal issues of biotechnology with a special emphasis on Downstream Processing.

Upcoming events:

1. International Workshop on Downstream Processing : Future tools in bioprocess development – µ-scale, high - speed, omics and computing
   This event takes place on 8 - 9 September in Mannheim, Germany, together with 27. DECHEMA Annual Convention of Biotechnologists.
   
   
2. PREP 2009 : 22nd International Symposium, Exhibit and Workshops on Preparative/Process Chromatography,  Loews Philadelphia Hotel, July 19 - 22, 2009

The PREP 2009 Organizing Committee invites you to join scientists and manufacturers of media and equipment from around the world to focus on the cutting-edge areas of preparative and process chromatography, and learn how the latest products and technologies are driving the pace of innovation in research and industry.

The Symposium will provide opportunities to present and discuss the latest scientific and technological advances in this field, an exposure to the most recent chromatography products available on the market, and training and continuing education leading to the ability to optimize processes and effect economies in the production of fine chemicals, chiral molecules, active pharmaceutical ingredients, peptides, proteins, monoclonal antibodies, plasmids, vaccines, and other biopharmaceuticals.

New at PREP 2009

Redesigned training workshops. Training workshops, held the Sunday preceding the meeting, will be integrated in two day-long courses focusing on: (1) Small Molecule Chromatography; and (2) Biomolecule Chromatography. Each course will provide insight in the design and scale-up of separation systems with applications from the laboratory to the commercial manufacturing scale. The two courses will combine in a joint session addressing regulatory and product quality aspects. Certificates of completion will be awarded.

An Expanded Vendor Exhibit. The Exhibit will provide access to the latest advances on the market in media, equipment, and services. The program is structured to ensure participants will have ample opportunities to meet commercial suppliers who will feature state-of-the-art instrumentation, equipment, stationary phases, columns, etc. in the closely integrated lecture and poster/trade display areas within the facility. Exhibitors will also have the opportunity to present vendor workshops as part of the program.

More Industrial Case Studies. PREP 2009 will continue to expand the number of industrial case studies sessions bringing examples of not only solutions but also challenges and opportunities in the application of chromatography to industrial production processes as well as to preclinical development.

New Focused Technical Sessions. In addition to general interest plenary sessions, PREP 2009 will also feature new technical sessions addressing specific topics important to discovery, development and production including analysis and method development, small-scale (less than 1 g) and intermediate-scale prep (1 g to 1 kg), and large-scale prep (more than 1 kg).

Organizing Committee:
Georges Guiochon, University of Tennessee and ORNL
Lois Ann Beaver, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Giorgio Carta, University of Virginia
Olivier Dapremont, Ampac Fine Chemicals
Christopher Welch, Merck & Co., Inc.

Contact:
Janet Cunningham, PREP 2009 Symposium/Exhibit Manager, janetbarr@aol.com