Chapter 13 - Advances in downstream processing techniques

Abstract

Downstream processing (DSP) forms an important component of the process of production of biotechnologically relevant products such as proteins or enzymes. It involves the recovery of the desired product from the crude extract through necessary purification and polishing processes. However, about 80% of the production costs are linked to DSP, and this can also lead to destabilization of the final product due to the stresses imposed through various steps in DSP. There is therefore a considerable interest in novel and new-generation DSP techniques which could be low cost, fast, as well as optimal. In view of this, the chapter focuses on the recent DSP approaches such as continuous chromatographic DSP operations, three-phase partitioning, purification by immobilization strategies, and microbial engineering. It also looks at advances into some of the traditional DSP methods like aqueous two-phase systems and membrane systems. This chapter discusses the advantages and applications of these techniques, and possible feasibility for scale-up.