Roger Nordberg

Simplification of Buffer Formulation and Improvement of Buffer Control with In-Line Conditioning (IC)

Abstract Buffer preparation for chromatography and filtration steps in bioprocessing is a challenge in terms of providing timely buffer delivery, reproducibility, and good process economics. Downstream processes also need to be intensified to match the advances in upstream productivity. In-line conditioning (IC) where the process buffers are formulated in-line from concentrated stock solutions of acids, bases, salts and additives and diluted with water has been presented as one possible solution providing reproducible automated buffer preparation processes. The control strategies of the IC system are designed to prepare buffers automatically where the critical process parameters can be controlled by feedback on conductivity, pH, flow, or combination of these. IC is aimed to facilitate buffer handling by reducing both buffer preparation time and volumes of buffers tanks and thereon operational costs. In this chapter the IC technology is described in the buffer theoretical and engineering contexts and its advantages are illustrated.