Downstream Processing
Downstream processing consists of the critical procedures that follow the biosynthetic stage in the production of biotechnological products. This phase includes several processes such as separation, purification, and formulation of the product into a suitable form for distribution and use.
The primary steps involved in downstream processing are:
- Separation: Isolating the desired product from the culture broth, which may contain impurities, by-products, and residual biomass.
- Purification: Refining the isolated product to achieve high purity. This may involve techniques like chromatography, filtration, and centrifugation.
- Formulation: Preparing the product for storage and transportation, which may include adding preservatives.
- Quality Control: Rigorous testing is performed to validate the safety and efficacy of the products, especially in the case of pharmaceuticals, where clinical trials are required before they can be marketed.
Overall, downstream processing is crucial as it ensures that the final product meets the necessary regulations and standards for human use.