Marcelo Fernandez Lahore : “Biopartitioning and purification drive innovation across industries"

The upcoming Biopartitioning and Purification Conference (BPP) 2024 stands out as a pivotal event for professionals and researchers alike. Marcelo Fernandez Lahore, Head of Unit in Environmental and Industrial Biotechnologies at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and the conference chair, discusses the significance of biopartitioning and purification in biology, medicine, and industry, and what attendees can expect from BPP 2024.

What do biopartitioning and purification entail and why are they crucial in today's industries?

Marcelo Fernandez Lahore: Biopartitioning refers to the separation of biological entities or products, such as proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, cells, and vesicles, into distinct phases, preserving their delicate structure and function. Purification, on the other hand, involves the removal of undesirable compounds or substances to obtain high-purity bioactive products. These processes are integral to numerous sectors. In pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, they are essential for the production of biologics, ensuring that therapeutic proteins and vaccines are safe and effective. In food and beverages, biopartitioning is used in the extraction and purification of natural flavors, enzymes, and probiotics, enhancing product quality and providing specific functionality. When it comes to environmental biotechnology, separation techniques help in the removal of contaminants and the recovery of valuable biomolecules from waste streams, contributing to sustainability efforts. Finally, they aid in the production of biofertilizers and biopesticides in agriculture, ensuring these products are free from unwanted impurities.

The conference agenda covers a broad spectrum of topics. Why are they particularly relevant in today's biopartitioning and purification landscape?

Marcelo Fernandez Lahore: We’ve designed the agenda to address both foundational and cutting-edge aspects of the field. For example, the session on Biopartitioning Techniques will focus on innovative methods for separating biological materials, including proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. There’s a lot of excitement around the application of aqueous two-phase systems, which offer a gentle yet efficient way to partition delicate biomolecules. Other Biopartitioning methods are gaining acceptance, as well.

A key session includes Downstream Bioprocessing, which remains a critical component in biomanufacturing. Here, we’ll delve into process integration and optimization, which are vital for improving cost efficiency and sustainability. With the growing demand for biologicals, the need to streamline and intensify these processes is more important than ever.

What are the latest trends or innovations that will be discussed?

Marcelo Fernandez Lahore: One of the most exciting trends is the development of high-resolution purification strategies. Techniques such as affinity chromatography and ion exchange chromatography have been around for a while, but we’re now seeing significant improvements in their efficiency and scalability. These advancements are enabling us to achieve higher purity levels with better yields, which is crucial for the production of high-value bioproducts.

Another innovation we’ll discuss is the application of continuous processing in purification. Continuous processes are more efficient and can reduce costs, but their implementation in bioprocessing has been challenging. However, with recent advancements in technology, we’re now able to overcome some of these challenges, making continuous processing a viable option for more applications.

What advancements in biopartitioning and purification technologies can we expect to see discussed at BPP 2024?

Marcelo Fernandez Lahore: We’re seeing significant advancements in several areas:

• Novel Separation Materials: Development of new materials that offer higher selectivity and efficiency in separating biological molecules.
• Innovative Separation Techniques: Techniques like continuous processing and microfluidics-based designs are becoming more prevalent, allowing for more precise and scalable operations.
• Emerging Technologies: Applications of separation science to unconventional products, such as personalized medicine components and advanced biomaterials, are gaining traction.
• Process Intensification and Sustainability: There’s a strong focus on making bioprocesses more sustainable through energy-efficient methods and reducing waste, which is a critical theme at BPP 2024.

What case studies will be presented?

Marcelo Fernandez Lahore: The Case Studies and Industrial Applications session will feature diverse presentations from different sectors. For instance, one case study might explore the challenges faced in scaling up a purification process for a novel biologic drug, detailing the solutions implemented to maintain product quality and regulatory compliance. Another might examine the application of biopartitioning techniques in the food industry to enhance the extraction of natural antioxidants. These real-world examples provide invaluable lessons and inspire attendees to apply similar strategies in their own work.

How is the conference addressing the sustainability aspects of biopartitioning and purification?

Marcelo Fernandez Lahore: Sustainability is indeed a central focus. In the Downstream Bioprocessing session, for example, we discuss strategies for process integration and optimization that not only improve cost-efficiency but also minimize environmental impact. Topics like energy-efficient filtration methods, recyclable separation materials, and waste reduction techniques are covered extensively. Additionally, case studies will showcase how industries are implementing sustainable practices in their purification processes, aligning with global sustainability goals.

BPP 2024 brings together researchers, scientists, engineers, and industry professionals from various disciplines to discuss and exchange knowledge on the latest advancements, challenges and applications in the field. The conference serves as a platform for sharing research progress, presenting innovative technologies and fostering collaborations among industry, academia and government.

The conference is hosted by LIST and takes place from 15 to 18 September 2024. Register here.