Analytical equipment
We have a variety of analytical equipment available at the centre.
Chromatography systems
Most chemical processes involve the separation of chemicals from a complex mixture. Equally, recovering proteins inevitably requires some sort of purification step, whether extracting them from a waste stream, such as liquid dairy wastes or brewery residues, or from a fermentation specifically designed to produce target proteins.
We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the extraction and clean-up of proteins using a range of chromatographic techniques including ion exchange, affinity chromatography, hydrophobic interaction and gel filtration with three chromatography systems that allow us to work at different scales depending on the customer need.
The AKTA Pure-25 protein purification system (0.001-25 mL per minute) is for fast purification of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids from microgram to gram levels of target product.
The BioRad Chromatography Skid is designed for the small-scale production/purification of pharmaceuticals or proteins. It has a column diameter of 100 mm and flow rates of between 5-120 L/hr.
The Biotage Isolera LS system is a flash purification system designed for the separation of complex organic mixtures. It has cartridges instead of a column which are typically pre-packed. The flow rate of the Isolera system is 5-400 mL/min.
To use the chromatography systems or find out more about its capabilities, please contact us.
We have an extensive range of downstream processing equipment, see below.
Downstream processing
Counter current liquid-liquid separator/contactor
Our CINC counter current liquid-liquid separator allow liquid/liquid separation of two phases of differing density.
Chromatography systems
Used for purification and separation of complex organic mixtures.
Distillation and evaporation
Our Centritherm® (CT01-9RM) evaporator is one of our distillation units, which is particularly suitable for concentration of materials at relatively low temperatures.
Flavourtech spinning cone
We have a larger version of the Centritherm evaporator, the Flavourtech Spinning Cone, capable of handling up to 1 ton/h of material. The flavourtech spinning cone is a thin-film distillation column, consisting of 21 inverted cones.
Gas chromatography
Gas chromatography (GC) is a flexible technique that allows separation and quantification of chemical substances found within a complex mixture.
Pilot-scale continuous centrifuges
We have two pilot scale continuous centrifuges, capable of operating (depending on feedstock) at process feedstocks rates of up to 100 L/h.
Ultrafiltration and filtration
We have several filtration units available at the BDC.
Let's work together
We have worked on 1,500 bio-based projects to date
We have several ways to work with us, including business advisory programmes and self-funded commercial options. We even have the option for you to hire our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and office space.
