How to convert a batch chromatography

process into MCSGP?

Frequently asked questions

How can I switch from a batch chromatography process
to the MCSGP process?
How long does it take to reach steady-state in the
MCSGP process?
What is the run time of an MCSGP process compared
to a batch process
Is the MCSGP process a continuous process?

Summary of the MCSGP process

The process conversion of batch to MCSGP is easily
done in three steps:

First step: Batch chromatography

In a first step, a batch chromatography step needs to be developed. This
includes:
Stationary and mobile phase screening
Loading and gradient optimization

Batch chromatogram features

The batch process does not have to be optimized for yield and purity before
conversion to MCSGP:
30%-70% yield at specified purity
Duration of isocratic or gradient elution 10-40mins
Region of product
in spec with 30%-70% yield
gradient

UV-profile

min
10-40mins
Region with product containing impurities

Conversion into MCSGP

The batch process is developed on the Contichrom
equipment
The corresponding batch chromatogram can then be
uploaded using the wizard of the Contichrom
operating software

Using the wizard, the boundaries of the regions of pure

product and product-containing impurities can be set
by dragging bars to define these regions with the
mouse as shown in the following animations

Step 1:
retrieve chosen
chromatogram of
batch run from
database

Step 2: interactive definition of

product range (red) and
recycling fractions (blue): pull
bars to define boundaries
(dotted lines)

Step 3:
push button to convert batch to
MCSGP process

Automated conversion of batch to MCSGP

1. Load chromatogram of batch run
Product peak

Automated conversion of batch to MCSGP

2. Interactive definition of product fraction

Easy conversion of batch to MCSGP chromatography

side fractions stay
in unit until pure

waste

pure product is
withdrawn
continuously

waste

Flowsheet for the MCSGP process

How long does it take to reach steady-state in the MCSGP process?

It takes 3-5 cycles to reach steady-state

Steady-state reached

UV detector signal of left column:

1st cycle

2nd cycle

3rd cycle

4th cycle UV detector signal of left column:

3rd/4th cycle
2nd cycle
1st cycle

overlays of UV profiles of each

cycle to accurately detect steadystate:

What is the run time of an MCSGP process compared to a batch process?

The MCSGP process has typically the same transit time as a batch
process

Harvest

Conventional
scheme:
Optimized
scheme:
Transit time:
(example)

Capture

Polish 1

Polish 2

batch
chromatography
- Protein A -

batch
chromatography
AIEX -

batch
chromatography
HIC -

batch
chromatography
- Protein A -

MCSGP
chromatography
AIEX -

MCSGP
chromatography
- HIC

72 hrs

48 hrs

48 hrs

Is the MCSGP process continuous?

The MCSGP process is in most cases run only as a
semi-continuous process, whereby the pure product is
withdrawn at each cycle and the product-containing
impurity fractions are recycled together with fresh feed.
For a detailed representation, see the MCSGP process
animation.