Downstream processing in the pharmarmaceutical industry - A case study on bioplastic production

Bioplastics can combat problems around plastic waste since the material is biodegradable and made from renewable sources. However, the application of bioplastics is limited at the moment due to the high costs of the downstream processing (DSP).

In this video, I will focus on one particular bioplastic, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). I will discuss the general downstream processing and what the current bottlenecks are. In particular, I will discuss how sustainability is a problem since often halogenated/harsh solvents are used to extract PHA from the cells. I will also address why purification is important as the presence of endotoxins can lead to health and safety concerns. Finally, I will give some key criteria to consider when selecting the appropriate DSP for your process.