Chromacon

MCSGP for Small Molecules

MCSGP economic benefits

Multi-column Counter-current Solvent Gradient Purification process (MCSGP) is a continuous process operated on the lab-scale Contichrom CUBE and Contichrom Twin pilot / process scale equipment. It provides significant economic benefits compared to single column batch chromatography operated at low, medium and high pressure. The economic benefits are derived from the achievement of significant higher yield at target purity, lower buffer/solvent consumption and higher productivity. Economic benefits are always obtained, not depending on products or applications, yet, the more complex the separation task, the higher the benefits obtained through the MCSGP process.

Application of MCSGP for Omega-3 EPA purification

MCSGP can purify complex biological mixtures, such as omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester (EPA-EE) to a high target purity in a single purification step. Generic fish oil feed with a feed purity of 74% EPA-EE was subjected to an MSCGP process design to achieve a target purity of >97% EPA-EE. MCSGP was operated under high pressures in countercurrent mode with internal recycling of impurity-containing side fractions with docosahexaenoic acid ethyl ester (DHA-EE) as main impurity, extracting continuously pure EPA-EE and discarding impurities without significant product loss. Five cycles of MCSGP achieved significantly improved yield at target purity (+ 250%), productivity throughput (+ 590%), and reduced solvent consumption by 75%, compared to batch HPLC.

MCSGP process principle and design

The MCSGP process is the only known ternary continuous separation process that can unlock the yield-purity trade-off dilemma by providing high yield at target purity, thereby enhancing productivity.

The MCSGP process can provide maximum yield and purity, even in cases where conventional batch processes require to compromise on either one..

Figure: Yield-purity-productivity relationship of MCSGP versus conventional batch chromatography. Single column batch processes (blue) operate on a low productivity level without the potential for productivity gains, when high yield and purity is required. MCSGP (red) operates at optimum in 3D space with high yield and purity at increased productivity.

The process eliminates the need for re-chromatography and the associated time and resources for sampling and testing. The MCSGP technology is patented by ChromaCon, and its process principle is intuitive, straight forward and allows a high degree of automation. This is visualized in an animation of the two-column MCSGP design. A dedicated software wizard in the accompanying ChromIQ software allows for easy batch-to-continuous process design, transfer and optimization.

ChromaCon offers customized services and expertise to companies and academics who wish to quickly advance their projects or test MCSGP capabilities before investing in a system.