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Project Code [2008-S-ET-1]

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Project title

An environmental analysis of biopharmaceutical manufacturing in recombinant E. coli, with a view to waste

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Limerick (UL)

Lead Applicant

Gary Walsh

Project Abstract

In biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations fermentation processes (upstream processing) require significant nutrient inputs which, if only partially utilised, will result in the generation of significant volumes of nutrient-containing wastewaters. This leads to a reliance on end-of-pipe technologies for phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N) removal. This project focuses on (a): the potential minimization of P and N inputs during upstream processing and (b) assessment of the various chromatographic modalities typical of biopharmaceutical downstream processing in the context of potential environmental impact. The overall project aim is to minimize the process input content of nutrients, in particular phosphorus and nitrogen, in order to achieve a reduction in the need for end-of-pipe technologies.

Grant Approved

�40,000.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Protecting our Water Resources

Start Date

13/10/2008

Initial Projected Completion Date

13/04/2010