Question

Describe briefly the downstream processing

Answer 1

The downstream process and quality control test are different from product to product.It generally refers to the separation or purification of biological products.

Complete answer:
Let us understand the process of downstream processing with the definition of the term to get us a better idea of the process-

1. Downstream processing refers to the purification and the recovery of biosynthetic products, from natural sources such as animal or plant tissue, fermentation broth, including the recycling and the treatment and disposal of waste usually performed in pharmaceutical industries.
2. The processing starts with the formation of the original product. The product then goes through some processes before a final finished product is ready for advertising and marketing. The collective of all those processes comes under downstream processing. The processes are following:-
   a) The product goes through separation and purification first, then,
   b) The product is kept in suitable preservatives. If drugs are to be manufactured such formulation has to undergo clinical trials.
   c) Finally, a proper quality control testing for each product is also needed. It is an essential step in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics, hormones, antibodies and vaccines.

Additional information: Downstream processing implies manufacture of a purified product fit for a specific commercial use, generally in marketable quantities, while analytical bioseparation refers to purification for the sole purpose of measuring a component or components of a mixture. Downstream processing and bioseparation both refer to the separation or purification of produced biological products, but at different scales of operation and for different purposes.

Note: Downstream processing usually includes purifying biotechnological products. In addition to various cleaning procedures, performing a multistage purification process under competent guidance and finalizing of the product.