Some of the main infrastructure includes a state of the art Crystallisation, Isolation and Drying Test-Bed which is the first of its kind globally (2016), a Mass Spectrometer to enable protein identification and characterisation fundamental to the understanding of cellular function (2016), a Process Flow Spectroscopy facility allowing real time observation of pharmaceutical process reactions which is the first of its kind within the EU (2016), and in a new Biological Processing Testbed, BioPOINT (2017).
Continuous Isolation and Drying Technology Test-Bed CITD2
SSPC was awarded 2.4M for a Research Infrastructure proposal, the development of a Continuous Isolation and Drying Technology Test-Bed (CIDT2). The Test-Bed has established a state-of-the-art national research test-bed, advancing the development of continuous crystallization, isolation and drying (CID) for pharmaceutical manufacturing. CIDT2 embraces this disruptive technological shift by providing the first ever global integrated technology test-bed for CID unit operations.
Users can access to a range of equipment options for each unit operation, supported by an in-line integrated process analytics suite to enable in-situ process monitoring and control. Plug-and- play integration of different equipment modules into flexible processing platforms will provide for applied investigation into batch and continuous operations, ultimately delivering bespoke processing solutions and novel research outcomes.
The CIDT2 facility offers processing solutions to a wider community of practitioners beyond the Pharmaceuticals arena. Emerging research in agrichemicals and dairy processing could lead to broader collaborations and the development of convergent solutions for multiple sectors.
Process Flow Spectroscopy Suite (ProSpect)
SSPC at University College Cork, was awarded €1M in research equipment and facilities through SFI for ProSpect, a unique facility enabling detailed investigation of the chemical species present in pharmaceutical processes.
ProSpect is a state-of-the-art advanced analysis facility, allowing real-time direct observation of pharmaceutical process reactions as they occur–the first of its kind within the EU. The facility will consist of a suite of integrated analytical instrumentation including MRI technology, which will provide unprecedented mechanistic insight into pharmaceutical reactions, thus leading to safer drugs at reduced cost for both the manufacturer and the patient.
ProSpect provides academic researchers and the pharmaceutical industry with a platform for enhancing their understanding of chemical transformations and pharmaceutical processes – where improvements can lead to yield enhancements, shorter reaction times and reduced costs for the manufacturer.
Biologicals Process Infrastructure Test-Bed (BioPoint)
Funding for a Biologicals Process Infrastructure Testbed (BioPOINT) was secured in 2017. This research infrastructure has bridged the current technology gap between industrial scale manufacturing and academic research and development for novel biological applications. BioPoint further engages industry with academics in collaborative research in biopharmaceutical bioprocess problem solving and innovation to drive bioprocess R&D directly enhancing Irish BioPharma activities beyond current state-of-the-art.
Professor Robert Langer officially opened the Bernal Bio Laboratories, which includes BioPoint, the €2.1m infrastructure for biopharmaceutical process infrastructure gained through SFI Infrastructure Awards at the Bernal Institute, University of Limerick.
