1. Homogenization Erin Bowering Kevin Gadient Vanessa Hoy CHEE 450 March 27, 2009

2. Homogenization Process • Mechanical process that breaks down particles or droplets in liquid into smallest size possible (submicron) • Fluid subjected to pressure in order to create stable dispersion • Flow controlled in homogenizer valve to create ideal conditions for subdividing of particles

3. Purpose • Objective of homogenization process is to lyse cells into smaller subparticles http://www.sonicmixing.com/homogenizer/

4. Limitations of SuperPro • “Models” the cell breakage into inclusion bodies • Inconsistencies • Pressure and temperature changes have no effect • Pressure = 1 atm??? • Unreliable source for materials of construction • Difficult to optimize

5. Homogenizer Design • Continuous 2520 LPH when in use (SuperPro) • Moderately large throughput • Fewer passes at higher pressure chosen. • 2 passes at 1500 bar • Results in 95% cell breakage • Extra Design Considerations • Used linear approximation to determine unit volume of 22.5 cubic meters. • The unit size is large enough to connect to CIP and SIP systems for maintainability.

6. Cell Disruption Alternatives: Ultrasonic Cell Disruption • Mechanical method that uses inaudible ultrasound to inactivate and disrupt cells in suspension • Cavitation process causes formation of shock waves that break down cell wall • Advantage: highly effective and simple at lab scale • Disadvantage: ineffective at large scale due to high energy requirements and noise safety issues

7. Cell Disruption Alternatives: Cell Lysis Using Detergents • Non-mechanical method that breaks lipid barrier of cell walls • Advantage: milder alternative to physical disruption of cell walls • Disadvantage: Risk of contamination of product and may be a slower process

8. Questions?