Implementation of automated systems in the pharmaceutical and food industries

The introduction of automated systems in the lab usually results in a significant improvement in efficiency and a reduction in repetitive actions for analysts. In addition, traceability and data integrity are also better guaranteed. During LabAutomation, colleagues will present various examples of such implementation processes. Hendrik Willem Hoogewerf talks about the automation of heparin activity determinations within Aspen Oss. Christian Elend from EW Nutrition presents the design of an automated screening system for cell-based screening. Marielle Salden van Nofalab provides insight into the automated sample preparation and analysis of 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and Glycidyl Esters. 

Aspen Oss has been carrying out fully automated heparin activity determination for a year now. The switch from a largely manual method to this automated system resulted in a significant improvement in efficiency and a reduction in repetitive actions for analysts. In addition, traceability and data integrity were also better guaranteed. During this presentation, Hendrik Willem Hoogewerf will give you a glimpse into the journey they had to take for this project. For example, what points of attention did they have during the supplier selection, but also the challenges in the qualification will be discussed.

To maintain enzyme activity in animal feed, exogenous enzymes must survive high temperatures during the pelleting process. Therefore, feed enzymes often need to be improved for high thermal stability. An automated screening system was designed for this special purpose. Christian Elend van EW Nutrition presents the design of this system and an example for the successful development of an animal feed enzyme.

Monochloropropanediols (MCPDs) can be present in various foods, in both free and fatty acid-bound form. Free 2-MCPDs and 3-MCPDs can be formed when triglyceride- and salt-containing foods are heated. Refining fats and oils can, due to the high temperature, result in the formation of 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and GE. While 3-MCPD is classified as a possible carcinogen, GE is both carcinogenic and genotoxic. Nofalab determines the content of MCPD(E) and GE in fats and oils using the DGF Fast and Clean method. This method has been validated and since this year also accredited by the Accreditation Council. The scope of the method is currently being expanded to include soy sauce and oil-containing products, such as mayonnaise, baked goods and infant formula. Mariëlle Salden from Nofalab explains the automated sample preparation and analysis of 2-MCPD, 3-MCPD and Glycidyl Esters in her presentation.

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