Pictured: Stanley Herrmann, Director, Process Development at Amyris, a leader in precision fermentation and biomanufacturing
In one sentence, what is the value of participating in this subcommittee?
This subcommittee brings together folks from across various arenas (industry, government, academia) creating a rich discussion on challenges and learnings in downstream processing.
What challenge or opportunity is your subcommittee currently focused on?
We are writing a white paper (maybe a series) on primary separation challenges and technologies in collaboration with the BioMADE pilot plant network, connecting technical discussions with real-world applications.
What accomplishment or impact from your subcommittee are you most excited about so far?
I love our collaboration with the EWD team to develop training modules on downstream processing unit operations. The modules made concepts such as filtration and centrifugation relatable by connecting them to everyday experiences using items you could find at any hardware store.
What’s next for the subcommittee, and how can members get involved?
The work on the primary separations white paper(s) is just starting so if have experience to share (or are looking to learn) it is a great time to jump in!
What problem will this subcommittee’s work help members solve?
Often the process of separating and purifying the product is an afterthought, and we hope to provide resources and perspective on how to consider process implications and requirements early in development to minimize challenging processes and impossible scale up.
What is one misconception people might have about participating in a subcommittee?
A misconception of the subcommittee is that you need to be an expert in Downstream Processing to join. It is an extremely diverse field with a range of products, operations, routes to product production, and everything in between and none of us are experts in all of it. Come, learn, share, and join in!