Implementation of Quality by Design for processing of food products and biotherapeutics

Multiparametric quality by design-fuzzy model applied in the development of a biomedical measuring system

This work presents the adaptation of the Quality by Design (QbD) approach for application in the quality assurance of a biomedical measuring system under development. First attempts in applying QbD to biomedical technologies indicated a significantly higher number of parameters than its traditional application in the pharmaceutical industry. These preliminary studies did not fulfill the QbD stage of Design Space (DS) configuration for biomedical devices, an essential step to identifying the proper operating ranges of parameters and guaranteeing quality features. Therefore, it persisted the challenge of configuring DS for health devices, overcoming dependences in the interaction of multiple process parameters and critical attributes. The present work develops a hybrid QbD-Fuzzy approach for multiparametric DS configuration. The proposed method was applied in the development phase of a low-cost and high-sensitive magnetic measuring system for locating metallic foreign bodies in patients, employing sensors based on the Giant Magnetoimpedance effect. The results provided the acceptable operating ranges of the multiple process parameters to ensure the biomedical equipment's suitability. The proposed strategy contributes to the QbD implementation in biomedical technologies and, therefore, promotes the reliability of diagnostic and therapeutic results in the clinical environment.

Total quality index of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms packed in modified atmosphere

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to develop a total quality index and examine the effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms stored for 22 days at 4 °C. Mushrooms were packaged under three MAPs: high nitrogen packaging (HNP), low carbon dioxide packaging (LCP) and low oxygen packaging (LOP). Passive MAP with air inside initially was used as the atmosphere treatment (AIR).

RESULTS

This research revealed two phases in quality deterioration of A. bisporus mushrooms. During the first week, most of the quality parameters were not statistically different. Thereafter, odor intensities were stronger for all four types of packaging. Color difference and browning index values showed significantly lower color changes for AIR and LOP compared with HNP and LCP mushrooms.

CONCLUSION

The best total quality index was calculated for LOP, followed by LCP and AIR. The findings of this study are useful with respect to examining two-component MAPs, separating the limiting factors (O₂ and CO₂ ) and evaluating quality deterioration effects and the total quality index of A. bisporus mushrooms. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Implementation of quality by design toward processing of food products

Quality by design (QbD) is a systematic approach that begins with predefined objectives and emphasizes product and process understanding and process control. It is an approach based on principles of sound science and quality risk management. As the food processing industry continues to embrace the idea of in-line, online, and/or at-line sensors and real-time characterization for process monitoring and control, the existing gaps with regard to our ability to monitor multiple parameters/variables associated with the manufacturing process will be alleviated over time. Investments made for development of tools and approaches that facilitate high-throughput analytical and process development, process analytical technology, design of experiments, risk analysis, knowledge management, and enhancement of process/product understanding would pave way for operational and economic benefits later in the commercialization process and across other product pipelines. This article aims to achieve two major objectives. First, to review the progress that has been made in the recent years on the topic of QbD implementation in processing of food products and second, present a case study that illustrates benefits of such QbD implementation.

Comparison of spectroscopy technologies for improved monitoring of cell culture processes in miniature bioreactors

Cell culture process development requires the screening of large numbers of cell lines and process conditions. The development of miniature bioreactor systems has increased the throughput of such studies; however, there are limitations with their use. One important constraint is the limited number of offline samples that can be taken compared to those taken for monitoring cultures in large‐scale bioreactors. The small volume of miniature bioreactor cultures (15 mL) is incompatible with the large sample volume (600 µL) required for bioanalysers routinely used. Spectroscopy technologies may be used to resolve this limitation. The purpose of this study was to compare the use of NIR, Raman, and 2D‐fluorescence to measure multiple analytes simultaneously in volumes suitable for daily monitoring of a miniature bioreactor system. A novel design‐of‐experiment approach is described that utilizes previously analyzed cell culture supernatant to assess metabolite concentrations under various conditions while providing optimal coverage of the desired design space. Multivariate data analysis techniques were used to develop predictive models. Model performance was compared to determine which technology is more suitable for this application. 2D‐fluorescence could more accurately measure ammonium concentration (RMSE_CV 0.031 g L⁻¹) than Raman and NIR. Raman spectroscopy, however, was more robust at measuring lactate and glucose concentrations (RMSE_CV 1.11 and 0.92 g L⁻¹, respectively) than the other two techniques. The findings suggest that Raman spectroscopy is more suited for this application than NIR and 2D‐fluorescence. The implementation of Raman spectroscopy increases at‐line measuring capabilities, enabling daily monitoring of key cell culture components within miniature bioreactor cultures. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:337–346, 2017