Harnessing imaging technologies to better understand and design medicines purification

Structure is inherently important to the function and performance of many things in the world we live in. This extends to the materials used to manufacture and purify essential medicines needed to save and improve lives. This talk focuses on how a better understanding of structural properties in this engineering space can be applied to better design these complex, multi-stage devices. The goal of this body of work is to improve efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability in order to drive down costs, making modern therapies that pass through the clinic to the market accessible and affordable to all that need them.

The research focus will be examining the role of multiple imaging technologies, and how they can be applied in a complementary manner to better comprehend how purification material geometries can be evaluated and customized towards the specific chemical and physical needs of complex biological products. We will explore imaging techniques including confocal microscopy and X-ray computed tomography, and newer purification materials such as those made through nanofibers and 3D printing. More customizable options, in combination with a greater comprehension of how structure influences performance opens possibilities to improve medicines manufacturing of the past, present and future.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the relationship between structure with function and performance

2. Recognize the role of purification materials and their associated properties

3. Identify potential uses for new materials in the medicines manufacturing space