Richard Braatz

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Microflow Systems for the Precipitation-based Manufacturing of Biotherapeutic Products"

The talk describes mechanistic and data-driven models and their use in the optimal design and control of microflow systems for the precipitation-based manufacturing of biotherapeutic products. After describing the strategies used to design such systems, the strategies are demonstrated for a wide range of materials including recombinant proteins, nucleic acids, and lipid nanoparticles, which are used in the treatment of cancer and other genetic diseases, as well as for vaccines. This work is in collaboration with Allan Myerson and Bernhardt Trout at MIT.

Guangwen Chen

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science

"Microchemical Engineering: The Role of Flow and Mass Transfer in Reaction Enhancement"

Microchemical engineering has introduced a paradigm shift in reaction engineering by reconstructing the coupling between fluid dynamics and molecular transport. This report highlights how microreactor structure enhances reaction performance through optimized flow patterns and interfacial mass transfer. Three representative cases are presented. Ultrasonic microreactors harness acoustic streaming to achieve intense micromixing, enabling precise mRNA-LNP nanoprecipitation with controllable transfection behavior in vitro and in vivo. Efficient micromixing and precise residence time control allow lithium-mediated reactions to transition from cryogenic to ambient conditions while maintaining high yield and atom economy. Integrated microreactors with exceptional heat dissipation, establish a robust safety control strategy that decouples thermal runaway risk from production capacity for exothermic processes like nitration. Together, these cases underscore that reactor structure itself is a critical engineering parameter actively regulating reaction performance via transport optimization.

Joerg Sedelmeier

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

"Continuous Processing in Practice: Seven Years of Advancing from Lab to Commercial Supply"

Seven years ago, Roche initiated a strategic investment in continuous processing technology, establishing a dedicated expert group for chemical development alongside the design and construction of a fully modular, GMP-ready pilot plant. This presentation provides a comprehensive longitudinal review of that journey, moving from "empty labs" to the successful delivery of clinical and commercial supplies. We will explore the "real-world" drivers that shaped our corporate vision, providing a transparent look at the organizational hurdles and successes encountered during implementation. Key focus areas include:
- The Modular Advantage: Insights into the operational model of a fully modular plant setup and its impact on flexibility.
- The Philosophy of Timing: Addressing the critical "when" and "why" of technology adoption in the drug development lifecycle.
- Technical Milestones: A showcase of selected chemical highlights where continuous processing provided a decisive advantage.

Joji Tsurumoto

iFactory inc

"Validating Continuous Manufacturing Across Multiple Scales Including Downstream Processes and Our Vision for 2030"

Laetitia Chausset-Boissarie

University of Rouen Normandie

Mahito Atobe

Yokohama National University

"Sustainable Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation Using a Solid Polymer Electrolyte Reactor"