All articles by Alexander Love
Alexander Love
The risks of endotoxins in water systems: Where they arise and how to respond
Purifying water may kill bacteria but can also result in contaminants in the form of endotoxins. We examine where the risks occur and what are the considerations for water systems.
Preventing the spread of nontuberculous mycobacteria in water systems
There are many opportunities for nontuberculous mycobacteria to spread in water distribution systems. This can lead to serious lung infections in anyone, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible. We look at some of the potential transmission points of NTM in water systems, identify areas at highest risk, and explain how Pall’s suite of water filtration products can ensure safety in health facilities.
Optimising biopharma production through process intensification
Process intensification has long been viewed in biopharma production as a means to increase production efficiency and reduce costs. Yet the pathway there is not always straightforward, there are a number of approaches that can be taken. New technologies are pivotal in delivering advances in process intensification, and we learn more about how the 3M™ Harvest RC Chromatographic Clarifier can achieve this.
Overcoming challenges with scalability in biopharma manufacturing
Production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) therapies has traditionally been expensive and complicated. Scaling up from discovery to lab scale and then to commercial manufacturing can be streamlined by using a consistent approach. We speak to Dr Hani El-Sabbahy, Advanced Application Engineering Specialist from 3M, to understand more about overcoming problems with scalability and reliability of clarification solutions.
A guide to managing hazardous waterborne bacteria outbreaks
It is impossible to completely eradicate biofilm from any water system, meaning that an outbreak of hazardous bacteria can happen at any time. In a healthcare facility, it is essential to keep water running and protect the safety of patients and staff. We learn how a good water management plan and expert advice can help healthcare facilities overcome the roadblocks to promptly restoring a safe water supply.
Solving problems with harvest clarification using fibre-based chromatography
Bottlenecks in harvest clarification caused by intensified upstream processes create challenges in the production of monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics. However, new technologies are enabling an increased yield while reducing the number of steps and resources required in biopharma production. We speak to 3M’s Dr Hani El-Sabbahy to learn more.
Water stagnation: Preventing contamination of water systems in vacated buildings
Risks of water stagnation have increased in the last two years due to buildings being vacated during the global pandemic. Microbial growth has been made more likely in many installations, increasing the potential presence of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens harmful to human health. Dangers are not limited to hospitals, with sites such as office buildings and gyms also susceptible. We speak to experts at Pall International to learn more about the risks from water stagnation and ways to provide immediate protection from harmful bacteria.
Managing dangerous bacteria in hospital water systems
Hospitals must consider water safety at all times. While transmission of waterborne pathogens via drinking water may seem obvious, it is also possible from contact with skin and inhaling aerosols. Biofilms can quickly build up in water distribution systems, increasing the presence of potentially dangerous types of bacteria. And Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella pneumophila are among the bacteria of particular concern for immunocompromised patients. We learn more about the risks and how these can be mitigated.