A demonstration to teach course attendees how to assess the mono-septic status of a bacterial culture
The CSIR hosted a bioprocess and product development workshop as part of the vocational learning program offered by the Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre (BIDC) programme. The aim of the programme is to develop and improve skills in bioprocessing.
“The course provided me with a basic understanding of techniques used in process and product development – from implementing an idea, to formulating objectives and execution. It also assisted with educating me on the importance of equipment and systems that I work with and how it eases the process flow of the project,” said Aphiwe Mahlangeni, a CSIR biotechnology intern.
The two week long workshop from 18 – 29 August 2014 covered a wide range of topics in bioprocessing. This included a theoretical component in bioprocess and product development as well as the control philosophy and troubleshooting of associated equipment. It also consisted of hands-on practical training including data handling and reporting which centred on producing a full production batch from cryopreserved culture to fermentation, down-stream processing and final product packaging.
Bioprocess and Product Development Workshop attendees
Among the attendees at the workshop were six staff members from the CSIR bioprocessing and product development group, 14 interns and in-service trainees, and three industry participants from Onderstepoort Biological Products and Deltamune.
The BIDC Programme, funded through the Jobs Fund and the Department of Science and Technology, has the objective of growing the biomanufacturing industry through skills and infrastructure development. It also endeavours to provide enterprises in the biomanufacturing space with access to world class biomanufacturing facilities and skills.
– Kulani Chauke
