Hands-On Introduction to Preparative Chromatography

This 2.5-day course introduces key concepts in downstream processing with a focus on protein purification at laboratory scale using chromatographic techniques. Participants will gain both theoretical insights and hands-on experience in purifying antibody fragments derived from camelids that are widely used in pharmaceutical diagnostics and therapy.

Course Schedule

• Day 1 (08:30-16:00)
  • Lecture: Course orientation
  • Lecture: From upstream to downstream: an overview
  • Lecture and workshop: Resins and column packing
  • Lecture and workshop: Classes of chromatography
  • Lecture: Introduction to lab work
  • Lab: Buffer Preparation and chromatography workstation software
• Day 2 (08:30-16:00)
  • Lab: Preparative ion exchange chromatography (IEX)
  • Lab: Preparative affinity chromatography (IMAC)
  • Lab: Data collection and discussion
  • Lab: Analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)
  • Lecture: Scale-up (industry speaker)
• Day 3 (09:00-13:30)
  • Lab: Data analysis and system clean up
  • Discussion
  • Groupwork and presentations

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Gain a broad understanding of downstream processing and explain the principles and applications of multiple types of chromatography in protein purification.
2. Design a stepwise protein purification protocol based on physicochemical properties and process requirements.
3. Interpret chromatograms to evaluate purification efficiency, identify target peaks, and estimate yield and purity.
4. Troubleshoot common issues in chromatographic protein purification using systematic problem-solving approaches.
5. Evaluate the scalability of purification processes and understand relevant regulatory considerations in the pharmaceutical industry.

Target Audience

This course is broadly applicable for professionals in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and biopharma industries who are involved in the development, production, or quality control of biologics. It is especially relevant for:

• Scientists and technicians working with protein purification or chromatography
• Process engineers involved in downstream development or scale-up
• QA/QC and regulatory affairs professionals seeking insight into purification workflows
• Researchers and academic staff transitioning to industrial applications
• Early career professionals looking to build core competencies in downstream processing
• Experienced staff wanting to refresh and update their knowledge with current best practices

Prerequisites

Participants do not need to have specific knowledge in the field of biotechnology other than a basic high-school level understanding of natural sciences.

Course Details

• Duration: 3 days
• Place: DTU Lyngby Campus
• Price: 20,000.00 DKK
• Variant: Choose an option (2026 October 19th-21th)

Related Educations

• Fundamentals of Microbial Fermentation Design
• Introduction to Biomanufacturing
• Hands-On Introduction to Mammalian Bioprocessing
• Process Analytical Technology

Course Responsible

Esperanza Rivera de Torre, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Section for Biologics Engineering and Antibody Technologies.

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

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Overview:

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university renowned for its research and education in science, engineering, and technology. It is located in Kongens Lyngby, Denmark, and is known for its strong focus on innovation and collaboration with industry.

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Services Offered:

DTU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic advising:

Students can receive guidance on course selection, career planning, and academic progress.

Library resources:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive collections of books, journals, and digital resources.

Career services:

Support with job searching, internship opportunities, and career development.

Student organizations:

Opportunities to join student clubs and societies related to various interests.

Housing services:

Assistance with finding accommodation near the campus.

International student support:

Guidance for international students on visa applications, cultural adaptation, and language support.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

DTU provides a vibrant and diverse campus environment with a strong emphasis on student engagement. Students can expect:

Project-based learning:

Opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems through hands-on projects.

Access to world-class facilities:

State-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and workshops.

International community:

A diverse student body with students from around the world.

Active student life:

Numerous student clubs, societies, and events to participate in.

Beautiful campus:

A spacious and green campus with modern facilities and a pleasant learning environment.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High-quality education:

DTU is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world for engineering and technology.

Strong research focus:

DTU is a leading research institution with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration with industry.

International reputation:

DTU graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide.

Excellent career prospects:

DTU provides strong career support and graduates have excellent job prospects in various fields.

Living in Denmark:

Denmark offers a high quality of life, a safe and welcoming environment, and a strong social safety net.

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Academic Programs:

DTU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) programs in various engineering disciplines.

Graduate programs:

Master of Science (MSc) programs in a wide range of engineering and technology fields.

PhD programs:

Doctoral programs in various research areas.

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Other:

• DTU is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on developing value-adding technology for people.
• DTU has a strong international presence and collaborates with universities and research institutions worldwide.
• DTU offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options for students.
• DTU has a strong alumni network with graduates working in various industries and sectors.