Understand Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) Chromatography

SMB chromatography is a new technology used to separate mixtures developed in the 1960s. The general rule is similar to that of single-column chromatography, separating materials according to the different distribution coefficients of different substances in the system composed of stationary and mobile phases. When these two phases move relative to each other, the components move together with the mobile phase and are distributed repeatedly until being separated. The key of SMB is to periodically change the inlet and outlet position of the material to simulate the countercurrent movement of the two phases to achieve continuous separation.

The Construction of SMB Chromatography

Traditional SMB chromatography consists of several columns, pumps, inlet and outlet valves, and other pipe fittings, which is divided into four zones, namely the adsorbent regeneration zone (Zone 1), the purification zone (Zone 2), the adsorption zone (Zone 3), and the eluent regeneration zone (Zone 4). The purification zone and the adsorption zone are the main working area, and two regeneration zones ensure the recycling of adsorbent and eluent. The four inlets and outlets move synchronously along the mobile phase flow direction at a certain time interval, forming the virtual reverse movement of the stationary phase.

Fig.1 Schematic of four-zone SMB chromatography. (He, et al., 2020)

Our Services

CD BioGlyco has sufficient research on the oligosaccharide chromatographic separation technology. We have various SMB chromatographic process modes, which can realize the efficient separation of multi-component mixtures and thus obtain oligosaccharides with high purity and single composition. Different with Batch Chromatography, the SMB chromatography technology provided by CD BioGlyco has many advantages.

Fig.2 Advantages of SMB chromatography. (CD BioGlyco)

• Continuous SMB chromatography

Tandem SMB chromatography: In this system, two groups of SMB chromatographs are connected in series, which completely retains the technical advantages of SMB. How to realize the efficient use of tandem SMB chromatography at low cost is the focus of our attention.

Five-section SMB system: This system increases a zone compared with the ordinary SMB chromatography, and can realize the effective separation of three-component materials. The working efficiency of the system is equivalent to two sets of SMB chromatography, which greatly reduces the equipment investment and maintenance costs, and therefore, greatly reduces the cost of oligosaccharide production.

• Semi-continuous SMB chromatography

Modified five-section SMB system: The eluent is not recycled in this system, which is the same as batch chromatography, but the reverse simulated flow of the stationary phase is the same as that of SMB chromatography. It is economical and easy to operate, suitable for the oligosaccharide components that are easily separated.

• Solvent gradient SMB chromatography

The system combines SMB chromatography with different eluents or different concentrations of eluents and has a good effect on the separation of multi-component biological fermentation liquid. It can greatly improve the purity and recovery of oligosaccharides.

Applications

• Separation of multicomponent sugars
• Mass production of high-purity oligosaccharides
• Chemical structure characterization of oligosaccharides

Highlights

• High throughput production capacity
• Small consumption of eluents and solvents compared with batch chromatography
• Robust separation technology

It is our vision to make oligosaccharide production more efficient, easy, and economical at CD BioGlyco, while maintaining the high quality of the product. We have unique insights and cutting-edge Technologies for Oligosaccharide Manufacture. If you are interested in or have a request for our Oligosaccharide Manufacture Service, please contact us immediately.

• Batch Chromatography for High-Purity Oligosaccharide Manufacture
• Microbial Purification/Selective Fermentation for High-Purity Oligosaccharide Manufacture