Green solvents in the biotechnology-based pharmaceutical industry

S. L. GIUDICESSI; S. L. SAAVEDRA; A. CARDILLO; S. A. CAMPERI; O. CASCONE; F. ALBERICIO; M. C. MARTÍNEZ-CERON

Green Sustainable Process for Chemical and Environmental Engineering and Science

Elsevier

Año: 2021; p. 87 - 104

After the Industrial Revolution, humanity began to exploit nonrenewable resources, such as oil and gas, with dangerous consequences for the environment. In the last 50 years, different strategies have been implemented to reduce the environmental impact produced by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Biotechnology offers different perspectives, such as the use of biocatalysts, microorganisms, or plant/animal cells (or parts thereof) to replace highly toxic chemical processes. On the other hand, different methodologies are used during the purification processes of drugs and biopharmaceuticals. One of the most used is affinity chromatography, which consists of having a column of a matrix with an anchored ligand that recognizes the product of interest. The use of greener alternatives is a commitment for both the developed and developing countries.