Author Archives: James D. Vogel

Single-Use and Stainless Steel Technologies: Comparison, Contrast — Where Are They Going?

At a recent conference, there was much talk about a major biopharmaceutical project in Asia for which the owner of a company chose a design with primarily traditional multiuse stainless steel tanks and processing equipment, rather than single-use polymer equipment. There were even some stainless steel equipment vendors toasting at the bar that this may be the beginning of a “renaissance†of stainless steel. Is the single-use systems (SUS) honeymoon over? Are many industry professionals hoping this is the end…

The Single-Use Watering Hole: Where Innovation Needs Harmonization, Collaboration, and Standardization

Within the past few years, the single-use technology (SUT) arena of the biopharmaceutical industry has exploded in growth. Leading organizations have predictably and understandably stampeded to the “watering hole†of single-use to drink up the advantages that disposable components offer over traditional multiuse parts and technologies. The initial value and risk-reduction results are being realized — but not without the emergence of other trade-offs. End users continue to call for standardization in emerging areas of the industry while also recognizing…

The Maturation of Single-Use Applications

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.†—Albert Einstein     Single-use systems (SUSs) have been treated as novel technologies for some time. I have spent much of the past 10 years introducing clients to SUSs and integrating them into conventional processes. They are part of the biopharmaceutical development and production landscape and a mature, integrated option for bioprocessing. The value of SUS integration is soundly substantiated: reduced cross-contamination risk…