Pump Applications in the Biotech Industry

Biotech Industry

The biotech industry demands the highest standards in fluid handling, where hygiene, control, and precision are critical. Pumps used in these environments must support cleanroom protocols, withstand aggressive sterilisation processes, and deliver accurate flow rates under tightly controlled conditions. From upstream culture media transfer to downstream purification, every stage depends on equipment that ensures consistent, contamination-free performance.

In the biotech industry, fluid systems are integral to innovation and compliance. Whether supporting fermentation, dosing critical enzymes, or managing single-use systems, pumps must meet strict regulatory and validation requirements. Selecting the right pump helps protect product integrity, reduce downtime, and ensure repeatable outcomes across every batch and process.

Biotech Industry Key Applications

1. Media and Buffer Transfer

Transferring sterile media and buffer solutions is a core task in the biotech industry. Peristaltic and diaphragm pumps are preferred for their low-shear action and contamination-free transfer. Their ability to handle sensitive fluids without introducing particles or air makes them ideal for critical upstream applications. Additionally, they support CIP/SIP procedures or integrate seamlessly into single-use setups.

2. Fermentation and Bioreactor Feeding

Fermentation processes rely on pumps to feed nutrients, gases, and additives into bioreactors with precision. Low-shear pumps ensure gentle handling to maintain the viability of cell cultures, while variable-speed control allows real-time adjustment based on process demands. Maintaining flow accuracy is key to ensuring stable culture growth and maximum product yield.

3. Filtration and Chromatography Support

In downstream processing, pumps deliver steady flow to filtration and chromatography systems used for product purification. Smooth, pulse-free operation is crucial in maintaining pressure consistency and avoiding disruptions to separation efficiency. Sanitary rotary lobe and peristaltic pumps are often selected for their precision and cleanability.

4. Dosing of Enzymes and Additives

Accurate micro-dosing is essential in biotech production, whether adjusting pH levels or introducing stabilisers and enzymes. Metering pumps are widely used in the biotech industry for their ability to deliver extremely precise volumes at low flow rates. Their accuracy helps maintain strict formulation standards and supports batch reproducibility.

5. Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sterilise-in-Place (SIP)

Maintaining sanitary conditions is a non-negotiable requirement in the biotech industry. CIP and SIP systems use robust pumps to distribute cleaning agents, detergents, and steam throughout process lines. Sanitary centrifugal and diaphragm pumps, constructed from polished stainless steel, ensure effective sterilisation without the risk of cross-contamination or residue retention.

6. Single-Use Systems

The shift toward disposable, single-use technologies is growing in the biotech industry. Single-use pump systems featuring pre-sterilised tubing and components help minimise changeover time and eliminate the need for extensive cleaning validation. These systems offer a closed-loop, contamination-free solution ideal for small batch or multiproduct operations.

For guidance on equipment validation and regulatory compliance, the UK MHRA GMP guidelines provide essential information on meeting biotech industry standards.