InProcess-LSP is a relatively new, dynamic organization launched in 2014. The company combines the expertise and experience of three Process Analytical Technology (PAT) scientists and is based at the LifeScience Pivotpark campus in Oss, The Netherlands; one of the fastest growing and most innovative LifeScience communities in Europe.
Initially working for Merck/MSD (previously Organon), InProcess-LSP began providing contract services for pharmaceutical processes, delivering NIR spectroscopy PAT method development. Thanks to the founders’ scientific and technological backgrounds, they also began to develop new optical technology designs to facilitate PAT in the rapidly growing area of nano-suspension processing.
More specifically, InProcess-LSP aims to support inline size characterization of nano-suspensions, leading to the NanoFlowSizer being launched in 2019 - the first available example of inline nanoparticle sizing technology.
Our NanoFlowSizer is capable of measuring nanoparticle sizes in flow of undiluted, even highly turbid suspension and emulsions, enabling Process Analytical Technology and non-invasive measurements during manufacturing of a broad range of suspensions. Proud to say that we developed the only instrument in the market with the ability for true inline, real-time nanoparticle size measurement of nanosuspensions. On top of that it is exciting to see that our technology opens new application areas in R&D and manufacturing which drives our enthusiasm to further explore the applicability of the technology.
Ad Gerich, Managing Director and Cofounder, InProcess-LSP
Over the past three years, InProcess-LSP has developed from a small startup delivering NIR contracting services to the pharmaceutical industry, to an organization with double-digit staff providing innovative PAT and analytical solutions to a range of markets including, but not limited to pharma, chemicals, cosmetics, dairy, and food.
The Technology
InProcess-LSP’s NanoFlowSizer is an innovative system designed for real-time, continuous size characterization of nanosuspensions, nanoemulsions, colloidal systems, and other dispersed nanoproducts. It is able to provide this characterization as an integrated feature of manufacturing processes (inline) or within a laboratory setting (offline).
The ability to measure real-time during flow without sample preparation, along with the modular design, makes the NanoFlowSizer a perfect fit for manufacturing and product/process R&D environments alike, as well as for academic research settings. Our technology employs Low Coherence Interferometry based Spatially Resolved Dynamic Light Scattering (SR-DLS), literally adding a dimension to traditional DLS. This is essential to achieve the measurement capabilities needed for PAT applications and also significantly advances DLS in general as laboratory method.
Rut Besseling, Scientific Director and Cofounder, InProcess-LSP
The size of nanoparticles is one of their most important characteristics, particularly when they are used as drug carriers for vaccines. Inline PAT measurements for nano-dispersion processes are vital as these measurements characterize dispersion in their natural state as (intermediate) product, removing the risk of sample preparation or dilution adversely affecting the physical characteristics of the particles. The use of non-invasive inline measurements also leads to significant advantages in efficiency and, for example, in the sterility of pharma-related processes.
The Market
Many markets are seeing substantial growth in the development of nanotechnology and the utilization of nanoparticle applications, with market sizes reaching several billion dollars for each segment.
Covid 19 has shaken up many businesses, including the Pharmaceutical market. The need for fast vaccine development and subsequent manufacturing was evident and beyond normal. The capabilities of our technology has gained a lot of interest from Covid vaccine manufacturers in ways to improve efficiency and first pass yields. This has resulted in great opportunities for our NanoFlowSizer. As most companies, we also had to re-invent how to work closely with our customers providing the highest service levels, quality of our work and support in the current restricted conditions.
Frando van der Pas, Director of Sales, InProcess-LSP
Michiel Damen is a co-founder and responsible for Production and Quality at InProcess-LSP. He expands “a good example of our flexibility was how we managed to install instruments remotely at customers, providing first full pre-qualification in our InProcess-LSP lab-facilities, and employing specifically extended manuals and online tools to support customers during the remote installation at their site. This has worked remarkably well.”
InProcess-LSP provides a unique technology, but the company’s background, culture, and facilities are also key factors that distinguish them from other instrument suppliers. The company has roots in academic and pharmaceutical research and development, and it has fully equipped lab-facilities which include pilot-scale processes (nanomilling equipment, high-pressure homogenizer) for testing and development of PAT solutions.
The InProcess-LSP team is also highly R&D and solutions-driven, possessing considerable knowledge and expertise, allowing them to provide customers with both unique PAT solutions as well as process and formulation guidance.
This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by InProcess-LSP.
For more information on this source, please visit InProcess-LSP.
This article is written by Frando van der Pas, InProcessLSP.