Practical Teaching of Modeling Tools for Ion-Exchange Chromatography: A Case Study

Theutilization of modeling tools has gained significant attentionrecently. These models typically involve a series of partial differentialequations, which can be challenging for novice modelers. This paperpresented an approach in practical teaching of modeling tools forion-exchange chromatography with three parts: model introduction,model calibration through group learning using different calibrationstrategies, and model applications. This approach was integrated intothe traditional bioseparation engineering curriculum as an activity,using the separation of monomer-dimer mixtures of monoclonalantibodies as an example. Results of competitive group learning andthe Wilcoxon test revealed that the parameter-by-parameter methodwas more user-friendly than the Yamamoto method for novice modelersto obtain reasonable model parameters quickly. Then, students usedthe well-fitted model for process optimization and explored the effectsof process parameters and material input variation on the chromatographyprocess, which helped students appreciate the critical role of timeand material savings achieved through modeling tools. Finally, thestudent questionnaire results revealed that over two-thirds of thestudents gave positive feedback on the activity. Through this practicalteaching, students became familiar with chromatography modeling tools,moving away from the tedious formulaic descriptions found in traditionalmodeling courses. This well-designed activity can be expanded fromacademia to industry, transforming the novice modelers into experiencedmodelers who can meet the high demands of the modern biopharmaceuticalindustry.