Advantages Of Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) Chromatography

Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) chromatography is a continuous separation technique specifically developed to enhance the purification of binary-like mixtures, such as enantiomers, diastereomers, or closely related structural impurities. Unlike traditional batch chromatography, SMB operates without interruption, delivering improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability.

SK pharmteco successfully deployed an SMB process to manufacture 1,635 kg per week of a targeted API, achieving an impressive 99.3% chiral purity. Although the process consumed 800,000 liters of solvent weekly, an advanced recycling system recovered 99.6% of it, reducing the net solvent usage to just 3,200 liters per week. This dramatic decrease in solvent demand cuts procurement expenses and significantly reduces waste, supporting Green Chemistry principles.