Insights on the Future of Cleanrooms from the 2024 Cleanroom Technology Conference
Tamryn Hassel, MBA Pharmaceutical Consultant & Compliance Trainer | Building Excellence & Quality Reputation | Transforming Knowledge into Action with a Touch of Humour
In May 2024, Cleanroom Technology hosted their annual conference in Birmingham, bringing together industry experts and innovators to share the latest advancements in cleanroom design, contamination control, and, importantly, sustainability. As an industry that has traditionally relied heavily on single-use technology, the focus is now shifting towards more sustainable manufacturing practices that maintain the safety and efficacy of products for patients.
The conference spotlighted a broad range of advancements, not limited to sustainability alone. Among the key highlights were discussions on new technologies and practices poised to revolutionise cleanroom operations, enhancing both efficiency and adherence to stricter standards.
Three standout themes emerged:
• BOS Imaging Technology
• Zero-Carbon Cleanrooms: Standards and Opportunities
• Rotational Disinfectants Becoming the Norm
We introduce these themes with a high-level summary below, with plans to follow up with a series exploring each in greater detail, focusing on their potential positive impacts as well as areas of concern to monitor.
Background Oriented Schlieren (BOS) Imaging Technology
BOS technology is the newest innovation in visualising airflow and is gaining significant attention as one of the more discussed innovations at the conference. BOS is an imaging technique that could replace the need for “dirty” smoke studies in cleanrooms for airflow visualisation. Instead of using tracers or smoke particles, BOS measures changes in air density caused by pressure and / or temperature fluctuations. This system uses highly sensitive, real-time optical techniques to visualise airflow patterns by detecting air density changes within a cleanroom, ensuring that the cleanroom functions as expected. Several case studies highlighted the precision and efficacy of this technology, suggesting its likely adoption across the industry.
Zero-Carbon Cleanrooms: Standards and Opportunities
With a global focus on sustainability, the pharmaceutical and cleanroom sectors are not being left behind. The conference dedicated a session to achieving zero-carbon cleanrooms, addressing the entire lifecycle from design to operation. Standards have been established to guide cleanroom operators in achieving zero-carbon status by 2050. These strategies include innovative energy management systems, the integration of renewable energy sources, and advanced HVAC management systems designed to reduce the carbon footprint of cleanrooms.
Rotation of Disinfectants: Enhanced Contamination Control
The rotational use of disinfectants to prevent microbial resistance has been a significant topic of discussion, reaffirmed at this year’s conference. By using a variety of disinfectants with different modes of action, it is believed that the risk of microbial resistance can be reduced. Although there is debate about the actual risk of microbial resistance in cleanrooms (due to their already low bioburden levels); the rotation of disinfectants has long been recognised as a gold standard strategy to mitigate the risk of resistant strains. Several case studies from various industries demonstrated how rotational strategies are being implemented and the significant benefits they provide in maintaining optimal contamination control.
Conclusion
Conferences like the 2024 Cleanroom Technology Conference underscore the industry’s ongoing commitment to improving and achieving sustainability goals. Advancements in airflow visualisation through technologies like BOS imaging, the push towards zero-carbon cleanrooms, and the adoption of rotational disinfectant programmes all represent significant steps towards a future that embraces continuous improvement. These advancements ensure that patients receive products that are fit for purpose and safe, while also acknowledging the industry’s responsibility towards environmental sustainability. As these technologies and practices continue to evolve, they are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of contamination control in cleanrooms across various industries.