BATCH CHROMATOGRAPHY

Contichrom® CUBE. Built for Batch and Continuous Chromatography

Ready to use out of the box. Four pumps and twin-column architecture in a single bench-top system. Run high-pressure batch chromatography today — and switch to MCSGP, CaptureSMB®, or N-Rich® on the same hardware whenever you’re ready. No second system. No method redevelopment.

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Book a CUBE Demo

Download the CUBE Brochure

Why Run Single-Column Batch on a Contichrom® CUBE?

If the system is designed for twin-column continuous chromatography, why choose it for running in single-column batch mode? Because the same engineering that enables CaptureSMB® and MCSGP also makes the CUBE a genuinely better batch platform — before you ever consider continuous operation.

– Out-of-the-box functionality. Four high-precision pumps, twin-column architecture, and 18 inlets are part of the base hardware. Most batch workflows run with no add-ons; advanced multi-step configurations have a clear upgrade path.

– One platform, many modes. Single-column, alternating-batch, and 2D/3D integrated batch all run on the same 100 bar hardware — supporting Protein A/L/G, IMAC, IEX, RP, Mixed-Mode, HIC, and SEC — isocratic or gradient.

– Continuous-ready from day one. Every batch run becomes the starting point for MCSGP, N-Rich®, or CaptureSMB® — same hardware, same columns, same software. No second system. No method redevelopment.

– Advanced method design. We make even the most challenging method designs easy to implement with ChromaCraft™, our batch & 2D/3D integrated batch method design module.

A twin-column, four-pump architecture — not a retrofit.

The CUBE was engineered from day one as a twin-column platform — every component on the front face was designed to support continuous chromatography natively, not bolted onto a single-column system after the fact.

Pump architecture

Four independent high-precision pumps as base hardware — no upgrade path required
Binary gradient pair (P1A + P1B) for elution
Two isocratic pumps (P2, P3) for loading, wash, and re-equilibration — running simultaneously with the gradient

Inlet flexibility

8-port buffer selection valves on each isocratic pump
18 inlets across the system, expandable to 32
Wash buffers, eluents, regeneration solutions, and feed lines stay connected simultaneously — scout conditions, screen columns, or compare buffer compositions without replumbing

Detection

Dual UV detectors (200–600 nm, 4-channel) and conductivity sensors integrated directly behind each column
Real-time signal from each column captured independently — essential for twin-column tracking, equally useful in batch for monitoring breakthrough, peak elution, and gradient response without external add-on detectors

Column and valve handling

Four column selection valves and a dedicated inter-column valve network — part of the base hardware, not optional

Single-column, alternating, and multi-step batch — one platform

ChromaCraft™, our purpose built method design software, supports multiple batch mode configurations from the same hardware. Single-column batch (left or right position) covers everyday method development and purification. Alternating batch cycles two columns in parallel — doubling equipment utilisation with no added programming, no extra hardware. 2D/3D integrated batch links two or three sequential steps (e.g. Protein A → IEX → desalting) into a single automated run with in-line dilution — eliminating hold tanks and manual handling. Accessory valve kits are recommended for 2D/3D, and once installed, ChromaCraft™ makes multi-step method creation remarkably intuitive: same Gantt chart, set your transfer triggers, one-click generation. For fine-tuning or unusual process scenarios, the Expert Mode editor provides full timetable-level access to every hardware command.

Your single-column batch data is the starting point for everything else

Every continuous process on the platform — CaptureSMB®, MCSGP, N-Rich® — begins from a batch run on the CUBE. The MCSGP and N-Rich® wizards load your batch chromatogram directly from ChromIQ® and let you define product and recycle zones by drag-and-drop. The CaptureSMB® wizard works from breakthrough curve data. Either way, the batch run you do today is never wasted — it is the direct input to the continuous method when you are ready. That upgrade happens on the same hardware, with the same columns, the same resins, and the same ChromIQ® software. No second system, no method redevelopment.

Single-Column Breakthrough Curve for CaptureSMB® Design

Method Design with ChromaCraft™ — Under Ten Minutes

Overview — Visual editor, no complex programming

Batch methods are built in ChromaCraft™, the dedicated batch editor in ChromIQ® 9. Every step is entered through a structured interface — no scripting, no timetable coding. A colour-coded Gantt chart runs alongside the Method Table at all times, giving an instant visual read of the complete method structure. A simple method goes from blank screen to ready-to-run in under ten minutes.

Step 1 — Choose process mode and assign buffers

Select single-column, alternating, 2D integrated, or 3D mode. Enter your buffers in the Tank List and assign them to the CUBE’s pump inlets — ChromaCraft™ uses these assignments to manage all valve switching automatically throughout the run. For multi-column methods, these are quickly constructed by combining pre-existing single-column ChromaCraft™ methods, carrying all column parameters and step timings across without re-entry.

Step 2 — Build method steps in the Method Table

Enter each method step — equilibration, load, wash, elution, re-equilibration — setting flow rates, volumes, and gradient profiles. The Gantt chart is derived from the Method Table and updates instantly with every change, making scheduling conflicts and phase overlaps visible before the method is generated.

Step 3 — Set fractionation triggers and generate

Define fraction collection by UV threshold, volume, time, or any combination. ChromaCraft™ auto-generates the complete ChromIQ® method as a single ready-to-run file. For processes that need line-by-line control beyond what the wizard offers, Expert Mode provides full timetable-based access to every hardware command and conditional logic step.

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Analysing Results: The Evaluation Center

Every run is logged and available in the Evaluation Center — ChromIQ®’s integrated data analysis module — immediately after it finishes.

Peak integration — manual integration with configurable baselines and windows; the Auto Integration tool is reserved for continuous process runs (CaptureSMB®, MCSGP, N-Rich®)
Fraction analysis — fractions mapped against the UV trace; assess purity and yield distribution
Run comparison (Superimpose) — overlay chromatograms from multiple separate run files in a single view; useful for resin lot comparison, condition screening, or validating column-to-column reproducibility
Peak Calibration — scale UV signal to absolute concentration using a known solute mass from offline analytics; eliminates the need for separate mass balance tools
PDF report export — structured report including chromatogram, integration table, and run parameters
Excel / CSV export — raw signal data and integration results for lab records or regulatory submissions

The ChromIQ® logbook records every system event and user action in an unalterable audit trail. Multi-level user rights management and data integrity checksums are built in as standard.

ChromIQ 9 – Evaluation Center

Contichrom® Platform Advantages at a Glance

Advantage	What it means in practice
100-bar pressure rating	Modern, small-particle resins at higher flow rates — better resolution, faster cycles
Four independent pumps	Complex multi-buffer gradients and re-equilibration run simultaneously
Automated fraction collection	UV-triggered diverter valve — product, side fractions, and waste collected hands-free
Real-time multi-sensor monitoring	Dual UV Detectors (200–600 nm, 4-channel), conductivity, and pH
Direct scale-up path	Methods transfer to the Contichrom® PILOT 300X and TWIN production systems
Continuous-ready from day one	The batch chromatogram is the direct input to the MCSGP and N-Rich® wizards; CaptureSMB® uses breakthrough curve data from the CUBE — every continuous process starts from a batch reference run

Batch Applications

Molecule class	Typical batch use
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)	Protein A capture; IEX polishing; SEC/desalting — standalone steps or reference runs before CaptureSMB® or MCSGP®
ADCs	Protein A capture; HIC for DAR fractionation; IEX polishing
Recombinant proteins / hormones	His-Tag IMAC or Protein L/G affinity capture; IEX polishing; SEC
Peptides	RP (C18/C8/C4) gradient polishing — batch reference before MCSGP or N-Rich
Oligonucleotides	AEX gradient purification — batch reference before MCSGP or N-Rich
AAV / gene therapy	Affinity capture; IEX polishing
mRNA / LNP	Affinity and IEX steps at appropriate scale
Nutraceuticals / small molecules	RP or mixed-mode preparative purification

Contichrom® Systems for Batch and Continuous Chromatography

All Contichrom® Systems Perform Batch Chromatography in Addition to Continuous Chromatography, With Predictable Scalability from CUBE to PILOT and TWIN System Lines.

Systems Overview

Contichrom® CUBE

The essential platform for chromatography process development. This versatile 100-bar benchtop FPLC system runs batch, integrated batch, and continuous chromatography — including MCSGP and CaptureSMB — out of the box. Develop purification processes for mAbs, peptides, oligonucleotides, ADCs, and viral vectors, with verified scale-up at over 100× to pilot and production systems.

Contichrom® PILOT

Scale peptide and oligonucleotide purification to pilot and clinical GMP manufacturing. This 100-bar preparative HPLC system features MCSGP with AutoPeak® to eliminate the yield-purity trade-off — delivering +10–50% absolute yield increase at target purity and significantly less solvent than batch HPLC. ATEX Zone 2 / Class I Div 2 certified for organic solvents. Flow rates up to 300 mL/min.

Contichrom® TWIN HPLC

Produce peptides and oligonucleotides at commercial GMP scale. This 80-bar industrial HPLC system uses MCSGP with AutoPeak® to eliminate the yield-purity trade-off — increasing recovery to >90% while reducing solvent consumption compared to batch. ATEX Zone 2 / Class I Div 2 certified for organic solvents, and flow rates up to 36 L/min.

Contichrom® TWIN LPLC – Capture

Accelerate biopharmaceutical capture chromatography at production scale. This sanitary GMP system uses CaptureSMB® with AutomAb® to maximize resin utilization — achieving up to 3× faster processing and 50% less Protein A resin and buffer consumption compared to batch. CIP-ready design for mAbs, viral vectors, ADCs, and recombinant proteins.

Contichrom® TWIN LPLC – Polishing

Bring continuous polishing to biopharmaceutical manufacturing at production scale. This sanitary GMP system uses MCSGP with AutoPeak® to eliminate the yield-purity trade-off achieving +10–50% absolute yield increase at target purity while reducing buffer consumption compared to batch. CIP-ready design for mAbs, viral vectors, ADCs, and recombinant proteins.

Systems Overview

Start with Batch. Scale Wherever You Need To.

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Can the Contichrom® CUBE run standard batch alongside continuous processes?

Yes — the CUBE runs single-column batch, alternating batch, 2D/3D integrated batch, and continuous processes (CaptureSMB®, MCSGP, N-Rich®) on the same hardware. You choose the mode; the platform handles the rest.

I'm not sure I need continuous chromatography — is there any reason to buy a Contichrom® system for batch?

Absolutely. The CUBE is a high-performance batch platform in its own right. Four independent pumps with up to 8 buffer inlets each give you the flexibility to scout wash buffers, eluents, and columns without replumbing between runs. ChromaCraft™ designs methods visually in minutes. You also gain alternating batch and 2D/3D integrated batch — capabilities conventional platforms do not offer. If your needs evolve toward continuous operation later, the upgrade path is already built in at no additional hardware cost — but the system earns its place on batch performance alone.

Does my batch chromatogram need to be run on a Contichrom® CUBE to use as input for MCSGP or N-Rich®?

For MCSGP and N-Rich®, yes — the wizard loads the batch chromatogram file directly from ChromIQ® and you define zones by drag-and-drop. For CaptureSMB®, the wizard uses breakthrough curve data. For 2D/3D integrated batch, no pre-existing chromatogram is required, though batch runs for each dimension are typically developed first.

What resin chemistries does the CUBE support for batch?

All standard preparative chemistries: Protein A / L / G, His-Tag IMAC, IEX (cation & anion), RP (C18, C8, C4), Mixed-Mode, HIC, and SEC/desalting. The 100-bar pressure rating ensures compatibility with high-performance resins down to 10 µm particle size.

How long does it take to design a batch method in ChromaCraft™?

A simple isocratic or gradient batch method typically takes under ten minutes — choose process type, define buffers, enter step parameters, set fractionation triggers, and ChromaCraft™ auto-generates the method.

What data can I export from the Evaluation Center?

Does the CUBE support alternating batch?

Yes. ChromaCraft™ includes dedicated alternating batch design — two columns cycling in alternating load/elute cycles, with the software handling all pump scheduling automatically. No additional hardware is required. This can effectively double equipment utilisation for production-oriented batch runs.

What is the difference between CUBE 30 and CUBE 100 for batch?

Both models share identical hardware architecture, software, and 100-bar pressure rating. The difference is flow rate range and recommended column size: CUBE 30 supports 0.1–36 mL/min with column IDs from 0.5–2.7 cm (suited to method development), while CUBE 100 supports 0.5–100 mL/min with column IDs from 0.8–5.0 cm (suited to preparative-scale purification).