Blow fill seal technology is a high-level form of sterile manufacturing, in which containers are constantly molded, infused, and sealed with motorized systems. The advent of blow-fill-seal technology has begun to slowly replace glass vials. Blow-fill-seal is a technology that utilizes sealable plastic tubes which help to prevent the contamination of injectable drugs through the glass. Due to its almost completely automated manufacturing process, Blow-Fill-Seal also reduces the risk of contamination by human involvement, as well as human error.
The Blow-Fill-Seal technology can be applied in the manufacture of tubes and vials for gels, emulsions, suspensions, and solutions. Its technology is now being applied by major pharmaceutical companies like Unither, a worldwide leader in sterile unit-dose production.
How to Incorporate Blow-Fill-Seal technology
In the manufacture of vials and tubes using Blow-Fill-Seal, both large and small volume containers can be manufactured. The process begins with the conveyance of plastic polymer material to be molded into the required shape and size. This process is carried out by melting the plastic polymer under sterile conditions. It is then allowed to flow into a head that will produce the narrow tube design of the vials. The bottom is sealed shut while the top is left melted open.
This open tube is then passed beneath a filling needle and the required amount of substance is purred in the vial. Once this is concluded the top of the vial is hermetically sealed and the vials are conveyed to a sterile area for transport. This automated process is continuously carried out by machines.
Advantages of Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS) Technology
This technology has many advantages that are both beneficial to the pharmaceutical company and the patients as well. Some of the major advantages include:
- Does Not Require Preservatives
One major advantage of the BFS technology is that it does not use preservatives in the sealing and packaging of substances. This is because blow-fill-seal technology utilizes a plastic polymer that is used to then seal liquids in an airtight package to prevent contamination.
- Hardly Requires Human Intervention
Due to its almost completely automated process, it does not require human involvement. The process of manufacturing, filling, and sealing the vials is completely mechanized and follows a set sequence that is repeated for unit doses.
- Packaging Comes in Specific Doses
BFS vials are packaged so that patients can get the doses required. They come in packages filled with as little as 0.25ml to as large as 10ml. This makes it easier to account for the doses taken by patients and also prevents the abuse of drugs due to a packaging error.
- Prevents Glass Contamination
Glass contamination is the presence of foreign material present in glass due to the manufacturing procedure. With the use of plastic polymer and automation in BFS, the presence of contaminants that stick to glass is considerably erased.
Where to Get BFS Technology
Pharmaceutical companies can outsource the production of BFS vials to Unither Pharmaceuticals. A pharmaceutical company that specializes in manufacturing single doses, their 26years of experience provides them with the knowledge and skill to produce BFS technology at their various health compliant facilities. Their services also include the manufacture of preservative-free multi-dose in various forms including gel, emulsions, solutions, and more. Their commitment to advancing with technology has made them one of the best international pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.