Protecting Safety in Advanced Pharmaceutical Environments

The production of peptides and oligonucleotides involves handling large volumes of solvent, working with cryogenic gases, and operating in cleanroom environments. These conditions make gas detection systems—including oxygen monitors, combustible gas detectors, and gas leak detectors—critical for protecting workers, maintaining compliance, and ensuring uninterrupted production.

Learn more about peptide manufacturing processes or review Bachem’s overview of peptide and oligonucleotide production.

Why Gas Detection is Critical

Oxygen Deficiency Hazards

 

• Manufacturers commonly use cryogenic gases such as liquid nitrogen (LN₂) for cooling, lyophilization, and preservation.
• If LN₂ leaks or vents, it can displace oxygen, creating an invisible asphyxiation hazard.
• Installing oxygen deficiency monitors or oxygen gas leak detectors ensures constant protection.
• PureAire O₂ monitors use 10+ year zirconium oxide sensors for low-maintenance, 24/7 monitoring.

See OSHA’s guidance on oxygen deficiency in the workplace.

 

Combustible Gas Risks

• Solvents such as acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, and dichloromethane are flammable and present fire and explosion risks.
• Vapor accumulation in confined spaces can exceed the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL).
• PureAire’s combustible gas detectors and flammable gas leak detectors, featuring MPS™ sensor technology, offer a sensor life of over 15 years and resistance to false alarms.

Reference the NIOSH chemical hazards guide for additional safety details.

 

 

 

Integration & Monitoring

• Gas detectors can connect seamlessly to building management systems (BMS) or local alarm panels.
• Remote displays let staff check readings outside of hazardous areas.
• Cloud-enabled gas leak detection systems help document compliance for GMP audits and FDA inspections.

Where Gas Detection Is Used

• Cleanrooms & labs: Prevent accumulation of solvents or VOCs.
• Cryogenic storage: Protect against oxygen displacement near LN₂ tanks and freezers.
• Solvent transfer & storage: Detect leaks in drum storage or piping with gas leak detectors.
• R&D pilot plants: Safeguard scientists during trial processes.

Companies in This Sector

Leading peptide and oligonucleotide manufacturers include:

• Lonza (Switzerland/USA)
• Bachem (Switzerland/USA)
• CordenPharma (Germany/USA)
• WuXi AppTec (China/USA)
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (USA)
• PolyPeptide Group (Sweden/USA)

Each operates global facilities where oxygen monitors, gas detectors, and gas leak detectors are part of the core safety infrastructure.

Conclusion

Pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on both oxygen monitoring and gas leak detection to protect workers, meet OSHA/EU requirements, and safeguard critical production.

PureAire Monitoring Systems provides reliable, maintenance-free solutions with 10+ year oxygen sensors and 15+ year combustible gas detectors—helping leading pharma and biotech facilities maintain the highest

levels of safety and compliance.