Target-oriented overall process optimization (TOPO) for reducing variability in the quality of herbal medicine products

This paper presents a new strategy, target-oriented overall process optimization (TOPO), which can be used to assure the consistent quality in herbal medicine products. The methodology of TOPO includes four parts, target definition, data pretreatment, process modeling and overall process optimization. The Bayesian approach is integrated into the optimization step. The mechanism of TOPO involves optimizing multiple units of the production system step by step, giving each unit optimal operating conditions consistent with the quality target. The effects of TOPO were assessed using the descriptive statistics of the Bayesian posterior predictive distribution and the final target achievement. The probability trajectory was adjusted to monitor and optimize the production process. The proposed TOPO strategy was successfully applied to a seven-unit manufacturing process used to produce Lonicerae Japonicae extract. Results demonstrated that TOPO could keep the production process in line with the predefined target and reduce the variability of the final products.