Analytical tools for monitoring changes in physical and chemical properties of chromatography resin upon reuse.

Protein A resins are often reused for multiple cycles to improve process economy during mAb purification. Significant reduction in binding capacity and product recovery are typically observed due to the presence of unwanted materials (foulants) deposited on the resin upon reuse. In this paper, we have used a wide spectrum of qualitative and quantitative analytical tools (particle size analysis, HPLC, fluorescence, SEM, MS, and FTIR) to compare the strengths and shortcomings of different analytical tools in terms of their capability to detect the fouling of the resin and relate it to chromatographic cycle performance. While each tool offers an insight into this complex phenomena, fluorescence is the only one that can be used for real-time monitoring of resin fouling. A correlation could be established between fluorescence intensity and the process performance attributes (like yield or binding capacity) impacted upon resin reuse. This demonstration of the application of fluorescence for real-time monitoring correlated empirically with process performance attributes and the results support its use as a PAT tool as part of a process control strategy. While the focus of this paper is on fouling of protein A chromatography resin, the approach and strategy are pertinent to other modes of chromatography as well.

Characterization of wise protein and its molecular mechanism to interact with both Wnt and BMP signals.

Cross-talk of BMP and Wnt signaling pathways has been implicated in many aspects of biological events during embryogenesis and in adulthood. A secreted protein Wise and its orthologs (Sostdc1, USAG-1, and Ectodin) have been shown to modulate Wnt signaling and also inhibit BMP signals. Modulation of Wnt signaling activity by Wise is brought about by an interaction with the Wnt co-receptor LRP6, whereas BMP inhibition is by binding to BMP ligands. Here we have investigated the mode of action of Wise on Wnt and BMP signals. It was found that Wise binds LRP6 through one of three loops formed by the cystine knot. The Wise deletion construct lacking the LRP6-interacting loop domain nevertheless binds BMP4 and inhibits BMP signals. Moreover, BMP4 does not interfere with Wise-LRP6 binding, suggesting separate domains for the physical interaction. Functional assays also show that the ability of Wise to block Wnt1 activity through LRP6 is not impeded by BMP4. In contrast, the ability of Wise to inhibit BMP4 is prevented by additional LRP6, implying a preference of Wise in binding LRP6 over BMP4. In addition to the interaction of Wise with BMP4 and LRP6, the molecular characteristics of Wise, such as glycosylation and association with heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the cell surface, are suggested. This study helps to understand the multiple functions of Wise at the molecular level and suggests a possible role for Wise in balancing Wnt and BMP signals.

Protein A chromatography resin lifetime-impact of feed composition.

Adsorbent lifetime during protein A chromatography is not readily predicted or understood, representing a key challenge to be addressed for biopharmaceutical manufacturers. This article focuses on the impact of feed composition on the performance of a typical agarose-based protein A resin across a lifetime of 50 cycles. Cycling studies were performed using three different feed materials with varying levels of feed components including proteases, histones, DNA, and nonhistone proteins. Changes in the process and quality attributes were measured. The DBCs were not seen to vary between conditions although there was a reduction in particle porosity in all cases. Fluorescence spectroscopy and LC-MS/MS were used to identify the contribution and extent of fouling to the observed capacity loss. Residual protein A ligand density and deposition of foulants (HCP, residual mAb, and DNA) varied between the three feed materials. Resins cycled in feed materials containing high concentrations of HCP and histones were seen to have greater extents of capacity loss. The mode of performance loss, capacity loss, or impact on product quality was seen to vary depending on the feed material. The results indicate that feed material composition may be correlated to the rate and mode of resin aging as a basis for improved process understanding. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:412-419, 2018.

Fluorescence based real time monitoring of fouling in process chromatography.

A real time monitoring of fouling in liquid chromatography has been presented. The versatility of the approach has been proven by successful implementation in three case studies with an error <1%. The first application demonstrates the monitoring of protein A ligand density and foulant concentration for assessing performance of protein A chromatography resin during purification of monoclonal antibodies. The observations have been supported from LC-MS/MS studies that were independently performed. The second application involves monitoring of foulant deposition during multimode cation exchange chromatography based purification of human serum albumin. Finally, in the third application, monitoring of foulants during multimodal hydrophobic interaction chromatography of recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor is demonstrated. In all three cases, it is observed that the fluorescence intensity consistently increases with resin reuse as more foulants are deposited over time. The proposed approach can be readily used for real time monitoring of fouling and process control.

Residual on column host cell protein analysis during lifetime studies of protein A chromatography.

Capacity reduction in protein A affinity chromatography with extended cycling during therapeutic antibody manufacture is well documented. Identification of which residual proteins remain from previous cycles during the lifetime of these adsorbent materials is required to understand their role in this ageing process, but represents a significant metrological challenge. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) are combined to detect and map this phenomenon of protein carry-over. We show that there is a morphological change at the surface of the agarose resin, revealing deposits on the polymer fibres increasing with cycle number. The amount of residual host cell proteins (HCPs) by LC-MS/MS present on the resin is shown to increase 10-fold between 50 and 100 cycles. During this same period the functional class of the predominant HCPs associated with the resin increased in diversity, with number of proteins identified increasing 5-fold. This ageing is observed in the context of the product quality of the eluate HCP and protein A leachate concentration remaining constant with cycle number.