The Challenge of Accurate Protein Bioanalysis
December 7th 2016In recent years, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) methods have been increasingly adopted as a replacement for ligand‑binding assays to monitor the fate of drugs in vivo. Such bioanalysis of protein-based pharmaceuticals (biopharmaceuticals) is more challenging, however, than it is for small-molecule drugs. Rainer Bischoff of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands has been exploring approaches to overcome these challenges. He recently spoke to us about this work.
Tips & Tricks GPC/SEC: Polydispersity — How Broad is Broad for Macromolecules?
December 1st 2016The vast majority of macromolecules exhibit a molar mass distribution that is often described by the polydispersity index (PDI). This Tips & Tricks instalment offers practical advice to consider when analyzing macromolecules using liquid chromatography (LC).
Label-Free Characterization of the Reversible Self‑Association of Insulin
December 1st 2016The degree and strength of self-association are critical quality attributes for insulin and its analogues. In this article we present the label-free determination of these quantities using composition-gradient multi-angle light scattering (CG-MALS), enabling the formulation of engineered insulin optimized for stability and efficacy.
Optimizing SEC for Protein Characterization
December 1st 2016The ability of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) to measure critical protein characteristics, such as molecular weight and size, makes the technique valuable from the early stages of novel protein research and development through to formulation and manufacturing support, especially in oligomeric purity and aggregation studies. However, informational output, ease of analysis, and sample requirements all vary considerably depending on whether a system has been truly optimized for protein characterization. This article examines how SEC works and considers how to maximize the productivity, sensitivity, and value of an SEC setup for biopharmaceutical development.