Antibody Purification via Mixed Mode and Hydroxyapatite Chromatography

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for antibody purification, such as affinity chromatography using Protein A, are costly and inefficient, and there is a need for a more effective and cost-effective method to achieve high purification of antibodies without significant aggregates or cellular contaminants.

Innovation Solution

A method involving mixed mode chromatography using a matrix with hydrophobic and acidic moieties, followed by hydroxyapatite or fluorapatite chromatography, which binds and elutes antibodies effectively, reducing the need for sample manipulation and allowing for high purification at a lower cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If Protein A affinity chromatography is used for antibody purification, then high purification is achieved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification qualityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The purification process is divided into two sequential chromatography steps: first using mixed mode chromatography to capture and concentrate antibodies, then using hydroxyapatite or fluorapatite chromatography for final polishing. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high purification without relying solely on expensive Protein A affinity chromatography throughout the entire process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs alternative chromatography media (mixed mode and hydroxyapatite/fluorapatite) that are less expensive than Protein A affinity media. These media provide sufficient purification capability at lower cost, effectively replacing the expensive Protein A step while maintaining product quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple purification steps are used to remove aggregates and cellular contaminants, then purification quality improves, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification qualityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines capture, concentration, and initial purification functions into a single mixed mode chromatography step, then uses hydroxyapatite or fluorapatite chromatography for final polishing in a second step. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate purification steps compared to traditional multi-step protocols while maintaining high purification quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixed mode chromatography matrix is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it captures antibodies through affinity interactions, concentrates them through binding, and begins purification by removing some contaminants. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated steps for each function, simplifying the overall process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If extensive sample manipulation is performed during purification, then purification quality improves, but the time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mixed mode chromatography step is designed to perform preliminary capture, concentration, and initial purification in a single operation before the final hydroxyapatite or fluorapatite polishing step. This preliminary action prepares the sample in advance, reducing the need for additional intermediate manipulation steps and minimizing processing time while maintaining high purification quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method achieves highly purified antibodies with reduced costs and eliminates the need for additional purification steps, suitable for both large-scale commercial and laboratory-scale preparations, while effectively removing contaminants and aggregates.

Implementation Method 1

Mixed mode chromatography involves the use of solid phase chromatographic supports that employ multiple chemical mechanisms to adsorb proteins or other solutes. Examples include chromatographic supports that exploit combinations of two or more of the following mechanisms: anion exchange, cation exchange, hydrophobic interaction, hydrophilic interaction, hydrogen bonding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic interaction: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

chromatographic supports that exploit combinations of two or more of the following mechanisms: anion exchange, cation exchange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 3

chromatographic supports that exploit combinations of two or more of the following mechanisms: anion exchange, cation exchange, hydrophobic interaction, hydrophilic interaction, hydrogen bonding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding:

Implementation Method 4

contacting the solution comprising eluted antibodies of step c to a solid support matrix, the solid support matrix comprising hydroxyapatite (HT) or fluorapatite (FT), wherein at least a portion of the antibodies bind to the solid support matrix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2265129B1Chromatography purification of antibodies
Publication Date: 2015.10.28 BIO RAD LABORATORIES INC
  • EP2265129B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2265129B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2265129B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, kits and apparatuses for chromatography purification of antibodies are provided. In some embodiments, antibodies are purified by mixed mode chromatography that does not comprise hydroxyapatite (HT) or fluorapatite (FT). The mixed mode chromatography step is then followed by a HT/FT chromatography step.