EPO Purification Using 1-Amino-2-Sulfo-Anthraquinone Dye

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for purifying erythropoietin (EPO) and its derivatives are inefficient, costly, and environmentally unfriendly due to low loading capacities, long running times, and the need for organic solvents in reversed-phase chromatography, making large-scale purification challenging.

Innovation Solution

A method using a solid phase with immobilized 1-amino-2-sulfo-anthraquinone dye for EPO purification, eliminating the need for size exclusion chromatography and expensive buffer additives, and incorporating hydroxyapatite and anion exchange steps for continuous, high-purity EPO production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If size exclusion chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography are used for EPO purification, then purification can be achieved, but the process becomes slow, complex, and costly with low loading capacities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification purityVSAvoidpurification speed and efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chromatographic parameters by using affinity chromatography with specific ligands (dye ligands, lectins, antibodies) instead of traditional size exclusion or reversed-phase conditions. This allows EPO to be captured under native conditions and eluted with controlled changes in ionic strength or pH, achieving both high purity and high productivity in a single step with high loading capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for multiple sequential purification steps (SEC, RP-HPLC) by implementing a single affinity chromatography step that selectively captures EPO from crude preparations. The specific ligand-EPO interactions allow direct isolation of pure EPO without requiring subsequent size exclusion or reversed-phase purification steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If reversed-phase chromatography is used for EPO purification, then purification can be achieved, but organic solvents are required which are costly and environmentally damaging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification purityVSAvoidenvironmental impact and safety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chromatographic conditions from organic solvent-based reversed-phase to aqueous-based affinity chromatography. The ligand-EPO interactions occur under physiological conditions with aqueous buffers, eliminating the need for organic solvents like acetonitrile or methanol while maintaining high purification effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of requiring organic solvents into a benefit by designing affinity ligands that specifically recognize EPO under native, aqueous conditions. This approach not only eliminates environmental hazards but also preserves EPO bioactivity that might be compromised by organic solvent exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple chromatographic steps are used for EPO purification, then high purity can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification purityVSAvoidnumber of purification steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple purification functions (capture, concentration, and preliminary purification) into a single affinity chromatography step. The selected ligands provide specific recognition of EPO that simultaneously achieves all these objectives, replacing the need for separate SEC, RP-HPLC, and other purification steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The affinity chromatography method serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures EPO from crude preparations, concentrates the protein, removes impurities, and prepares the sample for final polishing. This multi-functional approach replaces several dedicated steps with a single versatile operation

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

4Manufacturing precision

If traditional chromatographic methods are used for large-scale EPO purification, then purification can be performed, but loading capacities are very low and run times are long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification purityVSAvoidloading capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chromatographic mechanism from non-specific interactions (SEC based on size, RP based on hydrophobicity) to specific affinity interactions. This allows much higher loading capacities because the ligand-EPO binding is highly selective and occurs rapidly, enabling large amounts of crude material to be processed through the column in a short time while maintaining high purity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables faster, simpler, and more efficient EPO purification to a high degree of purity without the need for size exclusion chromatography or reversed-phase chromatography, reducing costs and environmental impact while allowing for continuous operation.

Implementation Method 1

a) Contacting a liquid containing EPO and/or an EPO derivative with a solid phase containing a 1-amino-2-sulfo-anthraquinone dye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAffinity chromatography: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

d) Contacting a liquid resulting from the elution liquid containing EPO and/or the EPO derivative and containing a phosphate buffer with a pH in the range of pH 5.5 to 6.5 with a solid hydroxyapatite material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 3

e) Contacting the flow containing EPO and/or the EPO derivative with a solid anion exchange material, causing the EPO(-derivative) to bind to the solid anion exchange material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnion exchange: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentEP3613486B1Method and installation for the purification of epo and/or an epo derivative
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 UGA BIOPHARMA GMBH
  • EP3613486B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A process and system for purifying EPO and/or an EPO derivative are provided. The process utilizes a solid phase immobilizing the EPO and/or an EPO derivative, which contains a 1-amino-2-sulfo-anthraquinone dye. This method has been found to achieve a high degree of purification, enabling the purification of EPO and/or an EPO derivative to the desired purity. It has been found that the otherwise common procedures of size exclusion chromatography, reversed-phase chromatography, and/or the addition of additives to the purification fluids are no longer necessary to achieve the desired purity. Thus, the EPO and/or an EPO derivative can be purified to a high degree of purity in a faster, simpler, more efficient, more cost-effective, and continuous manner.The process can also be carried out automatically with the system according to the invention.