Light Scattering Eluate Analysis for Automated Fraction Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing pure and homogeneous biotherapeutic drugs face challenges in accurately detecting and isolating protein monomers from aggregates due to limitations in existing detectors used in liquid chromatography, which lack real-time, signal-based fraction collection and identity-based selective fractionation, leading to inefficiencies and contamination issues.

Innovation Solution

A method involving light scattering detection using static and dynamic light scattering techniques to measure suspended material in the eluate, allowing for real-time, automated fraction collection by determining the size and concentration of particles, thereby enabling accurate identification and isolation of protein monomers and aggregates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional liquid chromatography detectors are used, then the separation process can be performed, but real-time detection and automated fraction collection based on identity is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated fraction collectionVSAvoididentity information
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback by using light scattering detectors to continuously monitor the eluate and automatically adjust fraction collection based on detected particle characteristics. The system uses detected light scattering patterns to provide immediate feedback about aggregate presence, enabling automated decision-making for fraction collection without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical detection methods with optical detection using light scattering technology. This substitution enables real-time, non-invasive measurement of particle size and concentration in the eluate, providing continuous identity information that drives automated fraction collection decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional detectors are used, then the equipment is simpler, but real-time measurement of suspended material and automated control is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspended material measurementVSAvoiddetection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sampling and analysis systems with optical detection using light scattering. The light scattering detector provides precise real-time measurement of suspended material characteristics (particle size, concentration) through non-invasive optical measurements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical intervention while achieving superior measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light scattering as an intermediary measurement mechanism that bridges the gap between simple detection and complex analysis. By measuring how light scatters off suspended particles, the system derives precise information about particle characteristics without requiring complex direct measurement apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual fraction collection is used, then the equipment is simpler, but productivity and purity are reduced due to contamination and inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraction collection efficiencyVSAvoidproduct purity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses real-time light scattering detection to provide continuous feedback about eluate composition, enabling automated fraction collection decisions that maximize productivity while maintaining high purity. The feedback loop allows the system to automatically identify and collect target fractions while excluding contaminated portions, eliminating manual intervention errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the fraction collection system to automatically identify and collect pure fractions based on real-time light scattering measurements. The system serves itself by using its own detection data to control the collection process, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and decision-making while improving both productivity and purity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 improves the efficiency of fraction collection, reduces contamination, and enhances the purity and yield of biotherapeutic products by providing objective, real-time measurements of protein aggregate size and concentration, aligning with stringent regulatory demands.

Implementation Method 1

detecting light from the light source scattered by suspended material in the liquid eluate at a detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS10312063B2Eluate analysis and collection
Publication Date: 2019.06.04 MALVERN INSTRUMENTS
  • US10312063B2 patent drawing
  • US10312063B2 patent drawing
  • US10312063B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to analyzing and controlling collection of liquid eluate output from a separation process, in particular by use of a measure of suspended material in the eluate based on a light scattering detection method. Exemplary embodiments include a method of controlling collection of a sample of a liquid eluate output from a separation process. The method includes exposing the liquid eluate to light from a light source; detecting light from the light source scattered by suspended material in the eluate at a detector; and beginning and ending collection of the sample when a measure of the suspended material derived from the detected scattered light enters and leaves a predetermined range.