Mixed-Mode Antibody Affinity Matrix for Aggregate Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antibody purification methods face challenges in efficiently separating monomeric antibodies from aggregates, leading to reduced yield and purity, particularly in the first chromatography step, due to the limitations of existing affinity separation matrices.

Innovation Solution

A mixed mode antibody affinity separation matrix is developed by immobilizing both an antibody affinity ligand and a cation exchange group on a water-insoluble carrier, allowing for simultaneous adsorption and elution of target molecules, thereby improving the separation of monomers and reducing the burden on subsequent impurity removal steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If protein A carrier is used for antibody purification under neutral conditions with acidic elution, then antibody adsorption is achieved, but antibody denaturation and aggregate formation occur during elution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantibody adsorptionVSAvoidantibody denaturation and aggregate formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the elution mechanism from pH-dependent to salt concentration-dependent. By using a cation exchange group instead of acidic conditions for elution, the patent maintains antibody stability while achieving effective elution through controlled salt concentration changes, thus preventing denaturation and aggregate formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite separation matrix by immobilizing both protein A (affinity ligand) and cation exchange groups on the same carrier. This composite structure enables simultaneous affinity-based adsorption and salt-based elution, resolving the contradiction between effective antibody capture and gentle elution conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If multiple purification steps including ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography are used after protein A chromatography, then aggregate removal is achieved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaggregate removalVSAvoidpurification process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of aggregate removal and antibody elution into a single step by incorporating cation exchange groups on the protein A carrier. The salt concentration gradient used for elution simultaneously separates aggregates from monomers, eliminating the need for subsequent ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The modified protein A carrier performs multiple functions: it adsorbs antibodies through protein A affinity, enables gentle elution through cation exchange, and simultaneously removes aggregates through salt concentration-dependent separation. This multi-functional carrier simplifies the overall purification process while achieving comprehensive purification goals

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

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 enhances the purity and selective separation of antibodies in the first chromatography step, reducing the need for additional purification steps and improving the overall yield and purity of the antibody preparation.

Implementation Method 1

An affinity ligand has a function of specifically binding to a particular molecule, and an affinity separation matrix prepared by immobilizing the ligand to a water-insoluble carrier is utilized for efficient separation and purification

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAffinity binding: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

A mixed mode antibody affinity separation matrix comprising an antibody affinity ligand and a cation exchange group on a single separation matrix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCation exchange: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentUS9890191B2Mixed-mode antibody affinity separation matrix and purification method using the same, and the target molecules
Publication Date: 2018.02.13 KANEKA CORP

AI summary

A mixed mode antibody affinity separation matrix comprises an antibody affinity ligand and a cation exchange group on a single separation matrix. According to such a matrix in the first step of a process for purifying an antibody or an Fc-containing target molecule, the antibody as the main target substance of the affinity purification can be purified at high purity, the selective separation properties of monomers can also be improved; and the burden on a subsequent impurity removal step can be reduced with respect to the removal of impurities such as aggregates.