Viral Protein Preparation Using Octylphenol-Free Detergents

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of Triton X-100 in the manufacturing of viral vaccines is regulated due to its degradation product, octylphenol, which is an endocrine disruptor and harmful to aquatic wildlife, necessitating the need for sustainable alternatives.

Innovation Solution

The use of secondary alcohol ethoxylates, such as TERGITOL ™< 15-S-9 or DEVIRON ™< 13-S9, as detergents to disrupt virus particles and release viral proteins, replacing Triton X-100 in vaccine production processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If Triton X-100 is used to disrupt virus particles and release viral proteins, then the manufacturing efficiency and protein release are improved, but environmental harm and regulatory restrictions worsen due to octylphenol degradation products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviral protein release efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental harm from octylphenol
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the detergent by replacing Triton X-100 with alternative detergents such as Tergitol 15-S-9, Devron 13-S9, and other non-ionic detergents that do not produce harmful degradation products. This substitution maintains the functional parameters (virus disruption and protein release efficiency) while changing the chemical composition to eliminate environmental harm from octylphenol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If Triton X-100 is used as a detergent in vaccine manufacturing, then virus inactivation and protein solubilization are achieved, but the process becomes restricted by REACH regulations and requires exemptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirus inactivation and protein solubilizationVSAvoidregulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical identity parameter of the detergent from Triton X-100 to alternative detergents (Tergitol 15-S-9, Devron 13-S9, etc.) that are not restricted by REACH regulations. This maintains the functional parameters of virus inactivation and protein solubilization while improving regulatory compliance and eliminating the need for exemptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If alternative detergents are used to replace Triton X-100, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the effectiveness in disrupting virus particles and releasing proteins may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidvirus disruption effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically evaluates and selects alternative detergents (Tergitol 15-S-9, Devron 13-S9, and other non-ionic detergents) that match the functional parameters of Triton X-100 in terms of virus disruption and protein release effectiveness, while improving the environmental sustainability parameter by eliminating octylphenol degradation products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent identifies alternative detergents that copy the functional properties of Triton X-100 (non-ionic surfactants with similar HLB values and micelle formation characteristics) to ensure equivalent virus disruption and protein solubilization performance while avoiding the harmful degradation products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 provides effective disruption and release of viral proteins while being environmentally friendly, maintaining vaccine efficacy and safety.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting a suspension of virions or a suspension of host cells to a detergent comprising a compound having a CAS registry number of CAS 68131-40-8 or CAS 84133-50-6, wherein each virion comprises a lipid membrane that comprises the at least one viral protein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDetergent disruption: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP4670733A1Methods for preparing viral proteins and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SANOFI SA(FR)
  • EP4670733A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4670733A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4670733A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

This application relates to methods for preparing viral proteins, such as influenza hemagglutinin proteins and/or influenza neuraminidase proteins, immunogenic compositions comprising the viral proteins thus obtained and vaccines comprising the same, as well as methods of using the same, in particular in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases or conditions caused by viruses, such as influenza viruses.