Protein concentration monitoring is important for determining the step yield, as well as the capacity and efficiency of a particular protein production run. Downstream processes such as protein purification and buffer exchange for final formulations require accurate protein quantitation for quality control. Previously, batch testing was performed using standard cuvette methodology. Multiple cuvette volumes of product needed to be pulled from the manufacturing line and sent to another area for QC analysis. Results were then sent back to the manufacturing floor to calculate the step yield, determine the amount of product needed for subsequent steps, and make any adjustments to ensure the system reaches a desired target amount.
The integration of a microvolume analysis system at Diosynth has provided increased confidence in the processing results and fidelity of the end product for several reasons. First, the molecular integrity of the sample remains intact during testing, which is highly preferred from a regulatory standpoint. Second, microsampling reduces waste and allows real-time adjustments to be made immediately at the processing line. Third, the multisample capability of the microvolume UV-Vis system allows for convenient replicate sampling, providing a broader data set for quality assurance. Finally, having a common platform for sample testing facilitates training and integration of this technology throughout a facility.
Microvolume testing allows the iterative process between production and quality control to take place on the protein manufacturing floor in real time. The eight- pedestal system of the NanoDrop 8000, with a measurement time of ~15 seconds for eight samples, allows a large set of data to be generated, which, in turn, provides greater confidence in the condition of the product batch. By performing the analysis directly on the manufacturing floor, adjustments can be made quickly.
Diosynth has found the NanoDrop technology to be beneficial for microvolume UV testing at the product stream (at-line) and has reported significant savings of time and at least a fivefold improvement in efficiency. Reactions can be stopped based on a “UV gate” without wasting valuable time.
As biomanufacturing methodologies continually push the threshold of product production, detection systems need to co-evolve with the process. The dynamic range of concentration measurement capability of the NanoDrop 8000 allows measurements of the protein product to be performed at strength without dilution. The integrity of the batch biomolecule is thus maintained, providing a robust and accurate assessment of the protein product in its natural state.
On the protein side, the industry has moved to high concentration therapeutics, and any time dilutions are performed, the protein product may change its molecular configuration. NanoDrop technology allows measurement of the product in its neat configuration, giving companies greater confidence in the final drug being delivered to the patient. The ability to analyze what is truly in a sample vial without changing it gives greater assurance to the regulatory authorities that the intent of the biomolecule has not changed during testing.
Although time was the primary driver for NanoDrop technology integration on the Diosynth manufacturing floor, reducing sample waste has been another significant benefit. Microvolume testing technology minimizes the amount of material lost during quality-control assessment. During an entire process run, traditional UV testing typically requires pulling several cuvette-filled samples for analysis. Using microvolume analysis, 1–2 microliter samples can be continually pulled off the product stream with minimal loss of product.
When moving laboratory technologies down to the manufacturing floor, software becomes an important factor for simple solution integration. The user-friendly interface of NanoDrop software relieves the burden on analysts on the floor to learn complicated software, reducing the cost of having to retrain personnel.
The ability to create custom methods also allows users to specify testing parameters and tailor analysis to specific biomolecules of interest. Diosynth personnel has found NanoDrop software to be straightforward, allowing assays and terminologies to be put into SOPs on a common platform, which avoids retraining for every specific product batch.