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Schmitz F, Minceva M, Kampmann M. Comparison of batch and continuous multi-column capture of monoclonal antibodies with convective diffusive membrane adsorbers. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1732:465201. [PMID: 39079364 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Protein A affinity membrane adsorbers are a promising alternative to resins to intensify the manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies. This study examined the process performance of convective diffusive membrane adsorbers operated in batch and continuous multi-column mode. Therefore, three different processes were compared regarding membrane utilization, productivity, and buffer consumption: the batch process, the rapid cycling parallel multi-column chromatography process, and the rapid cycling simulated moving bed process. The influence of the monoclonal antibody loading concentration (between 0.5 g L-1 and 5.2 g L-1) and the loading flow rate (between 1.25 MV min-1 and 10 MV min-1) on the monoclonal antibody binding behavior of the membrane adsorber were studied with breakthrough curve experiments. The determined breakthrough curves were used to calculate the monoclonal antibody dynamic binding capacity, the duration of the loading steps for each process, and the number of required membrane adsorbers for the continuous processes rapid cycling parallel multi-column chromatography and rapid cycling simulated moving bed. The highest productivity for the batch (176 g L-1 h-1) and rapid cycling parallel multi-column chromatography process (176 g L-1 h-1) was calculated for high monoclonal antibody loading concentrations and low loading flow rates. In contrast, the rapid cycling simulated moving bed process achieved the highest productivity (217 g L-1 h-1) for high monoclonal antibody loading concentrations and loading flow rates. Furthermore, due to the higher membrane utilization, the buffer consumption of the rapid cycling simulated moving bed process (1.1 L g-1) was up to 1.9 times lower than that of the batch or rapid cycling parallel multi-column chromatography operation (2.1 L g-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Schmitz
- Biothermodynamics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany; Corporate Research, Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mirjana Minceva
- Biothermodynamics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Markus Kampmann
- Corporate Research, Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH, Göttingen, Germany.
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Schmitz F, Knöchelmann E, Kruse T, Minceva M, Kampmann M. Continuous multi-column capture of monoclonal antibodies with convective diffusive membrane adsorbers. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:1859-1875. [PMID: 38470343 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Downstream processing is the bottleneck in the continuous manufacturing of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). To overcome throughput limitations, two different continuous processes with a novel convective diffusive protein A membrane adsorber (MA) were investigated: the rapid cycling parallel multi-column chromatography (RC-PMCC) process and the rapid cycling simulated moving bed (RC-BioSMB) process. First, breakthrough curve experiments were performed to investigate the influence of the flow rate on the mAb dynamic binding capacity and to calculate the duration of the loading steps. In addition, customized control software was developed for an automated MA exchange in case of pressure increase due to membrane fouling to enable robust, uninterrupted, and continuous processing. Both processes were performed for 4 days with 0.61 g L-1 mAb-containing filtrate and process performance, product purity, productivity, and buffer consumption were compared. The mAb was recovered with a yield of approximately 90% and productivities of 1010 g L-1 d-1 (RC-PMCC) and 574 g L-1 d-1 (RC-BioSMB). At the same time, high removal of process-related impurities was achieved with both processes, whereas the buffer consumption was lower for the RC-BioSMB process. Finally, the attainable productivity for perfusion bioreactors of different sizes with suitable MA sizes was calculated to demonstrate the potential to operate both processes on a manufacturing scale with bioreactor volumes of up to 2000 L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Schmitz
- Biothermodynamics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Corporate Research, Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elias Knöchelmann
- Corporate Research, Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Kruse
- Corporate Research, Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mirjana Minceva
- Biothermodynamics, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Markus Kampmann
- Corporate Research, Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH, Göttingen, Germany
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Crowley L, Cashen P, Noverraz M, Lobedann M, Nestola P. Reviewing the process intensification landscape through the introduction of a novel, multitiered classification for downstream processing. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:877-893. [PMID: 38214109 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
A demand for process intensification in biomanufacturing has increased over the past decade due to the ever-expanding market for biopharmaceuticals. This is largely driven by factors such as a surge in biosimilars as patents expire, an aging population, and a rise in chronic diseases. With these market demands, pressure upon biomanufacturers to produce quality products with rapid turnaround escalates proportionally. Process intensification in biomanufacturing has been well received and accepted across industry based on the demonstration of its benefits of improved productivity and efficiency, while also reducing the cost of goods. However, while these benefits have been shown empirically, the challenges of adopting process intensification into industry remain, from smaller independent start-up to big pharma. Traditionally, moving from batch to a process intensification scheme has been viewed as an "all or nothing" approach involving continuous bioprocessing, in which the factors of complexity and significant capital costs hinder its adoption. In addition, the literature is crowded with a variety of terms used to describe process intensification (continuous, periodic counter-current, connected, intensified, steady-state, etc.). Often, these terms are used inappropriately or as synonyms, which generates confusion in the field. Through a detailed review of current state-of-the-art systems, consumables, and process intensification case studies, we herein propose a defined approach in the implementation of downstream process intensification through a standardized nomenclature and viewing it as distinct independent levels. These can function separately as intensified single-unit operations or be built upon by integration with other process steps allowing for simple, incremental, cost-effective implementation of process intensification in the manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Crowley
- Sartorius Stedim North America Inc, Bohemia, New York, USA
| | - Paul Cashen
- Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH, Goettingen, Germany
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Osuofa J, Husson SM. Preparation of Protein A Membrane Adsorbers Using Strain-Promoted, Copper-Free Dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-Azide Click Chemistry. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:824. [PMID: 37887996 PMCID: PMC10608826 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Protein A chromatography is the preferred unit operation for purifying Fc-based proteins. Convective chromatography technologies, like membrane adsorbers, can perform the purification rapidly and improve throughput dramatically. While the literature reports the preparation of Protein A membrane adsorbers utilizing traditional coupling chemistries that target lysine or thiol groups on the Protein A ligand, this study demonstrates a new approach utilizing copper-free dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-azide click chemistry. The synthetic pathway consists of three main steps: bioconjugation of Protein A with a DBCO-polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker, preparation of an azide-functionalized membrane surface, and click reaction of DBCO-Protein A onto the membrane surface. Using polyclonal human immunoglobulins (hIgG) as the target molecule, Protein A membranes prepared by this synthetic pathway showed a flowrate-independent dynamic binding capacity of ~10 mg/mL membrane at 10% breakthrough. Fitting of static binding capacity measurements to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm showed a maximum binding (qmax) of 27.48 ± 1.31 mg/mL and an apparent equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of value of 1.72 × 10-1 ± 4.03 × 10-2 mg/mL. This work represents a new application for copper-less click chemistry in the membrane chromatography space and outlines a synthetic pathway that can be followed for immobilization of other ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott M. Husson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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Gautam S, Xin D, Garcia AP, Spiesschaert B. Single-step rapid chromatographic purification and characterization of clinical stage oncolytic VSV-GP. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:992069. [PMID: 36394051 PMCID: PMC9649487 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.992069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purification of viruses, especially for therapeutic purposes, is a tedious and challenging task. The challenges arise due to the size and surface complexity of the virus particles. VSV-GP is a promising oncolytic virus, which has been approved for phase I clinical trials by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of United States and Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) of Germany. The virus particles of VSV-GP are larger in size than vectors commonly used for gene therapy (e.g., adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, etc.). The current established proprietary clinical-grade manufacturing process for the purification of VSV-GP encompasses several chromatographic and non-chromatographic steps. In this study, we describe a new single-step purification process for the purification of VSV-GP virus, using cation exchange convective flow column with relatively higher yields. The purified virus was characterized for its quality attributes using TCID50 assay (for viral infectivity), host cell protein contaminant ELISA, SDS-PAGE, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and cryo-electron microscopy. Furthermore, the purified viral therapeutic material was tested in vivo for its efficacy and safety. All these characterization methods demonstrated a therapeutic virus preparation of high purity and yield, which can be readily used for various studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Gautam
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany
- ViraTherapeutics GmbH, Rum, Austria
| | - Dongyue Xin
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceutical, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Alan Pardo Garcia
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany
- ViraTherapeutics GmbH, Rum, Austria
| | - Bart Spiesschaert
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany
- ViraTherapeutics GmbH, Rum, Austria
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Xue A, Fan S. Matrices and Affinity Ligands for Antibody Purification and Corresponding Applications in Radiotherapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060821. [PMID: 35740946 PMCID: PMC9221399 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies have become an important class of biological products in cancer treatments such as radiotherapy. The growing therapeutic applications have driven a demand for high-purity antibodies. Affinity chromatography with a high affinity and specificity has always been utilized to separate antibodies from complex mixtures. Quality chromatographic components (matrices and affinity ligands) have either been found or generated to increase the purity and yield of antibodies. More importantly, some matrices (mainly particles) and affinity ligands (including design protocols) for antibody purification can act as radiosensitizers or carriers for therapeutic radionuclides (or for radiosensitizers) either directly or indirectly to improve the therapeutic efficiency of radiotherapy. This paper provides a brief overview on the matrices and ligands used in affinity chromatography that are involved in antibody purification and emphasizes their applications in radiotherapy to enrich potential approaches for improving the efficacy of radiotherapy.
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Process- and Product-Related Foulants in Virus Filtration. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9040155. [PMID: 35447715 PMCID: PMC9030149 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory authorities place stringent guidelines on the removal of contaminants during the manufacture of biopharmaceutical products. Monoclonal antibodies, Fc-fusion proteins, and other mammalian cell-derived biotherapeutics are heterogeneous molecules that are validated based on the production process and not on molecular homogeneity. Validation of clearance of potential contamination by viruses is a major challenge during the downstream purification of these therapeutics. Virus filtration is a single-use, size-based separation process in which the contaminating virus particles are retained while the therapeutic molecules pass through the membrane pores. Virus filtration is routinely used as part of the overall virus clearance strategy. Compromised performance of virus filters due to membrane fouling, low throughput and reduced viral clearance, is of considerable industrial significance and is frequently a major challenge. This review shows how components generated during cell culture, contaminants, and product variants can affect virus filtration of mammalian cell-derived biologics. Cell culture-derived foulants include host cell proteins, proteases, and endotoxins. We also provide mitigation measures for each potential foulant.
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Gerstweiler L, Billakanti J, Bi J, Middelberg APJ. Control strategy for multi-column continuous periodic counter current chromatography subject to fluctuating inlet stream concentration. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1667:462884. [PMID: 35182911 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.462884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fluctuations of the inlet feed stream concentration are a challenge in controlling continuous multi-column counter current chromatography systems with standard methods. We propose a new control strategy based on calculated product column breakthrough from UV sensor signals by neglecting an impurity baseline and instead using the impurity to product ratio. This calculation is independent of the inlet feed concentration. In-silico simulation showed that the proposed method can calculate the product column breakthrough perfectly even with fluctuating and highly unstable inlet feed concentration during a loading cycle. Applying the proposed method to control a three column periodic counter current chromatography process with fluctuating inlet feed concentration resulted in constant column loading in each cycle, while using the standard method failed to do so. Unavoidable band broadening caused by diffusion and dispersion has been identified as an inherent limiting factor for accurate calculation of column breakthrough comparing inlet and outlet UV signals. The proposed advanced calculations increase the robustness of periodic counter current chromatography and extend the capability to process unstable inlet streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gerstweiler
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Material, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
| | - Jagan Billakanti
- Global Life Sciences Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Level 11, 32 Phillip St, Parramatta, New South Wales 2150, Australia
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- Division of Research and Innovation, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Anton P J Middelberg
- Division of Research and Innovation, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
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Khanal O, Lenhoff AM. Developments and opportunities in continuous biopharmaceutical manufacturing. MAbs 2021; 13:1903664. [PMID: 33843449 PMCID: PMC8043180 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.1903664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Today's biologics manufacturing practices incur high costs to the drug makers, which can contribute to high prices for patients. Timely investment in the development and implementation of continuous biomanufacturing can increase the production of consistent-quality drugs at a lower cost and a faster pace, to meet growing demand. Efficient use of equipment, manufacturing footprint, and labor also offer the potential to improve drug accessibility. Although technological efforts enabling continuous biomanufacturing have commenced, challenges remain in the integration, monitoring, and control of traditionally segmented unit operations. Here, we discuss recent developments supporting the implementation of continuous biomanufacturing, along with their benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohnmar Khanal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Abraham M. Lenhoff
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
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Transport Membrane Condenser Heat Exchangers to Break the Water-Energy Nexus-A Critical Review. MEMBRANES 2020; 11:membranes11010012. [PMID: 33374101 PMCID: PMC7823663 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Under the notion of water-energy nexus, the unsustainable use of water in power plants has been largely accepted in silence. Moreover, the evaporated water from power plants acts as a primary nucleation source of particulate matter (PM), rendering significant air pollution and adverse health issues. With the emergence of membrane-based dehydration processes such as vapor permeation membrane, membrane condenser, and transport membrane condenser, it is now possible to capture and recycle the evaporated water. Particularly, the concept of transport membrane condensers (TMCs), also known as membrane heat exchangers, has attracted a lot of attention among the membrane community. A TMC combines the advantages of heat exchangers and membranes, and it offers a unique tool to control the transfer of both mass and energy. In this review, recent progress on TMC technology was critically assessed. The effects of TMC process parameters and membrane properties on the dehydration efficiencies were analyzed. The peculiar concept of capillary condensation and its impact on TMC performance were also discussed. The main conclusion of this review was that TMC technology, although promising, will only be competitive when the recovered water quality is high and/or the recovered energy has some energetic value (water temperature above 50 ∘C).
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