Hollow Fiber Flow-Field-Flow Fractionation

Method Introduction

Hollow fiber flow field-flow fractionation (HF5) is a valuable variation of the more frequently used AF4 technique for sizing and quantifying aggregates and particles in protein formulations.
HF5 separates the various species in a hollow fiber of an ultrafiltration membrane. As for AF4, the underlying force to separate the species is a cross-flow. In HF5, however, the cross-flow is applied radially inside the hollow fiber. Similar to HP-SEC analysis, UV, refractive index, and fluorescence detectors are usually used as concentration-determining/quantifying detection systems in HF5 analysis. Additionally, multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS) detection is used to determine fractionated species’ molecular weight and size.

The advantages of the HF5 system over the classical AF4 set-up are better resolution, fewer dilution effects due to the low volume in the hollow fiber, and, in some cases, higher sensitivity. However, HF5 systems do not offer the same flexibility regarding channel dimensions, membrane material, and membrane pore size as AF4.

Need more information? Follow the links below and contact our experts with your questions today.

Applications

Because of its wide separation range from a few nanometers to micrometers, HF5 has been found appropriate for the analysis of colloidal systems, such as liposomes, nanoparticles, polymers, and virus-like particles (see relevant publication). HF5 can be used in all pharmaceutical development and manufacturing stages, from early research to late-stage release testing.

HP-SEC still represents the current standard in characterizing most biopharmaceuticals that contain fragments and/or small aggregates and oligomers. However, HF5 can benefit samples sensitive to shear forces, interfaces, or extreme buffer conditions (such as high salt concentrations typically required by HP-SEC). The lower surface area of an HF5 membrane compared to a column limits interaction between the analytes and solid phase. Also, the lack of a highly packed solid phase enables lower system pressure, reduces shear forces, and increases the upper size limit compared to HP-SEC. Further, utilizing a formulation buffer as the mobile phase in HF5 is possible.

Quality and Biosafety Level

We provide all our analytical services with the highest quality standards. Experienced scientists carry out each project, and a scientific reviewer comprehensively checks every report or data presentation.

We offer this technology with the following quality and biosafety levels:

R&D level

We offer this method under R&D. Our GRP system assures the highest-quality research standards.

Up to biosafety level 2

This method can be applied to nucleic acids, viruses, cells, viral vectors, including lentiviruses and more.

Analytical Method Development, Qualification and Validation

For common sample types, we can often apply standardized methods with little setup effort. However, when needed, our experienced analytical experts create or optimize custom methods tailored to your active pharmaceutical ingredient, product type and development phase.

Method Development

Our method development approach tailors sample preparation, method settings and data analysis to the needs of your project and sample.

We include representative samples and, where available, suitable reference standards and stressed/degraded materials, allowing our analytical scientists to design a highly suitable, stability-indicating, robust and repeatable method. Upon request, we will compile a detailed description of the method for your records.

Method Qualification

Method qualification is the initial assessment of an analytical procedure’s performance to show its suitability for its intended purpose.

During method qualification, our analytical scientists perform documented testing demonstrating that the analytical procedure meets criteria in several categories. Criteria may include factors such as repeatability, specificity and robustness. We compile a qualification plan and report, including all relevant data.

Method Validation

Under GMP conditions, method validation confirms that an analytical procedure’s performance suits its intended purpose. Depending on the method’s scope, a broad range of method characteristics, such as specificity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection/limit of quantification (LOD/LOQ), linearity and range, is considered.

During method validation, our analytical scientists perform documented testing demonstrating that the analytical procedure consistently produces a result that meets the predetermined acceptance criteria. We compile a validation plan and report that includes all relevant data.

Depending on the development phase, a fit-for-purpose validation approach can be offered, adjusting the validation required efforts in a phase-appropriate way to meet the method’s needs.

Method Verification

Compendial method verification confirms that a compendial method (e.g., from Ph. Eur. or USP) is suitable and reliable for its intended purpose under the specific conditions of the laboratory.

Unlike full method validation, compendial method verification is often considered a partial validation since the method has already undergone extensive testing and validation during its inclusion in the compendium. The extent of method verification depends on the type of method.

During method verification, our analytical scientists perform documented testing demonstrating that the developed analytical method performs adequately for the specific product or matrix being tested and within the specific laboratory where the method will be employed.

Talk to Our Experts or Request a Quote

Our expert team is ready to answer your questions and guide you to the services best suited to your program’s modality, stage and challenge. If your needs are well-defined, we’ll begin the quotation process.

Description