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.
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- D.J. Houde, A.S. Berkowitz, eds., Biophysical Characterization of Proteins in Developing Biopharmaceuticals, 1st ed., Newnes, 2014
- S. Zölls, R. Tantipolphan, M. Wiggenhorn, G. Winter, W. Jiskoot, W. Friess, A. Hawe, Particles in therapeutic protein formulations, Part 1: overview of analytical methods., J. Pharm. Sci. 101 [2012] 914–35. doi:10.1002/jps.23001.
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.
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