Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is the most common technique for aggregate determination. Key advantages are easy handling and good reproducibility. We offer services that include method development of SEC/SEC-MALLS methods and the inclusion of multiangle laser light scattering detection (MALLS) to already existing SEC methods. Please follow the link for more information. 

Sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) is regarded as the gold standard for aggregation analytics. SV-AUC is a first principle method, and in contrast to size exclusion chromatography (SEC), SV-AUC does not rely on a stationary phase.  Furthermore, SV-AUC samples are not diluted by a mobile phase. For these reasons, regulatory bodies like FDA and EMA show steadily increasing interest in SV-AUC results. We therefore advise to always verify SEC results by a first principle method like SV-AUC. For more information about the use of SV-AUC in biopharmaceutical development please follow the link.

Dynamic light scattering is a valuable tool for biopharmaceutical development. It is a fast and efficient screening method for aggregate / particle detection. DLS closes the gap between the range of small soluble aggregates that are detected via size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and particles analyzed by methods such as light obscuration (LO) or micro flow imaging (MFI). Owing to the technique’s high sensitivity towards large species, even small impurities can be detected within the measurement range of0.5 nm to 1 µm. If you want to hear more about the use of DLS in biopharmaceutical development please follow the link.

AF4 is a valuable tool for verification of SEC results. It can use the same mobile phase but does not depend on a stationary phase. AF4 thus is an exceptionally useful technique to investigate the effect of the stationary phase on SEC results. AF4 is applicable to establishing screening methods with large measurement ranges, from 1 nm up to 1 μm. Despite the vast size region, high resolution within the oligomeric range is possible. In combination with a multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS) detector, AF4 allows us to quantify as well as characterize different species, for example in regard to their molecular weight). For further information please follow the link. 

Light scattering is a well defined effect. The physical properties of light scattering are used for several applications, such as dynamic and static light scattering. Please follow the link to a detailed description of light scattering theory. 

The detection of soluble aggregates is a crucial step for a wide range of bio-pharmaceutical products. It can be seen as one of the most important quality parameter, independent of the type of material you want us to analyze for you.  if you have a gene therapy, a proteinaceous or an oligonucleotide based product. We can offer a   We are offering  a wide range of analytical techniques for the determination of soluble aggregates. We can support you with finding the best technique to determine the amount of soluble aggregates as well as their characterization. We also have a specialized web page on this very topic. Please follow the link for more information.