High throughput (HT) chromatography is an essential tool for clinical and commercial purification development, enabling more efficient workflows and more robust biopharmaceutical processes. However, as usage of HT chromatography increases, additional challenges remain. Within purification development, such challenges can be categorized into three areas: (1) bottlenecks due to pre- and post-run manual activities, (2) steep learning curves for end-users that limit adoption and use of HT equipment, and (3) handling and analysis of larger data sets. Here, we have developed an automation package that is designed to address all three challenges.<br/>Leveraging a Tecan automated liquid handler, a simple graphical user interface, and a Visual Basic back end, we have extended the standard automation capabilities beyond HT chromatography execution to include all pre-run and post-run activities. Available modules include automated buffer preparation, load pH and conductivity adjustments, chromatography execution, and fraction pooling. The user defines key experimental parameters for chromatography operation and the run is then executed from a single Tecan script, which handles the variable conditions for the selected modules. Finally, a record of the run is saved in a standardized file format to enable streamlined analysis of larger data sets. This application allows for any chromatography experiment within our platform space to be executed start-to-finish with hands-free automation. This work eliminates significant bottlenecks within our chromatography experiments, increases adoption and usage of HT chromatography, and simplifies and accelerates data analysis. Ultimately, this fully automated HT chromatography approach enables more effective and efficient development of chromatography operations, reducing the timelines and costs to bring medicines to patients.

Push-button high throughput chromatography

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.