1. MicroParticle Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Label Antibodies using Biotin NHS Chemistry</li>
	<li>Determination of the Degree of Biotinylation</li>
	<li>Conjugate Streptavidin Beads with Biotinylated Antibody
 <ol>
		<li>Resuspend the beads in the original vial by vortexing for 1-2 minutes</li>
		<li>Aliquot the desired volume of beads into a microcentrifuge tube</li>
		<li>Wash the beads 3 times with PBST:
			<ol>
				<li>Place the tube containing the beads on the magnet for 2 minutes </li>
				<li>Remove the supernatant by aspiration with the tube on the magnet. Be careful not to disrupt the beads </li>
				<li>Remove the tube from the magnet and add 1 mL PBST </li>
				<li>Vortex for 20 seconds to resuspend the beads </li>
				<li>Centrifuge for 5 seconds to remove the beads from the cap </li>
				<li>Repeat 2.3.1-2.3.5 twice more</li>
			</ol>
		</li>
 <li>After the third wash place the tube on the magnet and aspirate the PBST </li>
		<li>Add biotinylated antibody to the beads and resuspend </li>
		<li>If necessary bring the volume of the biotinylated antibody up to 300 &mu;L with PBS. If the antibody volume is already greater than 300 &mu;L do not add any PBS </li>
		<li>Incubate the bead/antibody suspension for 30 minutes at RT on the vortex shaker or tube rotator </li>
		<li>Wash 3 times with PBST as in step 3. </li>
		<li>Block beads with biotinylated BSA
	<ol>
		<li>After the third wash add 10 &mu;g/mg biotinylated BSA, adjust the volume to 300 &mu;L with PBS if necessary, and incubate with agitation for 30 minutes</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Wash 3 times with PBST as in step 3 </li>
	<li>Resuspend the beads in 100 &mu;L of PBS/0.05% BSA. Sodium azide can be added for long term storage </li>
</ol>
</li>
	<li>Using standard NHS Fluorescein protocols, fluoresceinate the detector antibody</li>
	<li>Determine the Degree of Fluorescination</li>
</ol>
2. HCP - Development
<ol>
	<li>Prepare working solutions:
	<ol>
		<li>Fluorescein labeled Antibody (Fl-Ab): Most CHO-HCP assays use Fl-Ab at a final concentration of 400 ng/mL. The Fl-Ab is added as &frac14; of the final assay volume, therefore the concentration of the working solution is 1.6 &mu;g/mL. Prepare this solution by diluting FlAb stock with BioScale Bead/FlAb Diluent. </li>
		<li>Beads: Most CHO-HCP assays use beads at a final concentration of 2x105 beads/mL. The bead reagent constitutes &frac14; of the final assay volume; therefore the concentration of the working solution is 8x105 beads/mL. Prepare this solution by diluting bead stock with BioScale Bead/FlAb Diluent. Vortex the bead stock well to make sure all the beads are in suspension prior to removing an aliquot. </li>
		<li>Running Buffer: The composition of the running buffer may have to be optimized for the antibodies used to develop the assay, however several CHO-HCP assays have been developed using 10 mM HEPES buffer, 1% Tween, pH 7.5. BioScale has developed an additive for the running buffer (supplied with the development kit) which is added to the buffer to a concentration of 1% prior to use.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Dilute calibrators and samples with BioScale Sample Diluent. </li>
</ol>
3. ViBE System Set Up
<ol>
	<li>Turn the ViBE Workstation on </li>
	<li>Connect the system supply and waste </li>
	<li>Prime the system </li>
	<li>Insert a ViBE Cartridge </li>
	<li>Route the tubes </li>
	<li>Prepare assay template by filling out the sheet labeled "Sample Setup". BioScale provides the capability to have one assay template for each ViBE Workstation assay. This allows the user to edit and save specific notes in the "Notes" sheet of the template for different assays keeping a complete record of the experiment. </li>
	<li>Initial assay template set up: Begin by filling out the table (top left corner) of the concentration range of the standards in the assay in the "Sample Setup" sheet. </li>
	<li>Next, enter additional information in the table to the right of the standards (Simple Column Read Setup, One Reagent Add and Two Reagent Add setups) to instruct the ViBE Workstation how long samples need to incubate, how much volume of reagent is to be transferred, how long the sample accumulation needs to be, and whether sensor conditioning and decontamination of probes and cartridge are necessary, etc </li>
	<li>Fill out the plate layout. </li>
	<li>Load sample/reagents into plates. The ViBE will provide the required volumes for the reagent plate. Sample volume can vary, but in half of a total assay volume of 120 &mu;L is a good starting place. </li>
	<li>Apply plate covers. Load plates onto workstation deck.</li>
	<li>Run the assay start up wizard, go through wizard and start assay.</li>
</ol>
4. Representative Results
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2493/2493fig1.jpg" alt="Figure 1" /> Figure 1: AMMP Sandwich Immunoassay
On a ViBE Workstation, an AMMP assay measures antigen concentration. Signal is measured when the bead-antigen-hapten antibody binds to the sensor through the hapten/anti-hapten interaction. Regeneration brings the sensor back to the beginning state by removing the immune complexes.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2493/2493fig2.jpg" alt="Figure 2" /> Figure 2: CHO-HCP AMMP Assay calibration curve
Figure 2 above is an example of a CHO HCP AMMP Assay calibration curve. Analysis can be performed in samples from across the purification stream including the reactor with high precision and reproducibility.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2493/2493fig3.jpg" alt="Figure 3" /> Figure 3: Protein A AMMP Assay calibration curve
Figure 3 is a calibration curve for a Residual Protein A AMMP Assay, performed with a VIBE Residual Protein A Assay Kit. The same kit can be used for a faster assay with a 30 minute incubation period, or for more sensitive results and wider dynamic range with a longer incubation period without loss of precision or accuracy, both of which are typically better than equivalent ELISA's in users' hands
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2493/2493fig4.jpg" alt="Figure 4" /> Figure 4: Product Titer AMMP Assay
The ViBE Workstation can also be used for a Product Titer assay, results shown in figure 4. Performed differently than other AMMP Assays, this assay does not require sample treatment other than simple dilution, or beads, and quantitation has been verified in "no spin" samples containing over 10 million cells over a wide range of viabilities.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2493/2493fig5.jpg" alt="Figure 5" /> Figure 5: AMMP Assay standard curve for GST-Gadd34 biomarker assay
Shown in Figure 5 is a standard curve of signal obtained by the ViBE BioAnalyzer (Panel A) or AlphaScreen Technology using recombinant GST-Gadd34. Results on the ViBE platform were approximately a log more sensitive using the same antibodies. AMMP leverages the measurement of fewer larger particles yet still benefits from solution phase capture and detection complex formation.
<img src="/files/ftp_upload/2493/2493fig6.jpg" alt="Figure 6" /> Figure 6: AMMP Assay standard curve for GST-Gadd34 in tumor sample
In Figure 6, the induction of Gadd34 from CWR22 xenografts was tested in the presence or absence of a boronate proteasome inhibitor as analyzed by either the ViBE BioAnalyzer (Panel A) or AlphaScreen (Panel B). The ViBE platform was able to produce sensitive, reproducible results in the in vivo tumor xenografts whereas the AlphaScreen signal was quenched with increased &mu;g of protein.
This example shows the power of AMMP technology in highly complex samples. Due to the sensitive detection chip and high efficiency of the magnet near the chips, low numbers of magnetic microparticles can efficiently and reproducibly scavenge for low abundance target amidst the complexity of lysed cellular (including lysis reagents) and blood debris.

The authors of this article are employed by Bioscale, Inc that produces some of the instruments and reagents used in this article.

The foregoing examples demonstrate AMMP's highly sensitive quantitative results in complex samples. This performance, when delivered with the ease and control of formatting reagents into the system is enabling for a variety of applications. Those applications may be specific for a target, as in Gadd34 in tumor, or generic for a spectrum of targets, as in host cell protein detection and quantitation in samples that cross the purification stream. The low overhead ViBE platform combined with highly flexible AMMP provides a powerful tool for delivering critical assays.

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		<div>
		<table border="1">
		<thead>
		<tr>
		<th>Material Name</th>
		<th>Type</th>
		<th>Company</th>
		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
		</tr>
		</thead>
		<tbody>
		
<tr>
<td>NHS-Chromogenic-biotin or NHS-Chromogenic Biotin Labeling kit</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>If NHS-Chromogenic-biotin is purchased as a reagent the following additional materials will be required</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Water-miscible organic solvent such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylformamide (DMF)</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or other amine free buffer (pH 7 &#x2013; 9)</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Desalting columns or dialysis units for buffer exchange</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Spectrophotometer able to measure 354 and 280 nm &#x2013; for measuring protein and biotin concentrations</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Biotinylated antibody (2-5 biotins/Ab)</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Streptavidin magnetic beads</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td><a href="http://www.bioscale.com">BioScale</a></td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>(10 mg/mL) ~108 beads/mg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Magnet for microcentrifuge tubes</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>New England BioLabs</td>
<td>cat # S1510S</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Biotinylated BSA for blocking</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Phosphate buffered saline (PBS)</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>PBS 0.1% Tween 20</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Vortex</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Microcentrifuge holder for Vortex or tube rotator</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Antibody or protein to be labeled</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>NHS-Fluorescein or NHS-Fluorescein Labeling kit</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>If NHS-Fluorescein is purchased as a reagent the following additional materials will be required</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Water-miscible organic solvent such as dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylformamide (DMF)</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>50 mM borate, pH 8.5 or other amine free buffer (pH 7 &#x2013; 9)</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Desalting columns or dialysis units for buffer exchange</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Measurement of protein and fluorescein concentrations requires a spectrophotometer able to measure 493 and 280 nm.</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<tr>
<td>Diluent</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td><a href="http://www.bioscale.com">BioScale</a></td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>to dilute beads and FlAb</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sample Diluent</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td><a href="http://www.bioscale.com">BioScale</a></td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>to dilute samples and calibrators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Running Buffer Additive</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td><a href="http://www.bioscale.com">BioScale</a></td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>		</tbody>
		</table>
		</div>

developing custom chinese hamster ovary-host cell protein assays using acoustic membrane microparticle technology

Custom assays for unique proteins are often limited to time consuming manual detection and quantitation techniques such as ELISA or Western blots due to the complexity of development on alternate platforms. BioScale's proprietary Acoustic Membrane MicroParticle (AMMP) technology allows sandwich immunoassays to be easily developed for use on the ViBE platform, providing better sensitivity, reproducibility, and automated operation. Provided as an example, this protocol outlines the procedure for developing a custom Chinese Hamster Ovary- Host Cell Protein (CHO-HCP) assay. The general principles outlined here can be followed for the development of a wide variety of immunoassays.
An AMMP assay measures antigen concentration by measuring changes in oscillation frequency caused by the binding of microparticles to the sensor surface to calculate. It consists of four major components: (1) a cartridge that contains a functionalized eight sensor chip (2) antibody labeled magnetic microparticles, (3) hapten tagged antibody that binds to the surface of the functionalized chip (4) samples containing the antigen of interest. BioScale's biosensor is a resonant device that contains eight individual membranes with separate fluidic paths. The membranes change oscillation frequency in response to mass accumulating on the surface and this frequency change is used to quantitate the amount of added mass.
To facilitate use in a wide variety of immunoassays the sensor is functionalized with an anti-hapten antibody. Assay specific antibodies are modified through the covalent conjugation of a hapten tag to one antibody and biotin to the other. The biotin label is used to bind the antibody to streptavidin coupled magnetic beads which, in combination with the hapten-tagged antibody, are used to capture the analyte in a sandwich. The complex binds to the chip through the anti-hapten/hapten interaction. At the end of each assay run the sensors are cleaned with a dilute acid enabling the sequential analysis of columns from a 96-well plate.
Here, we present the method for developing a custom CHO-HCP AMMP assay for bioprocess development. Developing AMMP assays or modifying existing assays into AMMP assays can provide better performance (reproducibility, sensitivity) in complex samples and reduced operator time. The protocol shows the steps for development and the discussion section reviews representative results. For a more in-depth explanation of assay optimization and customization parameters contact BioScale. This kit offers generic bioprocess development assays such as Residual Protein A, Product titer, and CHO-HCP.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Developing Custom Chinese Hamster Ovary-host Cell Protein Assays using Acoustic Membrane Microparticle Technology at JoVE.com

Developing Custom Chinese Hamster Ovary-host Cell Protein Assays using Acoustic Membrane Microparticle Technology

Development of custom assays on the ViBE platform for more sensitive, reproducible, automated results in complex matrices is described. The universal cartridge allows assays to be easily adapted for use with custom assays. This versatility enables rapid development and validation of novel assays or automated versions of existing manual assays, exemplified in this video.

Custom assays for unique proteins are often limited to time consuming manual detection and quantitation techniques such as ELISA or Western blots due to ...

developing-custom-chinese-hamster-ovary-host-cell-protein-assays

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

13.1K Views.  BioScale, Inc..  Development of custom assays on the ViBE platform for more sensitive, reproducible, automated results in complex matrices is described. The universal cartridge allows assays to be easily adapted for use with custom assays. This versatility enables rapid development and validation of novel assays or automated versions of existing manual assays, exemplified in this video. 

Video: Developing Custom Chinese Hamster Ovary-host Cell Protein Assays using Acoustic Membrane Microparticle Technology

Increasing cDNA Yields from Single-cell Quantities of mRNA in Standard Laboratory Reverse Transcriptase Reactions using Acoustic Microstreaming

Correlating gene expression with cell behavior is ideally done at the single-cell level. However, this is not easily achieved because the small amount of labile mRNA present in a single cell (1-5% of 1-50pg total RNA, or 0.01-2.5pg mRNA, per cell 1) mostly degrades before it can be reverse transcribed into a stable cDNA copy. For example, using standard laboratory reagents and hardware, only a small number of genes can be qualitatively assessed per cell 2. One way to increase the efficiency of standard laboratory reverse transcriptase (RT) reactions (i.e. standard reagents in microliter volumes) comprising single-cell amounts of mRNA would be to more rapidly mix the reagents so the mRNA can be converted to cDNA before it degrades. However this is not trivial because at microliter scales liquid flow is laminar, i.e. currently available methods of mixing (i.e. shaking, vortexing and trituration) fail to produce sufficient chaotic motion to effectively mix reagents. To solve this problem, micro-scale mixing techniques have to be used 3,4. A number of microfluidic-based mixing technologies have been developed which successfully increase RT reaction yields 5-8. However, microfluidics technologies require specialized hardware that is relatively expensive and not yet widely available. A cheaper, more convenient solution is desirable. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate how application of a novel "micromixing" technique to standard laboratory RT reactions comprising single-cell quantities of mRNA significantly increases their cDNA yields. We find cDNA yields increase by approximately 10-100-fold, which enables: (1) greater numbers of genes to be analyzed per cell; (2) more quantitative analysis of gene expression; and (3) better detection of low-abundance genes in single cells. The micromixing is based on acoustic microstreaming 9-12, a phenomenon where sound waves propagating around a small obstacle create a mean flow near the obstacle. We have developed an acoustic microstreaming-based device ("micromixer") with a key simplification; acoustic microstreaming can be achieved at audio frequencies by ensuring the system has a liquid-air interface with a small radius of curvature 13. The meniscus of a microliter volume of solution in a tube provides an appropriately small radius of curvature. The use of audio frequencies means that the hardware can be inexpensive and versatile 13, and nucleic acids and other biochemical reagents are not damaged like they can be with standard laboratory sonicators.

We describe a novel method for increasing cDNA yield from single-cell quantities of mRNA in otherwise standard laboratory reverse transcription reactions. The novelty resides in the use of a micromixer, which utilizes the phenomenon of acoustic microstreaming, to mix fluids at microliter scales more effectively than shaking, vortexing or trituration.

Correlating gene expression with cell behavior is ideally done at the single-cell level.  However, this is not easily achieved because the small amount of ...

Isolation and Characterization Of Chimeric Human Fc-expressing Proteins Using Protein A Membrane Adsorbers And A Streamlined Workflow

Laboratory scale to industrial scale purification of biomolecules from cell culture supernatants and lysed cell solutions can be accomplished using affinity chromatography.&#160;While affinity chromatography using porous protein A agarose beads packed in columns is arguably the most common method of laboratory scale isolation of antibodies and recombinant proteins expressing Fc fragments of IgG, it can be a time consuming and expensive process.&#160;Time and financial constraints are especially daunting in small basic science labs that must recover hundreds of micrograms to milligram quantities of protein from dilute solutions, yet lack access to high pressure liquid delivery systems and/or personnel with expertise in bioseparations. Moreover, product quantification and characterization may also excessively lengthen processing time over several workdays and inflate expenses (consumables, wages, etc.).&#160;Therefore, a fast, inexpensive, yet effective protocol is needed for laboratory scale isolation and characterization of antibodies and other proteins possessing an Fc fragment.&#160;To this end, we have devised a protocol that can be completed by limited-experience technical staff in less than 9 hr (roughly one workday) and as quickly as 4 hr, as opposed to traditional methods that demand 20+ work hours. Most required equipment is readily available in standard biomedical science, biochemistry, and (bio)chemical engineering labs, and all reagents are commercially available.&#160;To demonstrate this protocol, representative results are presented in which chimeric&#160;murine galectin-1 fused to human Fc (Gal-1hFc) from cell culture supernatant was isolated using a protein A membrane adsorber.&#160;Purified Gal-1hFc was quantified using an expedited Western blotting analysis procedure and characterized using flow cytometry. The streamlined workflow can be modified for other Fc-expressing proteins, such as antibodies, and/or altered to incorporate alternative quantification and characterization methods.

Compared with traditional affinity chromatography using protein A agarose bead-packed columns, protein A membrane adsorbers can significantly speed laboratory-scale isolation of antibodies and other Fc fragment-expressing proteins.&#160;Appropriate analysis and quantification methods can further accelerate protein processing, allowing isolation/characterization to be completed in one workday, instead of 20+ work hours.

Laboratory scale to industrial scale purification of biomolecules from cell culture supernatants and lysed cell solutions can be accomplished using ...

Generic Protocol for Optimization of Heterologous Protein Production Using Automated Microbioreactor Technology

A core business in industrial biotechnology using microbial production cell factories is the iterative process of strain engineering and optimization of bioprocess conditions. One important aspect is the improvement of cultivation medium to provide an optimal environment for microbial formation of the product of interest. It is well accepted that the media composition can dramatically influence overall bioprocess performance. Nutrition medium optimization is known to improve recombinant protein production with microbial systems and thus, this is a rewarding step in bioprocess development. However, very often standard media recipes are taken from literature, since tailor-made design of the cultivation medium is a tedious task that demands microbioreactor technology for sufficient cultivation throughput, fast product analytics, as well as support by lab robotics to enable reliability in liquid handling steps. Furthermore, advanced mathematical methods are required for rationally analyzing measurement data and efficiently designing parallel experiments such as to achieve optimal information content.
The generic nature of the presented protocol allows for easy adaption to different lab equipment, other expression hosts, and target proteins of interest, as well as further bioprocess parameters. Moreover, other optimization objectives like protein production rate, specific yield, or product quality can be chosen to fit the scope of other optimization studies. The applied Kriging Toolbox (KriKit) is a general tool for Design of Experiments (DOE) that contributes to improved holistic bioprocess optimization. It also supports multi-objective optimization which can be important in optimizing both upstream and downstream processes.

This manuscript describes a generic approach for tailor-made design of microbial cultivation media. This is enabled by an iterative workflow combining Kriging-based experimental design and microbioreactor technology for sufficient cultivation throughput, which is supported by lab robotics to increase reliability and speed in liquid handling media preparation.

A core business in industrial biotechnology using microbial production cell factories is the iterative process of strain engineering and optimization of ...

Purification and Analytics of a Monoclonal Antibody from Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells Using an Automated Microbioreactor System

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are one of the most popular and well-characterized biological products manufactured today. Most commonly produced using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, culture and process conditions must be optimized to maximize antibody titers and achieve target quality profiles. Typically, this optimization uses automated microscale bioreactors (15 mL) to screen multiple process conditions in parallel. Optimization criteria include culture performance and the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) product, which may impact its efficacy and safety. Culture performance metrics include cell growth and nutrient consumption, while the CQAs include the mAb's N-glycosylation and aggregation profiles, charge variants, and molecular weight. This detailed protocol describes how to purify and subsequently analyze HCCF samples produced by an automated microbioreactor system to gain valuable performance metrics and outputs. First, an automated protein A fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) method is used to purify the mAb from harvested cell culture samples. Once concentrated, the glycan profiles are analyzed by mass spectrometry using a specific platform (refer to the Table of Materials). Antibody molecular weights and aggregation profiles are determined using size exclusion chromatography-multiple angle light scattering (SEC-MALS), while charge variants are analyzed using microchip capillary zone electrophoresis (mCZE). In addition to the culture performance metrics captured during the bioreactor process (i.e., culture viability, cell counts, and common metabolites including glutamine, glucose, lactate, and ammonia), spent media is analyzed to identify limiting nutrients to improve the feeding strategies and overall process design. Therefore, a detailed protocol for the absolute quantification of amino acids by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) of spent media is also described. The methods used in this protocol take advantage of high-throughput platforms that are compatible for large numbers of small-volume samples.

A detailed protocol for the purification and subsequent analysis of a monoclonal antibody from harvested cell culture fluid (HCCF) of automated microbioreactors has been described. Use of analytics to determine critical quality attributes (CQAs) and maximizing limited sample volume to extract vital information is also presented.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are one of the most popular and well-characterized biological products manufactured today. Most commonly produced using ...

Process Optimization using High Throughput Automated Micro-Bioreactors in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell Cultivation

Optimization of bioprocesses to increase the yield of desired products is of importance in the biopharmaceutical industry. This can be achieved by strain selection and by developing bioprocess parameters. Shake flasks have been used for this purpose. They, however, lack the capability to control the process parameters such as pH and dissolved oxygen (DO). This limitation can be overcome with the help of an automated micro-bioreactor. These bioreactors mimic cultivation at a larger scale. One of the major advantages of this system is the integration of the Design of Experiment (DOE) in the software. This integration enables establishing a design where multiple process parameters can be varied simultaneously. The critical process parameters and optimum bioprocess conditions can be analyzed within the software. The focus of the work presented here is to introduce the user to the steps involved in process design in the software and incorporation of the DOE within the cultivation run.

Here, we present a detailed procedure to run a Design of Experiment in an automated micro-bioreactor followed by cell harvest and protein quantification using a Protein A column.

Optimization of bioprocesses to increase the yield of desired products is of importance in the biopharmaceutical industry. This can be achieved by strain ...

Preparing Protein Producing Synthetic Cells using Cell Free Bacterial Extracts, Liposomes and Emulsion Transfer

The bottom-up assembly approach for construction of synthetic cells is an effective tool for isolating and investigating cellular processes in a cell mimicking environment. Furthermore, the development of cell-free expression systems has demonstrated the ability to reconstitute the protein production, transcription and translation processes (DNA&#8594;RNA&#8594;protein) in a controlled manner, harnessing synthetic biology. Here we describe a protocol for preparing a cell-free expression system, including the production of a potent bacterial lysate and encapsulating this lysate inside cholesterol-rich lipid-based giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) (i.e., stable liposomes), to form synthetic cells. The protocol describes the methods for preparing the components of the synthetic cells including the production of active bacterial lysates, followed by a detailed step-by-step preparation of the synthetic cells based on a water-in-oil emulsion transfer method. These facilitate the production of millions of synthetic cells in a simple and affordable manner with a high versatility for producing different types of proteins. The obtained synthetic cells can be used to investigate protein/RNA production and activity in an isolated environment, in directed evolution, and also as a controlled drug delivery platform for on-demand production of therapeutic proteins inside the body.

This protocol describes the method, materials, equipment and steps for bottom-up preparation of RNA and protein producing synthetic cells. The inner aqueous compartment of the synthetic cells contained the S30 bacterial lysate encapsulated within a lipid bilayer (i.e., stable liposomes), using a water-in-oil emulsion transfer method.

The bottom-up assembly approach for construction of synthetic cells is an effective tool for isolating and investigating cellular processes in a cell ...

Primary Clarification of CHO Harvested Cell Culture Fluid using an Acoustic Separator

Primary clarification is an essential step in a biomanufacturing process for the initial removal of cells from therapeutic products within the harvested cell culture fluid. While traditional methods like centrifugation or filtration are widely implemented for cell removal, the equipment for these processes have large footprints and operation can involve contamination risks and filter fouling. Additionally, traditional methods may not be ideal for continuous bioprocessing schemes for primary clarification. Thus, an alternate application using acoustic (sound) waves was investigated to continuously separate cells from the cell culture fluid. Presented in this study is a detailed protocol for using a bench-scale acoustic wave separator (AWS) for the primary separation of culture fluid containing a monoclonal IgG1 antibody from a CHO cell bioreactor harvest. Representative data are presented from the AWS and demonstrate how to achieve effective cell clarification and product recovery. Finally, potential applications for AWS in continuous bioprocessing are discussed. Overall, this study provides a practical and general protocol for the implementation of AWS in primary clarification for CHO cell cultures and further describes its application potential in continuous bioprocessing.

Presented here is a protocol for the primary clarification of CHO cell culture using an acoustic separator. This protocol can be used for the primary clarification of shake flask cultures or bioreactor harvests and has the potential application for continuous clarification of the cell bleed material during perfusion bioreactor operations.

Primary clarification is an essential step in a biomanufacturing process for the initial removal of cells from therapeutic products within the harvested ...

Formulation and Acoustic Modulation of Optically Vaporized Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets

Microbubbles are the most commonly used imaging contrast agent in ultrasound. However, due to their size, they are limited to vascular compartments. These microbubbles can be condensed or formulated as perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (PFCnDs) that are small enough to extravasate and then be triggered acoustically at the target site. These nanoparticles can be further enhanced by including an optical absorber such as near infrared organic dye or nanoparticles (e.g., copper sulfide nanoparticles or gold nanoparticles/nanorods). Optically tagged PFCnDs can be vaporized through laser irradiation in a process known as optical droplet vaporization (ODV). This process of activation enables the use of high boiling point perfluorocarbon cores, which cannot be vaporized acoustically under the maximum mechanical index threshold for diagnostic imaging. Higher boiling point cores result in droplets that will recondense after vaporization, resulting in "blinking" PFCnDs that briefly produce contrast after vaporization before condensing back into nanodroplet form. This process can be repeated to produce contrast on demand, allowing for the background free imaging, multiplexing, super-resolution, and contrast enhancement through both optical and acoustic modulation. This article will demonstrate how to synthesize optically-triggerable, lipid shell PFCnDs utilizing probe sonication, create polyacrylamide phantoms to characterize the nanodroplets, and acoustically modulate the PFCnDs after ODV to improve contrast.

Optically activated perfluorocarbon nanodroplets show promise in imaging applications outside of the vascular system. This article will demonstrate how to synthesize these particles, crosslink polyacrylamide phantoms, and modulate the droplets acoustically to enhance their signal.

Microbubbles are the most commonly used imaging contrast agent in ultrasound. However, due to their size, they are limited to vascular compartments. These ...

Rapid Antibody Glycoengineering in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies bind specific molecular targets and, subsequently, induce an immune response or inhibit the binding of other ligands. However, monoclonal antibody functionality and half-life may be reduced by the type and distribution of host-specific glycosylation. Attempts to produce superior antibodies have inspired the development of genetically modified producer cells that synthesize glyco-optimized antibodies. Glycoengineering typically requires the generation of a stable knockout or knockin cell line using methods such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9. Monoclonal antibodies produced by engineered cells are then characterized using mass spectrometric methods to determine if the desired glycoprofile has been obtained. This strategy is time-consuming, technically challenging, and requires specialists. Therefore, an alternative strategy that utilizes streamlined protocols for genetic glycoengineering and glycan detection may assist endeavors toward optimal antibodies. In this proof-of-concept study, an IgG-producing Chinese hamster ovary cell served as an ideal host to optimize glycoengineering. Short interfering RNA targeting the Fut8 gene was delivered to Chinese hamster ovary cells, and the resulting changes in FUT8 protein expression were quantified. The results indicate that knockdown by this method was efficient, leading to a ~60% reduction in FUT8. Complementary analysis of the antibody glycoprofile was performed using a rapid yet highly sensitive technique: capillary gel electrophoresis and laser-induced fluorescence detection. All knockdown experiments showed an increase in afucosylated glycans; however, the greatest shift achieved in this study was ~20%. This protocol simplifies glycoengineering efforts by harnessing in silico design tools, commercially synthesized gene targeting reagents, and rapid quantification assays that do not require extensive prior experience. As such, the time efficiencies offered by this protocol may assist investigations into new gene targets.

The glycosylation pattern of an antibody determines its clinical performance, thus industrial and academic efforts to control glycosylation persist. Since typical glycoengineering campaigns are time- and labor-intensive, the generation of a rapid protocol to characterize the impact of glycosylation genes using transient silencing would prove useful.

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies bind specific molecular targets and, subsequently, induce an immune response or inhibit the binding of other ligands. ...

In Vitro Cleavage Assays using Purified Recombinant Drosophila Caspases for Substrate Screening

Caspases are very specific cell death proteases that are involved in apoptotic and non-apoptotic processes. While the role of caspases during apoptosis has been very well defined and many apoptotic proteolytic substrates of caspases have been identified and characterized, the role of caspases for non-apoptotic processes is not well understood. In particular, few non-apoptotic substrates of caspases have been identified thus far. Here, in order to facilitate the identification and characterization of potential caspase substrates, a protocol that allows the testing of candidate substrates in caspase cleavage assays in vitro is described. This protocol includes the production and purification of recombinant caspase proteins, the production of the candidate substrates either recombinantly or in a cell-free expression system, and the actual in vitro cleavage reaction followed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. This protocol is tailored for the Drosophila caspases Dronc and Drice but can easily be adapted for caspases from other organisms, including mammals.

In Vitro Cleavage Assays using Purified Recombinant Drosophila Caspases for Substrate Screening

Here we present a protocol to express and purify recombinant Drosophila caspases Dronc and Drice, and their use in in vitro cleavage assays.

Caspases are very specific cell death proteases that are involved in apoptotic and non-apoptotic processes. While the role of caspases during apoptosis ...