Analytical ultracentrifugation – ideal for characterizing dispersed macromolecules and nanoparticles

in biopharmaceutical research, development and quality control

Analytical ultracentrifuge Beckman Coulter Optima AUC

For almost a century, analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) has been one the most versatile and accurate methods available to characterize proteins, macromolecules, nanoparticles and other heterogeneous solutions. It provides data for the determination of molecular weights and the weights of complexes as well as size, size distribution, stoichiometry and many thermodynamic parameters. This technology delivers a wide spectrum of data for molecules and particles moving freely, either in the formulation buffer or solvent. As an orthogonal method, analytical ultracentrifugation provides further information for methods such as size-exclusion chromatography (HPLC-SEC), light scattering methods, mass spectrometry or electron microscopy, thus allowing for a highly optimized method validation.

The Optima AUC with its new multi-wavelength absorbance optics, resulting from decades of innovation and research at Beckman Coulter, has led to an entirely new generation of analytical ultracentrifuges. See for yourself.

AUC in basic research, drug development and quality control

Viral payload

The analytical ultracentrifuge is essential for determining the genetic payload of adeno-associated viruses (AAV) and other viral vectors for drug delivery.

Protein characterization

AUC is the gold standard for determining the molar mass and the purity of a sample, and is ideal for characterizing conformational changes, homogeneity and shape.

Drug conjugation

AUC is routinely used to characterize the conjugation efficiency of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and to encapsulate or fusion nanoparticle-drug complexes.

Formulation studies

Analytical ultracentrifugation is a method performed in solution that gives researchers a free choice of buffers, and is often used for titration and formulation studies.

Protein aggregation

When using analytical ultracentrifuges to investigate proteins, the focus is usually on structure and stability. AUC is a great way to study non-covalent aggregation under native conditions.

Nanoparticles

In basic research and drug development, scientists often investigate the size and shape of nanoparticles with and without drug conjugates. Nanoparticle characterization is also important for polymer research.

 

Drug testing

Analytical ultracentrifugation is used for the quality control of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) as well as for the product release of biopharmaceutical drugs and for drug stability studies. AUC is an excellent alternative to size-exclusion chromatography (SEC).

Reference standards

The biopharmaceutical industry also uses AUC to verify and evaluate reference standards.

Advantages and application areas of analytical ultracentrifugation

Advantages over other methods:

  • Matrix-free
  • No standards required
  • No dilution required
  • Minimal buffer restrictions
  • Extremely high resolution
  • Detection at low concentrations
  • Low sample volumes (from 0.1 ml)
  • Recovery of the sample

Application areas:

  • Molecular weight
  • Stoichiometry
  • Protein aggregation
  • Protein-protein interactions
  • Ligand binding
  • Conjugation efficiency
  • Polydispersity
  • and many more…

An introduction to analytical ultracentrifugation

In an analytical ultracentrifuge, macromolecules are characterized by optical measurement while moving freely in solution at up to 60,000 rpm, which is ideal even for weakly interacting systems.

The Optima AUC combines the power of an ultracentrifuge to provide sedimentation of particles and the functionality of optical modules to detect the sedimentation over time. Innovations in optical systems, such as multi-wavelength detection, enable more precise measurements and more accurate data analyses. AUC technology provides insight into sample molecular weight, shape, conformation, and heterogeneity.

Analytical Ultracentrifugation Handbook

Saving the best for last: Over 60 pages of valuable know-how just for you

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably as excited about the possibilities of AUC as we are. That’s why we have left something very special for last: a collection of detailed practical information, application notes and articles about analytical ultracentrifugation. This PDF download covers 14 documents, in total more than 60 pages. We’re confident that it will be a valuable guide for you. Download it now for free.

Life Sciences Division Headquarters
5350 Lakeview Parkway S Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46268
United States

Copyright/Trademark
Legal
Online Terms of Use
Privacy Statement
Do not sell personal data
Imprint

NOT ALL PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL COUNTRIES.
PRODUCT AVAILABILITY AND REGULATORY STATUS DEPENDS ON COUNTRY REGISTRATION PER APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

The listed regulatory status for products correspond to one of the below:
IVD: In Vitro Diagnostic Products. These products are labeled “For In Vitro Diagnostic Use.”
ASR: Analyte Specific Reagents. These reagents are labeled “Analyte Specific Reagents. Analytical and performance characteristics are not established.”
CE: Products intended for in vitro diagnostic use and conforming to European Directive (98/79/EC). (Note: Devices may be CE marked to other directives than (98/79/EC)
RUO: Research Use Only. These products are labeled “For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.”
LUO: Laboratory Use Only. These products are labeled “For Laboratory Use Only.”
No Regulatory Status: Non-Medical Device or non-regulated articles. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

© 2000 – 2024 Beckman Coulter, Inc. All rights reserved.