Biophysical Virus Characterization to Improve Purification

Caryn L. Heldt, PhD
Michigan Technological University

Seminar Abstract: The manufacturing of viral products often leads to low yields of poorly characterized products. My lab focuses on many of these issues, trying to find ways to bring viral products to market by reducing the time needed in development and increasing yields. This talk will be an overview of some of the questions we ask and the methods we employ to answer these questions. We have developed a single-particle method using an AFM to characterize the binding properties of viral particles. We have measured changes in ionic and hydrophobic interactions in different solution conditions and can show differences in empty and full gene therapy vectors. In the purification space, we are focused on using aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) to purify virus. We are exploring how ATPS can be used as a platform process for a variety of viral particles. We are also exploring equipment modifications to improve the processability of continuous ATPS, which is a method to reduce both capital and operating costs of biotherapies. Overall, our work is informing the vaccine and gene therapy industry on how to better process viral particles.