Current advances in separation chemistry for antibody purification and analysis

Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become essential in modern therapeutics, offering high specificity and efficacy in treating diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. With the increasing demand for mAbs, robust analytical and purification technologies are critical to ensuring their safety, efficacy, and consistency. This review highlights recent advances in the application of HPLC for both mAb analysis and purification. In the analytical domain, techniques such as size exclusion chromatography (SEC), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), ion exchange chromatography (IEX), and reversed-phase chromatography (RPLC) are explored for their role in evaluating mAb structural attributes and post-translational modifications (PTMs). These methods are indispensable for ensuring stability and functionality while meeting stringent regulatory requirements. In the context of purification, Protein A affinity chromatography remains the gold standard for initial capture of mAb; however, challenges such as high cost and harsh elution conditions have prompted the development of alternative purification technologies. IEX, HIC, multimodal, and membrane chromatography are also critical in achieving high-purity mAb products through multistep workflows, including intermediate purification and polishing stages. This review emphasizes the central role of HPLC in addressing the complex challenges of mAb manufacturing and characterization. By integrating established and emerging chromatographic techniques, it provides insights into the future directions of therapeutic antibody development.

Graphical abstract