Rapid Identification of Biotherapeutics with Label-Free Raman Spectroscopy

Product identification is a critical and required analysis for biotheraputics. In addition to regulatory requirements for identity testing on final drug products, in-process identity testing is implemented to reduce business risks associated with fill operations and can also be used as a tool against counterfeiting. Biotherapeutics, in particular monoclonal antibodies, represent a challenging cohort for identity determination because of their similarity in chemical structure. Traditional methods used for product identification can be time and labor intensive, creating a need for quick, inexpensive and reliable methods of drug identification. Here, driven by its molecular-specific and nonperturbative nature, we present Raman spectroscopy as an alternate analytical tool for identity testing. By exploiting subtle differences in vibrational modes of the biologics, we have developed partial least-squares-discriminant analysis derived decision algorithms that offer excellent differentiation capability using spontaneous Raman spectra as well as label-free plasmon-enhanced Raman spectra. Coupled with the robustness to spurious correlations due to its high information content, our results highlight the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a powerful method for rapid, on-site biotherapeutic product identification.