A novel method for removing polyethyleneimine from biopharmaceutical samples: improving assay sensitivity of residual

Shu-Min Zhang1, Matthew Roberts1, Marisa Jones1

  • 1Structure & Function Characterization, CMC Analytical, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA.

Biotechniques
|April 2, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) interferes with DNA quantification in antibody purification. Removing PEI using specific agents allows sensitive and accurate residual DNA measurement, meeting regulatory standards.

Area of Science:

  • Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is a common flocculent in monoclonal antibody purification.
  • PEI residuals interfere with sensitive DNA quantification assays like real-time quantitative PCR.
  • High sample dilutions to overcome PEI interference compromise DNA assay sensitivity and regulatory compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the interference of PEI in residual DNA quantitation.
  • To develop a method for accurate DNA quantification in the presence of PEI.
  • To ensure compliance with regulatory limits for residual genomic DNA.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the inhibitory effect of PEI on DNA quantitation.
  • Evaluated high sample dilutions as a method to overcome PEI interference.
  • Assessed the efficacy of sodium dodecyl sulfate, heparin, and sarkosyl in removing PEI while preserving DNA.

Main Results:

  • PEI significantly inhibits real-time quantitative PCR-based DNA assays.
  • Extreme sample dilutions (1:10,000) overcome PEI interference but reduce assay sensitivity.
  • Treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate, heparin, and/or sarkosyl effectively removes PEI, enabling accurate DNA quantitation.

Conclusions:

  • PEI interference necessitates alternative strategies for accurate residual DNA measurement.
  • Chemical removal of PEI is a viable method to maintain assay sensitivity and meet regulatory requirements.
  • Optimized methods for PEI removal enhance the reliability of residual DNA quantitation in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.