Analysis of recombinant human growth hormone directly in osmotic shock fluids

An isocratic reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the determination of human growth hormone (hGH) directly in osmotic shock fluids is described. This methodology allows an initial rapid evaluation of the quality and quantity of hGH being secreted in the bacterial periplasmic space right after, or even during fermentation. Considering that RP-HPLC does not identify size isomers, these were determined via a parallel run of the same osmotic shock fluid on high-performance size-exclusion chromatography, coupled with radioimmunoassay, of the eluted fractions. The methodology provides a complete picture, within 24 h from the beginning of the fermentation process, of the recombinant protein being produced with respect to its activity, identity, yield, and hGH-related contaminants. These latter include sulfoxide and desamido derivatives, dimer and high-molecular-mass forms.