Analytical ultracentrifugation is highly suited for the accurate determination of important parameters of a drug substance, including molecular weight Mw, diffusion coefficient and sedimentation coefficient. As a first principle method, AUC does not require reference standards for such determination. Particularly SE-AUC is a very powerful method delivering the most accurate information on the (concentration-dependent) apparent molecular weight of the species in solution.

SV-AUC determines the content of low- and high molecular-weight species without any change in solution condition (if formulation components do not interfere with the detection). Thus, SV-AUC is the ultimate standard for determining the content of fragments, oligomers, aggregates and even nanoparticles in (bio)pharmaceutical solutions.

The size range of AAVs (around 25 nm) is ideal for the analytical characterization by SV-AUC, particularly the quantification of empty vs. full capsids.

HP-SEC and AF4 commonly used methods for determining fragments, oligomers, and aggregate content in (bio)pharmaceutical samples. While both techniques have numerous advantages, they also have a key fundamental limitation: in most cases a change in solution condition (i.e., mobile phase) is required. This may alter the ‘true’ aggregate population in a given sample prior to detection. SV-AUC can detect aggregates without any change in solution condition (if formulation components do not interfere with the detection). Thus, SV-AUC is often performed as an orthogonal method during the development of HP-SEC and AF4 to ensure the validity of their results. 

SV- and SE-AUC are very powerful methods for the characterization of nanoparticulate species up to 200 nm, including viruses, virus-like particles, nanoparticles, liposomes, drug delivery systems and particle-based vaccines.

While many analytical techniques are unable to directly measure highly concentrated samples (such as >100 mg/ml antibody solutions), SV- and SE-AUC can be applied for highly concentrated samples, e.g., during formulation screening, without the need for sample dilution. By applying interference optics, highly concentrated sample can often be analyzed by AUC 'as-is', enabling an unaltered view on the sample’s properties.

Analytical characterization of viruses, such as retroviruses, lentiviruses, and adenoviruses, is possible by SV- and SE-AUC for sizes up to 200 nm. We offer stability testing of viruses by AUC as a stand-alone service or as part of a virus formulation development project. Our AUC experts can also combine the power of AUC with orthogonal method, such as AF4, for enhanced insights.

As a first principle method, AUC does not rely on (internal) standards and is thus well suited for the reliable determining of interaction parameters (KD, Stoichiometry, B22). It does so without the need for protein binding or immobilization (as needed for Surface Plasmon Resonance measurements).

Coriolis applies the latest in AUC technology (Beckman Optima III) and a high-speed sample-rotor. This allows our scientists to apply centrifugal forces of 290,000 g, which can sediment peptides down to 1 kDa and, thus, enable their analytical characterization.

SE-AUC is a very powerful technique delivering the most accurate information on the (concentration-dependent) apparent molecular weight of the species in solution.

We are proud to offer fluorescence detection as an option for AUC analysis. This allows for an selective analysis of labeled molecules in a sample mixture, excluding interferences from other (unlabeled) species.

Coriolis employs AUC instruments with fluorescence detection. This enables in-depth analysis of protein-protein interactions with fluorescent tracers. With this, a multitude of application scenarios and assays tailored to specific research questions becomes available.

AUC measures samples undiluted, does not have a stationary phase and utilizes high-sensitivity UV or fluorescence detection. Thus, analytical characterization of low-concentration samples (e.g., diluted virus preparations) is possible by SV- and SE-AUC.

Our AUC facilities meet even the highest standards. We operate the most modern AUC instruments - the Beckman Optima - and offer high-speed as well as high-throughput sample rotor option to best serve your needs. Our broad range of detector options includes UV-absorption, Rayleigh interference (RI) and fluorescence and enables all application examples outlined above.

Within our large portfolio of 100+ different analytical techniques, we offer many orthogonal methods to AUC including SEC-MALS, AF4-MALS and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). All analytics are performed in-house, so we can easily incorporate them for comparison or verification.

We run even the most demanding data processing (SedFit & UltraScan) on our in-house computer cluster, without relying on external / third-party services. Your data will be handled, processed, and stored securely and confidentially with us.

Our dedicated AUC team handles many challenging projects every year and has experience with a large variety of (bio)pharmaceutical drug products. Supported by our distinguished scientific advisory board, our scientists are eager to push the limits of the AUC technique.

We offer more than just high-quality results. We additionally provide our clients with the required interpretation and scientific advice to see the data in context of the overall scope of analysis and/or development.

AUC is often considered a low-throughput technique. But with our instrumentation and expertise, we can process up to 14 samples per run. This is not much different to the throughput of many HPLC sequences.

We offer a set of robust generic methods developed with in-house expertise and ready for many samples and applications. Above that, our AUC scientists can develop tailor-made methods for more challenging projects and perform product-specific method qualification, if desired.

With five (5) AUC systems and a dedicated AUC expert team, we offer many resources for AUC projects. This allows us to accommodate most projects within quick response times.

AUC is a valuable technique for the analysis of viral vectors, virus formulations, GMOs, and other biological agents. Thus, we offer AUC services also for samples up to biosafety level 2 / S2.