• Technology

Light Controlled Affinity Matrix

The potential of antibodies for applications in biotechnology and medicine originates from the molecule’s ability to specifically bind specific molecular targets. However, these valuable proteins have to be engineered and manufactured before their use. It is necessary for the researcher, or manufacturer, to isolate the antibodies from a crude extract. A key step in the isolation of antibodies is the well-established affinity chromatography with Protein A resins. The target antibody is eluted from the column using a strong shift in buffer pH to acidic conditions. By this means, antibodies can be isolated to a high degree of purity but at the expense of non-optimal buffer conditions and adverse pH effects on these valuable molecules. These conditions might even exclude sensitive variants entirely from purification.

Despite recent efforts in process development, downstream processing in commercial antibody manufacturing has reached limitations in its linear scalability under today’s demands. In fact, the productivity of Protein A resins has continuously improved but has never been challenged by a fundamentally new technology.

Lumatix Biotech develops a light-switchable affinity ligand for controlled antibody interaction on a solid support.

We have developed an affinity matrix for the isolation of antibodies that is controlled by light. Comparable to traditional methods, antibodies are captured effectively by an immobilized protein ligand. But the affinity towards antibodies can be switched digitally with light of different wavelengths. Lumatix Biotech realizes this disruptive concept by the functionalization of a protein ligand with a proprietary molecular light switch that can change the binding mode: on and off. By this means, antibodies can be isolated in a buffer of choice, comforting the sensitive biomolecules. Furthermore, the mode of operation allows for rapid chromatography cycling with drastically reduced buffer consumption, which implies the potential for huge possible savings. Due to the elimination of a buffer triggered elution step and the ultra-fast regeneration of the affinity matrix after elution, the virtual binding capacity and productivity of the Lumatix chromatography system are superior to common processes.

Advantages of our technology

Increased product quality

… due to a mild elution. The exogenous stimulus that triggers the elution of pure target molecules from the matrix also enables the specific isolation of sensitive variants or derivatives of antibodies in the buffer most compliant with the protein.

Increased productivity at reduced production costs

… due to light-controlled elution and fast matrix regeneration. Cycle time for individual or consecutive runs is considerably shorter than for classic, elution buffer-driven affinity columns, reducing operational time and buffer volumes on an overall smaller footprint.

Multi-Column Chromatography

enables continuous processing.

Our new technology is also suitable for the specific isolation of any Fc containing antibody derivative or Fc fusion proteins, especially with pH-sensitive payload.

This new concept is intended to increase product quality and process productivity simultaneously. Together with a smaller footprint of the system, these features are the key drivers to significantly advance the economics of antibody manufacturing.

Lumatix Purification Process

The Lumatix approach for the isolation of antibodies separates product molecules from impurities based on a light-controlled interaction between the antibody and a proprietary chromatography matrix. Impurities are separated from selectively bound antibodies, which remain on the matrix. The column is subsequently washed to achieve additional impurity removal. The pure antibody is eluted in a buffer of choice from the matrix by illumination. Altering the wavelength regenerates the matrix in a split second and restores the binding mode of the light switchable affinity ligand for the next purification cycle.