Analytical ultracentrifuges

Macromolecule characterization in solution

• Enables characterization of samples in their native state
• A specialized ultracentrifuge with unique detection capabilities
• Monitors a wide variety of particles
• No standards required: relies on first principles of thermodynamics

Beckman Coulter introduced the first AUC sample characterization instrument to help the scientific community power new discoveries. That tradition continues into the 21st century with the new Optima™ AUC system. This latest tool is the most robust technology for providing data used to determine protein molecular weight in basic protein research and quantification of aggregation levels for academic and biopharma research.
AUC is referred as the Orthogonal method used as reference for exosomes,  AAV, viral vector, virus load characterization.

As an example, a current hot topic is the characterization of gene therapy formulations by AUC. In this Webinar, Amy Henrickson demonstrates analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) methods, using multi-wavelength (MW) detection and heavy water density matching, to characterize Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) and Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) formulations.
Using an analytical ultracentrifuge to study sedimentation coefficients of viral vectors gives insight into vectors with an intact, therapeutic genome. Virus capsids packaged with a complete genome will travel through a gradient different than capsids with a partial genome or no genome. Understanding where fully packaged capsids travel (sedimentation coefficient) allows researchers to confidently make purifications with density-gradient ultracentrifugation during manufacturing. Looking forward, data gathered from an AUC during process development will influence manufacturing scalability.

Want to learn more about Analytical Ultracentrifugation? Take a more in-depth look at our AUC Resources Section.