2026
2026
We are attending HPLC 2026 in Indianapolis, IN
HPLC 2026 is the 55th International Symposium on High Performance Liquid Phase Separations and Related Techniques
Listen to our talks
Session: Characterization of Biopharmaceuticals II | June 9 | 1:30-3:00 PM
Speaker: Matija Povh
Title: A Process‑Ready Liquid Chromatography Platform for Characterization and Purification of Protein‑Targeted LNPs
Time and Date: Tuesday, June 9 | 2:00-2:20 PM
A Process‑Ready Liquid Chromatography Platform for Characterization and Purification of Protein‑Targeted LNPs
Targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs) that display protein ligands on their surfaces represent an emerging strategy for cell or tissue-specific delivery of genetic medicines. Building on the success of conventional LNPs – designed to protect payloads from enzymatic degradation, enhance cellular uptake, and enable controlled release – tLNPs use receptor engagement to improve on-target biodistribution, increase potency at lower doses, and support translation to extrahepatic targets. With growing focus on tLNPs, there is a pressing need for analytical methods that verify ligand conjugation and quantify payload attributes.
We present a label-free, orthogonal liquid chromatography (LC) platform designed for comprehensive characterization, in-process monitoring, and quality control of tLNPs. A two-dimensional LC workflow enables accurate quantification of encapsulated versus non-encapsulated nucleic acids, determination of encapsulation efficiency, assessment of payload integrity, and evaluation of particle size and distribution. Complementary hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) resolves free (unconjugated) protein ligands from tLNPs, while ion exchange chromatography (IEX) differentiates targeted from untargeted LNP populations based on charge changes introduced by protein ligands. Beyond endpoint characterization, HIC and IEX also serve as in-process controls to monitor conjugation kinetics and guide optimization of reaction parameters such as protein-to-LNP ratio and reaction time.
Importantly, these assays are label-free and require no sample pretreatment beyond dilution: nucleic acids are quantified directly by UV detection, and proteins by intrinsic fluorescence, preserving the integrity of the LNP system. By increasing analytical resolution and reproducibility while reducing hands-on time and sample manipulation, this LC platform accelerates development, strengthens quality control, and provides a scalable foundation for the robust characterization and control of tLNPs.
Session: Multidimensional Separations I | June 10 | 1:30-3:00 PM
Speaker: Timotej Žvanut,
Title: Expanding Streamlined AAV Analytics Through a Flexible LC Platform
Time and Date: Wednesday, June 10 | 2:00-2:20 PM
Expanding Streamlined AAV Analytics Through a Flexible LC Platform
Liquid chromatography (LC) is a well-established technique for characterisation of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), yet its automation and adaptability remain limited.
Here, we present a versatile, modular LC-based analytical framework designed to address different AAV analytical applications with minimal hardware adjustments. The system integrates interchangeable chromatographic modules and detection pathways, with minimal in-line sample handling, enabling high-throughput analyses and rapid reconfiguration to meet diverse analytical needs. By coupling multiple detectors, the platform provides comprehensive profiling and detailed characterization of AAV species and impurities.
Application case studies demonstrate consistent performance and selectivity. During upstream process (USP) monitoring, the platform enables high-throughput assessment of AAV capsids and impurity fingerprinting using a two-dimensional (2D) configuration (AAV Switcher) to optimize and determine the optimal harvesting point. The system can be easily reverted to a 1D configuration for routine impurity monitoring and benchmarking.
Furthermore, a 2D configuration can be adapted for in-line buffer exchange (BEX), followed by more robust anion exchange (AEX) analytics to monitor downstream processes. This in-line approach reduces manual handling and minimizes errors associated with off-line BEX. The setup expands sample compatibility and ensures AEX analytical consistency by processing all samples under uniform conditions, regardless of their initial buffer composition.
In summary, this LC platform combines analytical flexibility with operational efficiency and robustness, thereby accelerating AAV process development and analysis.
