Aqueous two‐phase systems and monolithic chromatography as alternative technological platforms for virus and virus‐like particle purification

Abstract

AbstractThere is a rising interest in viral and non‐viral gene delivery vehicles for human gene therapy and vaccination applications, and these vehicles include nanoparticulate virus, virus‐like particles (VLP) and plasmids. This communication debates the importance of designing innovative platforms for virus and VLP concentration and purification, envisaging downstream process integration and intensification. Two alternative separation platforms are suggested and discussed: affinity‐aqueous two‐phase systems and monolithic chromatography. These can integrate clarification, concentration, and purification downstream unit operations, significantly decreasing industrial manufacturing costs. Additionally, high recovery yields are expected after process optimization,which is achieved through manipulation of the physicochemical parameters governing partition coefficients. Such cutting‐edge technologies encompass several advantages at industrial scale, particularly in continuous operations, for example ease of scalability, continuous operation potential, easy process integration, low toxicity, and high biocompatibility. Together with innovative processing conditions, they can effectively overcome the major bottlenecks of conventional virus and VLP downstream processing, contributing to more efficient, sustainable, and cost effective industrial systems. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)