Chapter 9 - Characterizing biopharmaceuticals using analytical ultracentrifugation

Abstract

Analytical ultracentrifugation has played a dominant role not only in introducing us to the world of macromolecules, but has also played a dominant role in establishing and supporting many of the key concepts of molecular biology. Its rebirth in the early 90s has been greatly refueled by the developments of digital electronics and computer technology enabling this biophysical tool to continue to make contributions today in the biological sciences and in particular in the biopharmaceutical industry where its ability to provide important information about the biophysical properties on a diverse range of biopharmaceuticals is being realized. In this review we look closely at its capabilities, limitations and where opportunities exist for its improvement. In addition, we also resurface some of its older long forgot methods that many might not be aware of that may play important supporting roles, if not today in the near future, in the development of new life-save biopharmaceuticals of tomorrow.