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Research Article

Characterization and quantification of adeno-associated virus capsid-loading states by multi-wavelength analytical ultracentrifugation with UltraScan

    Amy Henrickson

    Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada

    ,
    Xiaozhe Ding

    Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA

    ,
    Austin G Seal

    Gene Vector Core, Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX 77030, USA

    ,
    Zhe Qu

    Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA

    ,
    Lauren Tomlinson

    Pharmaron Biologics Ltd, Speke, Liverpool, L24 8RB, UK

    , ,
    Viviana Gradinaru

    Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA

    ,
    Kazuhiro Oka

    Gene Vector Core, Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX 77030, USA

    Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX 77030, USA

    &
    Borries Demeler

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: demeler@gmail.com

    Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada

    Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/nnm-2023-0156

    Aim: We present multi-wavelength (MW) analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) methods offering superior accuracy for adeno-associated virus characterization and quantification. Methods: Experimental design guidelines are presented for MW sedimentation velocity and analytical buoyant density equilibrium AUC. Results: Our results were compared with dual-wavelength AUC, transmission electron microscopy and mass photometry. In contrast to dual-wavelength AUC, MW-AUC correctly quantifies adeno-associated virus capsid ratios and identifies contaminants. In contrast to transmission electron microscopy, partially filled capsids can also be detected and quantified. In contrast to mass photometry, first-principle results are obtained. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the improved information provided by MW-AUC, highlighting the utility of several recently integrated UltraScan programs, and reinforces AUC as the gold-standard analysis for viral vectors.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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