The MauriceFlex™ System in Action: Accelerating Protein Charge Variant Characterization

Can you please describe the problem you faced prior to using the MauriceFlex™ system, or what research project did you decide to embark on because you felt MauriceFlex would help?

The isolation of charge variant fractions containing pure charge species as reflected by the icIEF profile of our antibodies has been a longstanding challenge. Current systems such as iCE3 lack this capability, forcing us to rely on preparative chromatography. While this approach is commonly used, it often falls short in efficiently collecting pure fractions and frequently necessitates additional purification steps.

How did you use the MauriceFlex system to solve this challenge?

We utilized the fractionation capabilities of the MauriceFlex system to collect representative fractions of charge species that align with the icIEF profile of our antibodies. This enabled us to obtain a detailed understanding of our product-related variants through the characterization of these fractions.

What type of data/answers generated with MauriceFlex enabled your research?

We successfully obtained intact mass spectrometry data from the collected fractions, enabling understanding of post-translational modifications behind various charge variants. For example, fractions of acidic and main species were found to contain deamidated and glycated species. However, the extent of further characterization was constrained by the limited amount of sample. In the future, we anticipate that we will be able to perform other measurements such as potency, binding kinetics, and peptide mapping. This information will be valuable for the comparability and forced degradation studies. 

What aspects of lab life have become more efficient because of using MauriceFlex?

Replacing preparative chromatography with MauriceFlex has made the process of fraction collection more efficient. The ease of start-up and shutdown has made it easier to plan and execute experiments that can be run in one day. The software with integrated acquisition and processing tabs is very user friendly even for personnel with little to no experience with the system.

In your experience, how does MauriceFlex compare to other available methods for protein charge isoform fractionation?

It is an improvement on existing methods as it requires less sample and yields purer fractions. While some optimization is necessary, this advancement holds significant promise for both pre-clinical and late-stage clinical programs. As the technology is relatively new, we eagerly anticipate discovering additional applications of MauriceFlex in the coming years.

What are some of the challenges of implementing a new workflow? How do you approach those challenges?

Like any new technology one must learn how to use it properly. With some practice and training the system is easy to use. The user guide is helpful but can benefit from having all applications guided consolidated into one document. Also, having your own standard operating procedure with necessary reagents and components is essential.

What advice would you offer to someone using MauriceFlex for the first time?

My advice would be to tackle it like you would any new system/ application, thoroughly reading the user guide, method development guides and watching accompanying videos is important. Tracking and accounting for the multiple kits and reagents that are needed for executing experiments can get tricky as storage requirements vary. Making sure these requirements are followed is essential for a successful experiment. Take advantage of onsite hands-on training provided by Bio-Techne.