Drying techniques for the visualisation of agarose‐based chromatography media by scanning electron microscopy. Issue 3 (3rd February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nweke, Mauryn C.; Turmaine, Mark; McCartney, R. Graham; Bracewell, Daniel G.
• Is Part Of: Biotechnology journal. Volume 12:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-02-03
• Subjects: CaptoTM Adhere -- Critical point drying -- Freeze drying, MabSelectTM -- Scanning electron microscopy; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; 660.605
• DOI: 10.1002/biot.201600583
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1860-6768

Abstract

Abstract: The drying of chromatography resins prior to scanning electron microscopy is critical to image resolution and hence understanding of the bead structure at sub‐micron level. Achieving suitable drying conditions is especially important with agarose‐based chromatography resins, as over‐drying may cause artefact formation, bead damage and alterations to ultrastructural properties; and under‐drying does not provide sufficient resolution for visualization under SEM. This paper compares and contrasts the effects of two drying techniques, critical point drying and freeze drying, on the morphology of two agarose based resins (MabSelect™/ d w ≈85 µm and Capto™ Adhere/ d w ≈75 µm) and provides a complete method for both. The results show that critical point drying provides better drying and subsequently clearer ultrastructural visualization of both resins under SEM. Under this protocol both the polymer fibers (thickness ≈20 nm) and the pore sizes (diameter ≈100 nm) are clearly visible. Freeze drying is shown to cause bead damage to both resins, but to different extents. MabSelect resin encounters extensive bead fragmentation, whilst Capto Adhere resin undergoes partial bead disintegration, corresponding with the greater extent of agarose crosslinking and strength of this resin. While freeze drying appears to be the less favorable option for ultrastructural visualization of chromatography resin, it should be noted that the extent of fracturing caused by the freeze drying process may provide some insight into the mechanical properties of agarose‐based chromatography media. Abstract : The drying of chromatography resins prior to scanning electron microscopy is critical to image resolution and hence understanding of the bead structure at sub‐micron level. Achieving suitable drying conditions is especially important with agarose‐based chromatography resins, as over‐drying may cause artefact formation, bead damage and alterations to ultrastructural properties; and under‐drying does not provide sufficient resolution for visualisation under SEM. This research compares and contrasts the effects of two drying techniques, critical point drying and freeze drying, on the morphology of two agarose based resins (MabSelect TM : dw ≈ 85µm and Capto TM Adhere: dw ≈ 75µm) and provides a complete method for both.