Solvent modulation strategy for superior antibody monomer/aggregate separation in cation exchange chromatography

This new solvent modulation strategy was tested with three different mAbs on two different CEX resins in the presence of PEG in combination with various solubility enhancers. In order to assess the general applicability of this method, mAbs were selected that show major differences with respect to their sensitivity to PEG-induced precipitation and monomer/aggregate resolution performance that is achieved by CEX under standard conditions. For all three mAbs precipitation could be prevented without elimination of the positive PEG-effect. The addition of solubility enhancers gives access to improved separation at elevated PEG concentrations and high protein loadings without running into precipitation issues. Our data indicate that this method is generically applicable and leads to a superior antibody monomer/aggregate separation.