AAV vector analytics

Home Rapid analytics of AAV vectors with mass photometry

Rapid analysis for AAV development

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have become one of the most commonly used vectors to deliver gene therapies. As their use grows, so does the need for accurate, efficient AAV analytics. Mass photometry can monitor sample critical quality attributes (CQAs) throughout downstream workflows – accelerating manufacturing and process development, to ultimately help better therapeutics reach patients faster.

Quantification of AAV empty/full ratio

Mass photometry accurately measures empty/full AAV ratios, and resolves populations of partially filled and overfull capsids. It works by using light to measure the mass of each particle, which varies depending on the mass of the encapsidated genome.

Figure: Mass photometry resolves empty, full and partially filled AAV subpopulations. Here, populations of empty and full AAV vectors form clearly visible peaks and represent the bulk of the sample, while partially filled capsids are distributed across an intermediate mass range. The mass photometry measurement was consistent with a SEC-MALS measurement of the same sample.

Agreement with orthogonal methods

Scientists working with AAVs must choose from among a range of options in the AAV vector analytics toolbox and it may be difficult to decide whether to prioritize accuracy or usability. With mass photometry, the difficulty disappears – mass photometers are highly accurate instruments that can be used over and over, throughout AAV purification processes.

Mass photometry has been proven to provide comparable results to SEC-MALS, cryo-TEM and analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) while offering important practical advantages, including speed, ease of use and suitability for use in a GMP-compliant environment.

Figure: Mass photometry (MP) results for AAV empty/full analysis are comparable to those obtained using AUC, a commonly used technology for AAV characterization. Source: Wagner et al., Int. J. Mol Sci, 2023.

Transforming analytical workflows for AAV purification

Results in minutes
Low sample requirement
Titer estimation
Benchtop instrument
Easy to use
Any serotype
Suitable for GMP-compliant environments

Combining speed, ease of use and low sample requirements, mass photometry integrates seamlessly into workflows for the downstream processing of AAVs in gene therapy development and manufacturing. It is also suitable for GMP-compliant environments.

SamuxMP: Your mass photometry solution for AAV vector analytics

SamuxMP
A mass photometer optimized for adeno-associated virus (AAV) characterization, the SamuxMP is an essential tool for AAV research, development and manufacturing. It features:
- Characterization of AAV samples
- Rapid analysis requiring little sample
- User-friendly operation
Learn more
SamuxMP Auto
The SamuxMP Auto is the automated version of Refeyn’s solution for AAV characterization, autonomously measuring up to 24 samples in approximately 90 minutes.
Learn more
SamuxMP software package for GMP
The SamuxMP software package for GMP expands the use of the SamuxMP line of mass photometers to GMP-regulated environments. The software supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR 11 (US) and EU GMP Annex 11, which enables its use within AAV-based gene therapy development and manufacturing pipelines.
Read the white paper: Application of mass photometry in GMP-regulated environments for characterization of AAV samples.
Learn more
Mass photometry consumables
By using Refeyn consumables, you can spend less time preparing for measurements and gain greater confidence in your data. The consumables range includes calibrants, sample carrier slides and more.
To streamline your AAV measurements, use MassFerence P2, Refeyn’s bespoke calibrant for the Samux line of mass photometers
Learn more

A mass photometer optimized for adeno-associated virus (AAV) characterization, the SamuxMP is an essential tool for AAV research, development and manufacturing. It features:

Characterization of AAV samples
Rapid analysis requiring little sample
User-friendly operation

Learn more

The SamuxMP Auto is the automated version of Refeyn’s solution for AAV characterization, autonomously measuring up to 24 samples in approximately 90 minutes.

Learn more

The SamuxMP software package for GMP expands the use of the SamuxMP line of mass photometers to GMP-regulated environments. The software supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR 11 (US) and EU GMP Annex 11, which enables its use within AAV-based gene therapy development and manufacturing pipelines.

Read the white paper: Application of mass photometry in GMP-regulated environments for characterization of AAV samples.

Learn more

By using Refeyn consumables, you can spend less time preparing for measurements and gain greater confidence in your data. The consumables range includes calibrants, sample carrier slides and more.

To streamline your AAV measurements, use MassFerence P2, Refeyn’s bespoke calibrant for the Samux line of mass photometers

Learn more

What mass photometry users are saying

“We could not only differentiate full and empty capsids, but also estimate the size of the encapsidated genome from the MP data. This result really showcases the capability of the MP technique.”

Grzegorz Piszczek

Director of the Biophysics Core Facility National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)

“Mass photometry is very straightforward and convenient.”

Eduard Ebberink

Researcher at Utrecht University

“We’re generating data to compare mass photometry with gold standards like AUC and cryoTEM. Early indications show that it’s much quicker and equally accurate. Partners who’ve compared mass photometry to other methods themselves vouch for its accuracy. It’s a game changer in AAV characterization, for us as well as our clients.”

Quentin Bazot

Process Development and Innovation Manager, ABL Europe