Study on AF4-UV-SAXS as a characterisation method for biosamples

Could you please share some details about the focus of your research?    
I have worked with AF4, which is a method for size-based fractionation of e.g. samples in solution, colloidal samples and nanoparticles. Together, we have evaluated whether the on-line coupling between AF4 and SAXS is a method that can be used on biological drugs, as a new method for characterizing the state of these drugs and to be able to study their stability/instability mechanisms. AF4 as a method has advantages that cannot be matched by other techniques, e.g. samples can be fractionated in-situ, over wide size distributions and with minimal shear forces and interacting surface area in the separation channel. 
Since biological samples usually have a relatively low interaction with X-ray radiation, this method development has been done on MAX IV. There, a high flow of X-ray radiation is provided, which we considered to be a requirement to be able to obtain sufficient scattering from samples with a low scattering frequency, also in a diluted state after fractionation and to top it all in constant flow/motion. 

What does the results of your research mean? 
The results show that AF4-UV-SAXS as a method can be used for characterization of bio-samples in solution. In the extension, this method supplies an extra tool for increased understanding of complex systems, such as pharmaceutical formulation of proteins, and what takes place in these when the formulation is changed. 

In what ways has your affiliation with NextBioForm contributed to both you and your research?  
Via NextBioForm, we have been able to work in close contact with researchers and specialists from MAX IV, we have met on a regular basis and have been able to have a regular dialogue. NextBioForm continues to open doors for cross-cutting collaborations. 

How has it been doing a PhD within NextBioForm?  
Fantastic, absolutely fantastic! In its collaborative form, NextBioForm has had a clear shared vision, which I have appreciated all along. 

What do you intend to do next?  
The project now continues into further development of the method to study possibilities and limitations more closely. There are many exciting samples in drug development that we would like to study with the AF4-UV-SAXS method, e.g. lipid (LNP) and polymer nanoparticles. AF4 is an excellent method for fractionation of sensitive samples and it is also possible to use the technique for interaction studies with blood plasma and serum. 
Of course, it does not stop with pharmaceuticals, food research can also benefit from the method and we are open and consider all incoming proposals for collaborations. Several projects are already underway and some are nearing completion, so stay tuned. 

Read the publication: On_Advances_in_Asymmetrical_Flow_Field_Flow_Fractionation_for_Biosample_Characterization_e-version.pdf (lu.se)