U.S. patent application number 10/098690 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-18 for system and method for the modification and purification of proteins.
Invention is credited to Grimes, Stephen, Karr, Stephen L. JR..
Application Number | 20020095028 10/098690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23925411 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020095028 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grimes, Stephen ; et
al. |
July 18, 2002 |
System and method for the modification and purification of
proteins
Abstract
A system is described for conjugating, isolating, and purifying
proteins. The system contains an ultrafiltration apparatus which is
connected with a reaction vessel reservoir.
Inventors: |
Grimes, Stephen; (Davis,
CA) ; Karr, Stephen L. JR.; (Davis, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHITE & CASE LLP
PATENT DEPARTMENT
1155 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
23925411 |
Appl. No.: |
10/098690 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10098690 |
Mar 15, 2002 |
|
|
|
08484740 |
Jun 7, 1995 |
|
|
|
6359114 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
530/412 ;
422/287 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07K 1/02 20130101; C40B
60/14 20130101; C07K 1/34 20130101; B01J 2219/00355 20130101; B01J
2219/00725 20130101; B01D 61/145 20130101; C40B 40/10 20130101;
B01J 19/0046 20130101; B01J 2219/00283 20130101; B01J 2219/00479
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
530/412 ;
422/287 |
International
Class: |
C07K 014/00; C07K
001/00; B01D 017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for the continuous liquid phase modification and/or
conjugation of proteins, purification and concentration thereof
which comprises an ultrafiltration concentration means; a reaction
vessel being fluidly connected to said
ultrafiltration/concentration means; and a pump being fluidly
interconnected between said ultrafiltration/concentration means and
said reaction vessel.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a backwash reservoir
which is interconnected with said ultrafiltration concentration
means.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one three-way valve is
fluidly and selectively interconnected and situated between said
reaction vessel, said ultrafiltration/concentration means and said
backwash reservoir.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said ultrafiltration means
comprises a spiral diafiltration cartridge.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the ultrafiltration means is
interconnected to a permeate reservoir/receptacle.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said reaction vessel is a
receptacle of the purified concentrated product from said
ultrafiltration/concentration means.
7. A method for conjugating a protein molecule to another molecule
and purifying the conjugated product thereof, comprising the steps
of: (a) conjugating a protein molecule to another molecule in a
liquid reaction mixture so as to form a mixture of conjugated and
unconjugated protein and other molecules; (b) passing the liquid
reaction mixture composed of conjugated and unconjugated protein
and other molecules through said ultrafiltration means thereby
retaining the conjugated protein molecules in said ultrafiltration
means and passing the unconjugated molecules into a permeate
reservoir; (c) washing the isolated conjugated protein molecules in
the ultrafiltration means with a suitable desalting solution or
another buffer solution; (d) backwashing the ultrafiltration means
with the buffer to release the washed conjugated protein molecules
from the ultrafiltration means; (e) purifying the conjugated
protein molecules by repeating the steps c) and d) until the
conjugated protein molecule is substantially free of the
non-conjugated molecules; and (f) recovering the conjugated protein
molecule from the ultrafiltration means.
8. A method for purifying the protein reagent in a liquid mixture
which comprises passing the liquid mixture over a semipermeable
membrane of sufficiently small pore size contained in an
ultrafiltration apparatus, so as to selectively retain the protein
on the membrane; washing the retained protein on the membrane;
backwashing the protein from the membrane with washing liquid, and
harvesting the washing liquid containing the retained protein.
9. The method for purifying a protein according to claim 8, wherein
the protein is activated, conjugated, or modified in the liquid
mixture before being passed over the semipermeable membrane.
10. The method for purifying a protein according to claim 8,
wherein the steps of washing and backwashing are repeated at least
once.
11. The method of purifying a protein according to claim 8, wherein
the ultrafiltration apparatus contains a diafiltration means.
12. The method of purifying a protein according to claim 8, wherein
the semipermeable membrane has a molecular weight cutoff selected
from the group of 5,000, 15,000 and 30,000 and 100,000 dalton.
13. The method of purifying a protein according to a claim 8
further comprising sterile conditions.
14. In a method of producing a peptide-protein immunogen conjugate
in which the peptide reagent is conjugated to a protein immunogen
reagent and the product thereof is purified by ultrafiltration
means, the improvement comprising coupling the peptide to the
protein immunogen in a liquid mixture in a closed system, so as to
produce a mixture of conjugated and unconjugated peptides and
protein immunogens, and repeatedly subjecting the mixture to
ultrafiltration, washing and backwashing the retained
peptide-protein immunogen conjugate product so as to separate and
purify the protein immunogen-peptide conjugate from the
unconjugated peptide and protein immunogen reagents.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a continuous closed system for the
multi-step reaction, modification, production, and purification of
proteins as well as synthetic analogs thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A major task in chemical and biochemical syntheses concerns
the purification of the desired reaction products from unwanted
materials, including reagents, contaminants, by-products, solvents,
etc. In a complex, multi-step synthesis, it is often necessary to
conduct purifications at each of several critical steps in the
synthetic process. Thus, separate isolation and purification
procedures are usually employed for the reactant components, the
intermediate and the final products of the synthesis with
corresponding significant losses of material.
[0003] Such purifications must often be performed using specialized
equipment and processes, which necessitates the transfer of
reaction mixtures between reactant vessels and purification
equipment. This is disadvantageous, because the methodology is
inefficient and thereby complicates and prolongs manufacture.
Moreover, the separate multi-step processes expose the product to
the possibility of microbial and chemical contamination as well as
the risk of degradation of the reagent or product at the various
stages of synthesis thereby necessitating the inclusion of
additional stringent process controls. This requirement for
stringent process controls is particularly critical for the
synthesis of pharmaceuticals.
[0004] As a consequence of the drawbacks of the prior art systems,
there has been a pressing need for equipment which allows for the
combination of the reaction and purification steps to the greatest
degree possible. For example, peptide synthesis by solid phase
methodology enables the intermediate purification steps to be
conducted in the reaction vessel itself thereby reducing the
presence of contaminant by-products. However, the complete
purification of the cleaved peptide product may require several
separate purification steps which result in loss of final product
yield. (Stewart, et al. 1984 Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis; 2nd ed.
Pierce Chemical Co., Rockford, Ill.)
[0005] The present invention provides a novel method that enables a
general approach to liquid phase synthesis and product purification
that is carried out in a single closed system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a closed system for the
continuous modification or conjugation of a protein and
purification of the modified or conjugated protein product in a
liquid phase. The system includes ultrafiltration apparatus, a
reaction vessel, means for allowing the flow of the reaction
solution from the reaction vessel to the ultrafiltration apparatus
including the reverse flow from the ultrafiltration means and the
reaction vessel, and a flow controlling means for regulating the
flow thereof.
[0007] More than one ultrafiltration means may be incorporated for
separating and purifying proteins and other molecules on the basis
of molecular size in incremental orders of magnitude.
[0008] The closed system may also include a backwash reservoir
which is fluidly connected to the ultrafiltration device for
backwashing retained non-permeable peptides or proteins. The means
for allowing the flow of reaction solution can be interconnecting
tubing and the flow controlling unit may be made up of a pump and
at least one valve. The pump in this system is preferably a
circular or peristaltic type pump. The reaction vessel may also
serve as a buffer reservoir in addition to a desalting
reservoir.
[0009] The ultrafiltration means can be in the form of an
ultrafiltration apparatus equipped with a spiral diafiltration
cartridge, having a semi-permeable membrane having for example a
molecular weight cutoff of 3,000; 5,000; 10,000; 15,000; 30,000
dalton; or higher. The aqueous system of the invention may also
include a chromatographic device for separation of proteins from
impurities or by-products by substrate affinity or size exclusion
which is fluidly interconnected with reaction vessel and
ultrafiltration device.
[0010] In certain embodiments the system of the invention may be
automated with the use of electronical control means or may be
entirely automated through the use of computerized process
controls.
[0011] The invention provides a method for purifying a protein or a
reaction product (coupled or conjugated protein) in a liquid closed
system which comprises the steps of passing a protein or reaction
mixture for the modification thereof in a liquid over a
semipermeable membrane having a certain molecular retention cutoff
contained in an ultrafiltration apparatus. The membrane selectively
retains the protein or reaction product thereof on the basis of
size. The protein or reaction product thereof retained on the
membrane is washed extensively thereby removing the impurities
which are not retained. The protein or peptide is then redispersed
by backwashing or backflushing the membrane with the washing
liquid, and concentrating and collecting the peptide or protein
which is dissolved or suspended in the washing liquid. The
concentrating, washing and backwashing cycles may be repeated for
as many times as necessary for effective purification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a closed synthetic system apparatus
utilizing an ultrafiltration device according to the invention;
and
[0013] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the sequential operations
utilizing the closed liquid system apparatus in an embodiment of
the invention of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] By the definition adopted for this invention, peptide is
understood as a molecule of up to 25 amino acids in length and
proteins as a molecule of hundreds of amino acids, often
cross-linked as a molecule cluster in various ways. The inventive
system is envisioned, moreover, to afford derivatization or
conjugation of a protein with each other, a peptide, a
carbohydrate, or more specifically an immunotoxin, a radioactively
labelled protein, and other moieties.
[0015] This invention provides a closed system combining the
equipment for conducting a variety of chemical reactions with
equipment for ultrafiltration purification. The selection of the
specific reaction vessels in the system design depends on the
chemical and physical constraints that are imposed by the type of
reaction and its environment. It has been surprisingly found that a
highly purified pharmaceutical product may be obtained with
excellent yield by sequential or repetitive filtering and washing
through different ultrafiltration type restraints, efficiently and
effectively isolating the products through different suitable pore
size filter membranes.
[0016] Ultrafiltration purification utilizes different
semipermeable membranes to separate molecules based on size, shape
and/or charge. Depending upon the chemical nature of the various
constituents of a reaction system, an ultrafiltration membrane is
selected that is permeable to removable constituents or reagents of
the reaction system, but impermeable to those other constituents
which are to be retained and concentrated above the membrane. The
preferred filtration membranes should be inert with respect to the
reactants as well as acid or salt components in the reaction
solution. When the pressurized reaction mixture is passed over the
ultrafiltration membrane, membrane-permeable constituents
(permeate) pass through the membrane, thereby removing them from
impermeable, retained constituents (retentate) of the mixture.
[0017] It has been found that the purification is particularly
efficient if the ultrafiltration steps are alternated frequently by
a backwashing step in order to diminish the presence and
concentration of contaminants which may be entrapped in or on the
filter, the retained protein or conjugate.
[0018] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention,
an apparatus containing a reaction vessel in fluid connection with
at least one ultrafiltration device is used to conduct a reaction
and purify the desired modified protein product(s). According to
the methods of the invention, reaction steps are conducted in a
liquid mixture or solution contained in the reaction vessel under
appropriate temperature choice of liquid solvent or carrier and
other control conditions. After the completion of the reaction, the
reaction mixture is introduced into the ultrafiltration device for
purification by pumping the mixture into the device or by some
other means, such as e.g., gravity flow or vacuum. The purified
reaction products can then be collected as a final product on the
membrane, subsequently washed on the membrane or washed back into
the reaction vessel for further reaction steps. Thus this recycling
process feature of the invention is suitable for purifications to
be performed at any stage of a synthetic pathway. This is
especially useful in multistage syntheses which require
purification of the intermediate products.
[0019] In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the
ultrafiltration utilizes a diafiltration unit which advantageously
permits the reaction vessel to serve as a diafiltration buffer
solution reservoir during the filtration and washing step. In
addition, the method according to this invention readily provides a
means for solvent/buffer exchange, concentration of reagent
constituents and purification of the starting, intermediate and end
products. The diafiltration can also be easily scaled up to very
large volumes of production. In contrast, purification by
traditional molecular sieve chromatography has very limited
scale-up potential. The suitable diafiltration units for use in the
invention are commercially available such as the diafiltration unit
which contains a spiral diafiltration cartridge supplied by Amicon.
Moreover, backwashing of the diafiltration unit helps in the
extensive and successful purification/washing operation.
Specifically, backwashing can be accomplished employing suitable
washing solutions such as salt buffers.
[0020] If different ultrafiltration filters are required at
separate stages in the synthetic process, an ultrafiltration
apparatus can be used which allows for interchangeable filters so
that filters can be changed depending on need, prior to each
ultrafiltration step. Alternatively, different filter devices can
be linked in series and furthermore interspaced with reaction
vessels.
[0021] This invention is particularly adaptable for any protein
synthesis where purification can be achieved by ultrafiltration and
washing even though it is possible to add other component devices
such as analytical or reverse phase HPLC or lyophilizing apparatus
to the system. The preferred embodiment of this invention is very
economical and efficient in that a single apparatus can be used to
synthesize and purify the initial starting material, intermediate
products and/or final products in a stepwise synthesis without
intermittent removal or drying except for samplings. The closed
liquid system of the invention can thus be used to synthesize or
derivatize proteins and purify products under sterile conditions
and thus results in a more environmentally safe procedure. In
addition to the purification of reactants and products, the system
provides economical means to concentrate the components and
exchange solvents and buffers. The closed system which combines the
reaction and purification steps can significantly reduce the time
required for many synthetic processes, especially multi-step
processes. Moreover, the closed system eliminates losses that
normally occur with conventional unloading and loading transfer
between different apparatuses.
[0022] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a fully
automated system which can be readily customized to suit specific
requirements. The reaction vessel can be arranged to accommodate
various volumes, temperatures, addition of inert gasses and color
producing reagents, mixing, sampling, etc. The liquids may comprise
aqueous or nonaqueous solvents. Aqueous solutions or buffers are
used as appropriate. The ultrafiltration equipment can be selected
to accommodate various volumes, temperatures, pressures and use
different filters. The flexibility of the inventive system
advantageously provides the opportunity to scale up from a small to
a large scale production apparatus. Moreover, the combination is
well suited for a wide variety of biochemical syntheses, including
the synthesis or derivatization of protein based pharmaceuticals,
and in particular products, such as e.g. hapten-immunogens, which
require the chemical conjugation of one chemical moiety or peptide
to a protein component, or antibodies coupled to another functional
peptide, protein or nonprotein reagent. The component parts of the
system are all commercially available and can include a wide
variety of reaction vessels and ultrafiltration equipment.
[0023] A specific embodiment of the present invention provides a
combination of a reaction vessel e.g., an open or covered beaker or
flask connected to a reflux condenser which in turn is connected by
pump and transfer line or tubing to a diafiltration device. A
further modification of the present invention expands the closed
system by interconnecting an affinity and/or a gel filtration
column for a specific selection of the correct protein or
derivative or conjugate thereof. The type of additional
chromatographic devices which are connected to the closed system
depends on the particular application. The closed liquid system
according to the invention may also be linked to a solid state
peptide synthesis system where the products may be eluted to the
ultra- or diafiltration apparatus for purification and other
subsequent treatment as may be appropriate.
[0024] The closed liquid system according to this invention may
easily be controlled by computer connected to a series of
electronic sensors and valve assemblies in order to automate the
conjugated peptide purification, concentration and isolation in
liquid form. For example, manual three-way valves may be replaced
by corresponding solenoid valve units. In addition, pump speed
rheostat controls may be replaced and regulated by flow and
pressure sensors in appropriate placements within the fluid
pathways connecting the reaction vessel and the ultrafiltration
device on either side of the pump and the various valve assemblies.
Similarly, automated controls or regulating units are in the fluid
pathways connecting the optional reservoir and the ultrafiltration
device. An automatic readout for an electronic sensing device for
pH and ionic strength of the liquid within the diafiltration
cartridge may also be provided.
[0025] The following examples are for illustration purposes only,
and are not to be construed as limiting this invention.
EXAMPLE 1
[0026] The apparatus 10 of this example is depicted schematically
in FIG. 1. The apparatus 10 is fluidly connected between the
reaction vessel 11 and the ultrafiltration/diafiltration device 13
through a suitable fluid pathway such as tubing 12 provided with
flow control means such as a valve or pump at 25. The liquid phase
of the reaction solution containing reagents and products can be
moved from the reaction vessel 11 through a suitable peristaltic
pump 25 into the filtration unit 13. The Diafiltration Reservoir 27
is connected through the reaction vessel 11 to the filtration unit
13 for washing/rinsing of the retentate which is accumulated on the
membrane of the filtration unit. The permeate or filtrate can be
drained from the filtration unit 13 into the reservoir 31. The
Backflush Reservoir 22 supplies a solution for removing the
retentate in a counterflow direction through the ultrafiltration
unit 13 into the reaction vessel 11 or other suitable receptacle.
Optionally, the fractionation of the protein or peptide containing
the reaction products may be sequentially separated into
size-graded fractions by using filters with a molecular weight
cutoff with an order of magnitude difference in molecular weight or
as required to separate the products.
[0027] The principle operational steps for the system depicted in
FIG. 1 shown are outlined in the flow chart shown in FIG. 2. It is
clear, however, that several combinations of steps and embodiments
can be envisioned involving a first purification of least one of
the reagents involved in a subsequent modification reaction such as
conjugation/coupling with one or more other reagents such as
proteins, peptides or nonprotein molecules such as
carbohydrates.
[0028] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the
reaction mixture containing a protein (Reagent 1), modifying or
conjugating reagents (Reagent 2) and other components (Additives),
is fluidly transferred to the ultrafiltration apparatus, washed
with a washing buffer solution (Buffer), removing the solution
containing filter membrane permeable material (Permeate) and
retaining and concentrating the filter membrane impermeable
material. The retained product can be repeatedly redispersed from
the membrane by backflushing, and again washed, reconcentrated, and
finally removed from the ultrafiltration means and collected in the
reaction vessel for analysis or further modification.
[0029] Specific part numbers and manufacturers are listed for the
various components of the apparatus; however, it is recognized that
comparable equipment from other commercial sources may be
substituted without diminishing the effectiveness of the apparatus,
and it should also be understood that the apparatus can be scaled
up to any required level of production without departing from the
principles of the invention.
[0030] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the
system may be described in more detail, as follows. The reaction
vessel 11 is a 2000 ml, type 1 glass, amber, wide mouth bottle
(Wheaton). This vessel was selected based on the following
criteria: (i) the 2000 ml capacity accommodates reaction volumes
from 100 ml to 1800 ml; (ii) type 1 glass conforms to USP standards
for pharmaceutical manufacture; (iii) amber color glass 106 of the
vessel 11 limits the penetration of light capable of degrading the
light-sensitive chemical crosslinking agent used in the synthesis;
and (iv) the wide mouth provides clearance for a stopper 101 fitted
with 3 tubes, and it allows easy access for reagent additions and
sampling. The wall 105 of the reaction vessel 11 is marked for
volume of solution in the vessel, in 100 ml increments. The
reaction vessel 11 is capped with a neoprene stopper, which is
bored with 3 holes 102, 103, 104, which are equally spaced and
located diagonally across the stopper.
[0031] Type 1 borosilicate glass tubing of suitable I.D., is passed
through each of the 3 holes in the stopper. The reaction vessel is
provided with suitable tubing 30, connected with the pump, and
positioned within the vessel so as to effectively evacuate the
vessels contents when the pump is in operation. The Tubing 30 is
also positioned towards the wall of the reaction vessel to provide
clearance for a mixing device such as a stirring bar. The Tubings
28 and 29 are connected with plastic tubing (preferably Pharmed) to
Valve 24 and to the Diafiltration Solution Reservoir 27,
respectively.
[0032] Pharmed tubing, 1/4 inch I.D. with {fraction (1/16)} inch
wall (#AYX42017, Norton), connects the various fluid ports of the
apparatus, with the exception of the tubing 12 that runs through
the pump 25, which is 5/8 inch I.D. with {fraction (1/16)} inch
wall (#AYX42022, Norton). This tubing was selected because it is
opaque to light (and thereby protects light-sensitive reagents),
can be sterilized by autoclaving, is compatible with the
peristaltic pump and can withstand the pressures of the
ultrafiltration unit. Tubing connections (not shown in detail) are
secured with snapper clamps, 8.9-10 mm diameter (#C6096-2, Baxter
Scientific Products).
[0033] The exact length of tubing sections is not critical to the
operation of the apparatus; however, it is desirable to keep tube
lengths as short as practicable to minimize intratube volume. The
connective tubings in the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 are as follows:
Tubing 12 from Reaction Vessel Glass Tubing 30 to Ultrafiltration
Unit 13 (through pump); Tubing segment 20 from Ultrafiltration Unit
13 to Valve 24; Tubing segment 18 from Valve 24 to Reaction Vessel
Glass Tubing 29; Diafiltration Solution Reservoir Glass Tubing 26
to a Reaction Vessel Glass Tubing 28; Tubing 14 from
Ultrafiltration Unit 13 to Valve 16; Tubing 15 from Valve 16 to
Permeate Reservoir 31; Tubing 20 from Ultrafiltration Unit 13 to
Valve 24.
[0034] The valves 23, 24, 16 are made of polypropylene and Teflon.
Valve 23 is a built-in part of the separatory funnel that comprises
the Backwash Reservoir. Valve 24 is a 3-way stopcock (#64700004,
Nalgene) and Valve 16 is a 2-way stopcock (#64600004, Nalgene).
[0035] The peristaltic pump 25 is a Model LP1 (Amicon). It is the
variable speed, type which allows for adjustment of filter input
pressure, and it is reversible. The pump's delivery rate and
pressure are matched to the capacity of the Ultrafiltration Unit
13.
[0036] The Ultrafiltration Unit 13 consists of a spiral membrane
cartridge diafiltration concentrator (#54118, Amicon) fitted with a
spiral wound membrane cartridge having a suitable molecular weight
cut-off. The diafiltration concentrator was selected because its
capacity is compatible with the usual reaction volume of the small
volume capacity of this embodiment.
[0037] The Backwash Reservoir 22 consists of a 500 ml glass
separatory ("Buchner") funnel (#6402, Pyrex) that contains an
integral 2-way stopcock valve (Valve 23 in FIG. 1).
[0038] The Diafiltration Reservoir 27 consists of a 2 L glass Pyrex
media bottle (13952-L, Corning). The diafiltrate solution take-up
tube 26a consists of type 1 borosilicate glass tubing, and is
attached to the connective tubing 26 (leading to the Reaction
Vessel 11) and extends into the Diafiltration Reservoir 27.
[0039] The Permeate Reservoir 31 consists of a 2 L glass Pyrex
media bottle (13952-L, Corning).
[0040] Operation 1: Reaction.
[0041] Reactions such as for example the chemical conjugation of a
short peptide to a larger protein are conducted in the Reaction
Vessel 11 while Valves 23, 24 and 16 are closed and the Pump 25 is
not operated. The diafiltration pickup tube 26a is not immersed
into the Diafiltration Solution Reservoir 27. Reactants are added
to the vessel via opening 101. (Tubing for reagent addition and
sample removal tubing can be added to the Reaction Vessel setup, if
necessary.) Opening 101 is closed during the reaction period. The
reaction mixture is stirred, and the reaction is allowed to proceed
to completion. Samples can be withdrawn from the Reaction Vessel to
monitor the progress of the reaction.
[0042] Operation 2: Purification.
[0043] Purifications are conducted by diafiltration. Valve 23 is
closed. Valve 24 is opened to allow filtered sample to flow from
the Ultrafiltration Unit to the Reaction Vessel. Valve 16 is opened
to allow permeate (waste material that passes through the filter)
to pass into the Permeate Reservoir 31. The Diafiltration Solution
Reservoir 27 is filled with diafiltration solution and the glass
tubing 26a for diafiltration solution pickup is inserted reaching
to the bottom 27a of the Diafiltration Solution Reservoir. The
material to be purified is added to the Reaction Vessel 11, which
is then closed. The Pump 25 is used to transfer solution from the
Reaction Vessel 11 through the inlet port 13a into the
Ultrafiltration Unit 13. The Ultrafiltration Unit 13 is operated
under the recommended inflow and backpressures by adjusting Pump
speed and the Ultrafiltration Unit's 13 integral backpressure valve
per the manufacturer's recommendations.
[0044] The progress of purification is monitored by testing samples
obtained from the tubing leading to the Permeate Reservoir 31 which
receives the filtrate drainage of the reaction solution as well as
the washing solution. The Diafiltration Solution Reservoir 27 is
refilled when low on solution; the Permeate Reservoir 31 is emptied
or replaced when appropriate.
[0045] When permeate testing indicates that purification is
complete the diafiltration solution intake is terminated by for
example raising Tubing 26a out of the diafiltrate solution in
Diafiltration Solution supply vessel 27, and the remaining solution
is allowed to pass into the Reaction Vessel 11. Valves 24 and 16
are closed. The test solution in the Ultrafiltration Unit 13 and
the tubing 17 can then be collected in the Reaction Vessel by
draining or backflushing (see Operation 4).
[0046] The purification operation can also be used to exchange
buffers. The same process is followed as for purification, except
that the new solvent/buffer is added to the Diafiltration Solution
Reservoir 27. The purification process is allowed to proceed until
the old solvent/buffer has been replaced.
[0047] Operation 3: Concentration.
[0048] To concentrate solutions in the Reaction Vessel 11, the
appropriate buffer or storage solution is added to the Reaction
Vessel 11 and Valve 23 is closed and Valve 24 is opened to allow
flow from the Ultrafiltration Unit 13 to the Reaction Vessel 11.
Valve 16 is opened to allow permeate to flow from the
Ultrafiltration Unit 13 to the Permeate Reservoir 31. The
diafiltrate uptake tubing 26a is not placed into the Diafiltration
Solution Reservoir 27 (to enable air to pass through the tube.) The
Pump 25 and the Ultrafiltration Unit 13 are then operated as for
the Purification Operation. During the concentration process, the
level of solution in the Reaction Vessel 11 must be monitored to
ensure that Tubing 30 remains immersed in the solution as the
solution level drops. When concentration is complete, the pump 25
is switched off and all Valves 16, 23, 24 are closed. The solution
(containing reaction product) in the Ultrafiltration Unit 13 and
the tubing 17, 18 can then be drained or backflushed into the
Reaction Vessel (see Operation 4).
[0049] Operation 4: Draining/Backflushing.
[0050] To recover solution containing the reaction product from the
Ultrafiltration Unit 13 and the tubing 17, 18 at the conclusion of
purification and concentration operations, it is necessary to drain
this solution from these components into the Reaction Vessel 11. To
perform this operation step, the diafiltration solution uptake tube
26a is not lowered into the Diafiltration Solution Reservoir 27,
thereby allowing air to pass through the diafiltration tube. Valve
16 is closed. Valve 23 is opened to allow air to pass from the
Backwash Reservoir (which is empty) through Valve 23 to Valve 24.
Valve 24 is then opened to allow air to pass from Valve 23 to the
Reaction Vessel 11, thus draining those tubings 18, 19. To drain
the Ultrafiltration Unit 13, Valve 24 is then adjusted to allow air
to pass from Valve 23 to the Ultrafiltration Unit 13. The Pump 25
is activated, in reverse mode, such that the solution with the
reaction product flows from the Ultrafiltration Unit 13 through the
Pump 25 into the Reaction Vessel 11. When drainage is complete, the
Pump 25 is switched off and Valves 23 and 24 closed.
[0051] To backflush the Ultrafiltration Unit 13, the same procedure
is followed as for drainage of the Ultrafiltration Unit 13, except
that the desired volume of backwash solution is added to the
Backwash Reservoir 22. Thus, when Valve 23 is opened, only the
backwash solution, but not air will flow from the Backwash
Reservoir 22 through the Valve 24 into the Ultrafiltration Unit 13
and finally into the Reaction Vessel 11 as receptacle. When
backwashing is complete (e.g., the products have been removed), the
Pump 25 is switched off and the Valves 23, 24 are closed.
EXAMPLE 2
[0052] This example concerns the synthesis of the conjugate peptide
immunogen comprising peptide of amino acid sequence hG17(1-9)Ser9
conjugated to Diphtheria toxoid (DT) protein carrier. The process
of this example is designed for the synthesis of a peptide-protein
conjugate that is used for the induction of antibody responses to
human gastrin 17 ("hG17"). The equipment and techniques used to
synthesize this conjugate by traditional procedures are described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,077, Example 1, which specification is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0053] Step 1: DT Purification.
[0054] The DT is provided in a solution that contains other low
molecular weight constituents, including 0.3M glycine and 0.01%
thimerosal. These other constituents have to be removed before the
conjugation process can begin. The DT is purified by a series of
diafiltration and concentration steps using the ultrafiltration
unit 13. Each diafiltration uses a volume of deionized water a
diafiltrate solution equal to 5 times the sample volume present in
the reaction vessel 11. To prevent filter clogging, backwash
procedures using backflushing from the reservoir 22 are also
incorporated into the diafiltration process. Once the diafiltration
procedure for DT purification is completed, phosphate buffer (0.5M
sodium phosphate) is substituted using three cycles of
diafiltration with 5 fold volumes to prepare for DT activation
reaction with EMCS (Epsilon--maleimidocaproic acid
N-hydroxysuccinimide ester). At the conclusion of Step 1, the
solution is concentrated to about 20-25 mg DT/ml in the
ultrafiltration unit 13 (equipped with a spiral wound membrane
cartridge of 30,000 MW cut-off; Amicon, YM30S1) by judicious
removal of permeate washing solution and by backflushing pure DT
into the reaction vessel 11. DT purity is analyzed by HPLC and the
concentration of DT is determined.
[0055] Step 2: Activation of the Purified DT with EMCS.
[0056] The purified DT is next activated with EMCS, to yield
maleimido-DT (MDT). In this step, the succinimidyl moiety of EMCS
reacts with free .epsilon.-amino groups on DT, coupling the EMCS to
DT such that the EMCS maleimido group is left to bind peptide (in
Step 4).
[0057] Of the approximately forty amino groups present per 10.sup.5
molecular weight of DT protein, about twenty-five are activated in
the present synthesis. To achieve this level of activation, a
4-fold molar excess of EMCS to DT amino groups is required. The
concentration of DT to be activated is adjusted to 20 mg/ml (.+-.5
mg/ml) and added back to the reaction vessel. The EMCS is added and
maleimido DT (MDT) is formed over a 2 hour reaction period.
[0058] Step 3: Purification of MDT.
[0059] Non-reacted and hydrolyzed EMCS are next removed from the
MDT solution by transferring the reaction mixture from the reaction
vessel 11 a series of diafiltration, backwash and concentration
steps (as described above) which involve cycling a citrate washing
solution from the reaction vessel 11 through the ultrafiltration
device 13, removing the filtrate to reservoir 31, alternately
backwashing from reservoir 22 and concentrating the retained MDT in
device 13, and finally restore the purified MDT to the reaction
vessel 11. In the course of these procedures, citrate (0.1M sodium
citrate) coupling buffer is completely substituted for the
phosphate buffer. At the conclusion of this step, the quantity of
MDT and its degree of activation are determined.
[0060] Step 4: Conjugation of hG17(1-9)Ser9 Peptide to MDT.
[0061] The 500 mg of hG17(1-9)Ser9 peptide is dissolved in 25 ml of
nitrogen gas saturated 0.1M sodium citrate (SC) and coupled to the
activated MDT by gradually adding the purified peptide solution to
the purified MDT solution containing 1.17 g MDT at 20 mg/ml 0.1 MSC
in the reaction vessel 11 and allowing the coupling reaction to
proceed for a suitable time period to completion. Peptide is added
at a 1.1:1 molar ratio of peptide:maleimido group (in MDT) to
achieve the desired substitution ratio of 25 moles peptide per mole
of DT (at a DT protein molecular weight of 10.sup.5 gm/mole.)
[0062] Step 5: Conjugate Purification and Lyophilization.
[0063] The conjugate reaction solution (83.5 ml) was diluted to 1.0
L- volume with 0.2M ammonium bicarbonate solution (AB) followed by
about 5 fold concentration to a volume of approximately 100 mls.
This was followed by closed system diafiltration of the solution
over a spiral wound membrane of 30,000 dalton cut-off in the
ultrafiltration unit 13 with 500 ml of AB solution effectively
retaining only the conjugate and a backwash with 100 ml of AB
solution then concentration of the product solution back to 100 ml.
This diafiltration-backwash-concentrate process was repeated two
more times, followed by 3 cycles of
diafiltration-backwash-concentrate process in distilled water.
After this final treatment, the system tubing and the membrane
cartridge were drained to remove traces of AB. The conjugate
solution itself was removed from the reaction vessel and diluted to
approximately 2 mg/ml in H.sub.2O and then lyophilized to remove or
sublimate any residual AB. The yield of conjugate was found to be
1.4 gm.
[0064] The conjugate was analyzed by HPLC and found to contain a
single peak indicating homogeneity. By contrast, conjugate produced
by the previous methodology was shown by HPLC analysis not to be
pure as it contained about three distinct peaks. In addition, the
synthesis in this example took only 11/2 days to complete, which is
far superior to the 3 days required to perform the synthesis by the
previous methodology.
* * * * *