Do your AAVs contain DNA?

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are commonly utilized as viral vectors in gene therapies to address human diseases. As AAVs can exist as a heterogeneous population, a percentage of the final AAV sample is empty or partially empty of the desired plasmid DNA, which can impact potency and immunogenicity during the AAV manufacturing bioprocess. These unwanted by-products can be characterized using analytical tools such as transmission electron microscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation and ion-exchange chromatography. However, these tools can be complex, labor-intensive and pose problems for data reproducibility, throughput and scalability.

This Application Note presents a new, multi-attribute tool for analyzing an AAV’s empty/full status. Quantification of the DNA content of AAV particles with Simple Western™ assays combines capillary electrophoresis and immunodetection with conventional Western blot antibodies. The Simple Western assays offer fully automated separation and quantification of small AAV sample volumes. This Application Note includes materials and methods, results and further reading.

Do Your AAVs Contain DNA_ App Note

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