POROS™ CaptureSelect™ BacuClear Affinity Matrix

POROS CaptureSelect BacuClear Affinity Matrix is specifically designed for the removal of baculovirus contaminants when using baculovirus expression systems (BEVS) for the production of recombinant biomolecules. It is particularly useful when expressing virus and virus-like particles (VLPs), which are similar in size and envelope structure to baculovirus, making discrimination and separation from the co-expressed baculovirus contaminants particularly challenging. The baculovirus-specific CaptureSelect affinity ligand was developed to address this challenge and is coupled to the high-performing POROS matrix. The large pore structure of the POROS beads enables efficient purification of larger biomolecules.

To remove baculovirus impurities, the affinity matrix is operated in flow-through mode. As described by Moleirinho et. al. (1), successful removal of baculovirus particles from influenza VLPs, HCV VLPs, and AAVs was achieved with the affinity ligand identified (BV-2) coupled to the POROS matrix. A dynamic binding capacity for baculovirus particles of 1.6 x 10¹⁰ VG/mL affinity matrix was demonstrated with baculovirus removals observed above 70% and VLP recovery yields above 60%.

Features of this affinity matrix include:

• One-step removal of baculovirus virus particles from virus and VLP containing samples, in flow-through mode
• Enables a highly selective polishing step for baculovirus removal
• High specificity, capacity, and retained activity
• Excellent scalability
• Non-animal derived

Free of animal components

CaptureSelect products contain affinity ligands based on recombinant single-domain antibody fragments (VHH) created by a proprietary technology. The VHH affinity ligand is a 12 to 15 kDa fragment comprising the three complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) that form the antigen-binding domain, efficiently produced in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by a production process free of any animal components (Animal Origin-Free).

Main characteristics:

• Matrix: cross-linked poly(styrene-divinylbenzene)
• Average particle size: 50 μm
• Ligand: POROS CaptureSelect BacuClear affinity ligand
• Ligand coupling method: epoxide
• Binding capacity: estimated >1 x 10¹⁰ VG/mL of resin
• Regeneration conditions: acidic stripping condition with 0.5 M acetic acid, pH 2
• Mechanical resistance: 100 bar (1450 psi, 10 MPa)
• Formulation buffer: 20% (v/v) ethanol

1. M.G. Moleirinho, R.P. Fernandes, S.B. Carvalho, S. Bezemer, F. Detmers, P Hermans, R.J.S. Silva, P.M. Alves, M.J.T. Carrondo, C. Peixoto. Baculovirus affinity removal in viral-based bioprocesses. Sep. Purif. Technol. 241 (2020)