NPLC method to characterize end groups of poly lactic acid co-glycolic acid copolymers

Masashi Serizawa recently published a manuscript describing a NPLC method to differentiate PLGA with different end groups (ester and acid terminated) and chemical compositions.
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn

The CAST scientist Masashi Serizawa recently published a manuscript in which he investigated a novel method of using gradient elution normal-phase liquid chromatography with basic and acidic additives to separate PLGAs in the different end groups and in the different chemical compositions at the same time.

PLGA is an important material in drug delivery systems. It is used in nanoparticle-containing drugs to prevent a sudden increase in drug concentration in the body when the drug is ingested. The LA/GA ratio and differences in the terminal structure of PLGA have a significant effect on the degradation rate of PLGA in the body.

To distinguish these distinctions, we created a unique ternary gradient liquid chromatography method utilizing base and acid additives. Initially, we used a gradient of hexane, a poor solvent, and ethyl acetate, a good solvent, with a mobile phase containing a base additive to separate non-ester-terminated PLGAs (ester-terminated PLGA and cyclic PLGA) based on their chemical composition. Subsequently, by switching the mobile phase to THF containing an acid additive, we were able to elute acid-terminated PLGA.

This method offers the advantage of quick analysis compared to traditional NMR methods, making it potentially valuable for future industrial research. Furthermore, it can be applied to high molecular weight PLGA of 180 kDa, making it useful for the development of high molecular weight PLGA, which is challenging to analyze using mass spectrometry techniques such as MALDI-TOF-MS.

 

Figure: (left) schematic illustration of the working principle of the NPLC separation. (right): key results obtained in the study
Figure: (left) schematic illustration of the working principle of the NPLC separation. (right): key results obtained in the study

 

The study is supported by the COAST/ TKI-Chemistry POLY-SEQU-ENCHY project between the UvA and Corbion (Gorinchem, The Netherlands) and is funded by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.

The link to the publication is reported below.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465137

Related Posts

Novel sequencing approach enables detailed characterization of PLGA co-polymers

CAST Scientst Masashi Serizawas was published in Macromolecules. Masashi presents a ‘polymer sequencing’ approach for analyzing the composition of PLGA copolymers in great detail. The method consists of controlled chemical degradation followed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (RPLC-HRMS) to arrive at an accurate characterisation of block-length distribution. The work provides a robust framework for the rational design of sequence-controlled PLGA for drug delivery and other advanced applications.

Microscale native SEC-HRMS to characterize immunoconjugates

In this study, CAST scientists Annika van der Zon et al., in collaboration with Bram Weijers and Danielle Vlugts (Amsterdam UMC), introduce a rapid, microscale aqueous size-exclusion chromatography–mass spectrometry (SEC-MS) method to measure chelator to antibody ratio in immunoconjugates.

Size-Resolved Surface Charge Analysis of Polymer Nanoparticles: From Fundamental Measurement to Collaborative Innovation

The study addresses size-resolved surface charge density (SCD) analysis of polymer nanoparticles (PNPs), revealing the significant variability of SCD that traditional methods overlook. By employing advanced capillary zone electrophoresis techniques, researchers can gain detailed insights into nanoparticle performance, benefiting applications in coatings, biomedical, and industrial contexts through collaborative innovations.