Unlocking the Potential of FT-IR Imaging: A Revolutionary Leap in Biomedical Science
The future of healthcare and drug development is being reshaped by cutting-edge imaging technologies. In this exciting installment of our expert interview series, we delve into the groundbreaking work of Professor Sergei Kazarian and Professor Bernadette Byrne, who are pushing the boundaries of FT-IR imaging in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Professor Sergei G. Kazarian, an expert in physical chemistry at Imperial College London, has dedicated his research to advanced vibrational spectroscopy, particularly Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman imaging. His work has led to significant advancements in characterizing materials and biomedical applications, including pharmaceuticals, nanostructures, and even cultural heritage objects. But here's where it gets fascinating: Kazarian's collaboration with Professor Bernadette Byrne, also from Imperial College London, explores the behavior of therapeutic antibodies using vibrational spectroscopy techniques.
In this two-part interview, we uncover the secrets of FT-IR imaging's future in biomedical and pharmaceutical analysis.
Q: FT-IR imaging has been a powerful yet resolution-constrained tool. What recent breakthroughs have revolutionized its capabilities?
A (Sergei G. Kazarian): Our team has made significant strides by employing ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging as an in situ technique during protein A chromatography. We've focused on protein A resin fouling and cleaning-in-place, ensuring the stability of IgG eluate. By fabricating a microfluidic channel for the Golden Gate spectroscopic accessory, we can measure IgG formulations at low pH under flow and heat. This setup is adaptable for various conditions, offering an in-line measurement technique for bioprocessing operations beyond protein A chromatography. Future designs may include multiple channels for enhanced in-line measurements.
Q: How can ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging impact quality control and process analytical technologies in biopharma?
A (Bernadette Byrne): ATR-FTIR has the potential to revolutionize quality control by monitoring sample quality and stability in-line during Protein A column elution, a critical step in mAb isolation. It can also spot-check formulations and ongoing quality control for samples under various storage and transport conditions. Notably, ATR-FTIR isn't limited by protein concentration, making it ideal for analyzing high concentrations of mAb for patient self-administration, a challenge for other techniques.
And this is the part most people miss: the future applications and challenges.
Q: What emerging applications in biomedicine and pharmaceuticals excite you, and what hurdles remain?
A (Sergei G. Kazarian): We anticipate the implementation of multi-channel designs for high-throughput measurements, building on our previous research. This approach will enable more accurate comparisons of protein formulations under different conditions, reducing experimental variability. Our future work will showcase our innovative method with added correction lenses, addressing chromatic aberration and light scattering while enhancing spatial resolution.
We foresee continued development in FT-IR spectroscopic imaging, with applications in novel areas. Our research aims to uncover biopharmaceutical behavior during purifications, leading to more collaborations with industry partners. Additionally, we expect advancements in microscope and spectrometer design, such as integrating QCL powerful sources.
FT-IR spectroscopic imaging is poised to become a routine online monitoring tool, connecting flow cells to purification process lines. It can also facilitate inline analysis with advanced fiber optics, such as bundling mid-infrared (MIR) fibers with focusing devices on array detectors. Combined with machine learning (ML) techniques, spectroscopic imaging will revolutionize process analysis.
But what do you think? Are these advancements the key to unlocking the full potential of FT-IR imaging? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's continue the conversation!
