Exosome-based therapeutics: Purification using semi-continuous multi-column chromatography

• Published in: Separation and purification technology Vol. 224; pp. 515 - 523
• Main Authors: Moleirinho, Mafalda G., Silva, Ricardo J.S., Carrondo, Manuel J.T., Alves, Paula M., Peixoto, Cristina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2019
• Subjects: Continuous purification; Downstream processing; Exosomes; Extracellular vesicles; Multi-column chromatography; Extracellular vesicles; Continuous purification; Exosomes; Downstream processing; Multi-column chromatography
• ISSN: 1383-5866; 1873-3794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2019.04.060

Exosomes are small nanovesicles released by the cells with a potential therapeutic application. A semi-continuous size exclusion chromatography process was developed to support the purification of these nanovesicles that can be used as drug delivery vehicles, diagnostic tools and vaccines. [Display omitted] •Semi-continuous process using size exclusion chromatography for extracellular vesicles (EV) purification.•The recovery yield was increased from 42% (batch) to 83% in the developed process.•Specific productivity was increased by 167% and buffer consumption was reduced by a 2.7-fold.•EV cup-shaped morphology and size were maintained during the purification process. Extracellular vesicles, more particularly exosomes, are nanostructures of great medical interest. Similarly to other complex biopharmaceuticals such as virus, the purification of these nanovesicles is still a considerable challenge. Here we describe a proof-of-concept purification strategy based on the well-established size exclusion chromatography technique, operated in a semi-continuous mode. A two-column system was designed and experimentally validated. Immunoblotting for protein exosome markers and electron microscopy indicated the presence of exosomes, with its characteristic cup-shaped morphology. The isolated nanovesicles have a mode size of 128 nm and a concentration and size distribution very similar between the collected products. Importantly, after comparison with batch chromatography, we were able to increase the yield up to 83%, specific productivities in 167% and a 2.7-fold reduction in buffer consumption with the semi-continuous operation. Finally, we demonstrate that the developed process can be potentially applied in the large-scale production of exosome-based therapeutics.