NIBRT Collaboration Information

A collaboration built for Biopharma

The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT ) is a world-class institute based near Dublin in Ireland, providing training and research solutions for the bioprocessing industry. In 2016 a collaboration was established  between NIBRT and Thermo Fisher Scientific to:

  • Enhance structural knowledge
  • Ensure drug safety and quality
  • Accelerate manufacturing innovations
  • Deepen cellular understanding

 Download compendium

Protein charge variant profiling

A simple pH gradient/ion-exchange chromatography workflow approach for the characterization of charge variants in monoclonal antibodies using the NISTmAb reference standard.

AN Salt Salt PH Ion Exchange

Evaluation and application of salt and pH-based ion-exchange chromatography gradients for analysis of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies

Demonstrating a simple, easily prepared pH buffer system capable of charge variant determination for the majority of therapeutic monoclonal antibody species. Showing the ease of optimization and improved reproducibility of the CX-1 pH gradient buffer system when compared to salt-based gradient systems used for charge variant analysis.

Charge Variant Comparison

Simple charge variant profile comparison of an innovator monoclonal antibody and a biosimilar candidate

Demonstrating the effectiveness of a simple pH gradient/ion-exchange chromatography workflow approach to the characterization of the different charge variant profiles of an innovator molecule (Cetuximab) and a candidate biosimilar. The assay is simple, reproducible, easily optimized and resolves variants effectively.

Protein aggregate analysis

Optimizing protein aggregate analysis by SEC

Optimizing protein aggregate analysis by SEC

This article, co-authored by scientists from NIBRT and Thermo Fisher Scientific, presents a robust UHPLC- SEC approach for protein aggregate analysis of five structurally diverse biotherapeutic mAbs (bevacizumab, cetuximab, infliximab, rituximab, and trastuzumab) that employs a silica column with a covalently-bonded diol hydrophilic layer designed to prevent secondary interactions. Pre-column dispersion can be minimized through optimization of instrument tubing and use of appropriate injection volumes.

Lifetime stability of SEC columns for protein aggregate analysis

Lifetime stability of SEC columns for protein aggregate analysis

Demonstrable class-leading MAbPac SEC-1 column lifetime and stability, without the requirement for guard columns.

Applicability of MAbPac SEC-1 columns for monoclonal antibody aggregate analysis using the Vanquish Flex Quaternary UHPLC system.

Analysis of five important biotherapeutic monoclonal antibodies by SEC, showing universal applicability of the MAbPac SEC-1 column for aggregate analysis of mAbs.

Peptide mapping

On-demand webinar: Peptide separations with pinpoint precision

Ultimate retention time reproducibility and high resolution peptide separations

Dr Amy Farrell from NIBRT and Dr Mauro De Pra from Thermo Fisher Scientific share the latest innovations in UHPLC for peptide mapping.

Reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) of peptides is routinely used in the biopharmaceutical industry to provide information on the nature and quality of protein therapeutics. In peptide mapping analysis RPLC provides ideal separation of peptides in combination with UV or MS detection. This webinar details a purpose-built UHPLC system for biopharmaceutical characterization, with a comprehensive how-to guide for optimising UHPLC for peptide mapping. From the webinar you will be provided with all the information necessary to develop the ideal UHPLC method for mapping your life changing biologic.

A robust and reproducible, high-precision, automated, digestion workflow that is appropriate as an easy-to-use, for LC-only and LC-MS peptide mapping.


Automated peptide mapping for monoclonal antibodies

AN Peptide Mapping PTMs

An automated high-throughput workflow for peptide mapping to monitor post-translational modifications (PTMs) of monoclonal antibodies

Automated high-throughput trypsin digestion for highly reproducible peptide mapping of five top-selling monoclonal antibodies (chimeric, humanized and fully human). The study focused on reproducibility, protein sequence coverage, and identification of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including deamidation, oxidation, N-terminal pyroglutamination, C-terminal lysine loss, glycation, and glycosylation.

AN Efficient Peptide Mapping analysis

Comparison of alternative approaches to trypsin protein digestion for reproducible and efficient peptide mapping analysis of monoclonal antibodies.

Comparing peptide mapping data acquired using the SMART Digest kit and the SMART Digest Trypsin kit, Magnetic Bulk Resin option, to those obtained by alternative digestion methods including an in-solution protocol and a rapid protein digestion method. The study focused on reproducibility, protein sequence coverage and identification of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including deamidation and oxidation.

Posttranslational modification determination of biotherapeutic drugs and their biosmimilars

AN Investigating Rituximab Trastuzumab

Comparability study investigating Rituximab and Trastuzumab innovator and biosimilar drug products

Peptide mapping study to evaluate the similarity of post-translational modifications (PTMs) detected in Rituximab and Trastuzumab drug products and their respective biosimilars.

Rapid, automated sample preparation within one hour leading to highly reproducible results for innovator and biosimilar comparability studies, with less hands-on time. Simple protein digestion with minimal user intervention while achieving high confidence in results with excellent data quality; approximately 100% sequence coverage and low levels of sample preparation induced post-translational modifications.

AN Infliximab Innovator

Comparability study investigating Infliximab innovator and biosimilar drug products

A study to evaluate the use of the Thermo Scientific™ SMART Digest™ Trypsin Kit, with Magnetic Bulk Resin option (Magnetic SMART Digest), protocol in combination with the Thermo Scientific™ KingFisher™ Duo Prime purification system to investigate PTMs in the innovator and biosimilar drug substances. The efficiency and reproducibility of the platform was evaluated with a specific focus on the determination of protein sequence coverage and identification of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including deamidation, oxidation, lysine clipping, glycation, and glycosylation.

Glycan analysis

A widely applicable UHPLC approach to fast, comprehensive profiling of 2-AA and 2-AB labeled glycans in IgG antibodies.

A high-throughput screening method for unambiguous identification of glycoforms with 20 x reduction in separation time compared to standard profiling methods.

Fast HILIC UHPLC approach to the comprehensive glycan profiling of 2-AA labelled candidate biosimilar and innovator mAbs with HRAM MS confirmation.

Therapeutic Antibody Originator

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) for bioprocessing

On-demand webinar: Innovative Analytical Strategies for Monitoring Critical Process Parameters and Critical Quality Attributes (CQA)

Jonathan Bones, Ph.D.

Biopharmaceuticals are complex molecules produced by living cells, with strict control of bioprocessing being required to ensure the production of high-quality therapeutic proteins.

A key desire by biopharmaceutical manufacturers is PAT for process monitoring and rapid analytical information generation.

Mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to liquid-phase separations offers immense potential for implementation as an online characterization tool, providing a wealth of multi-attribute information at all stages throughout the bioprocess with greater confidence and depth of product attribute knowledge, improving safety and potency.

In this on-demand webinar hear Dr Jonathan Bones of NIBRT and Dr Michael Blank of Thermo Fisher Scientific present an overview of the current state of bioprocessing monitoring, discuss areas for improvement and implementation of PAT, and describe the potential of cGMP-compliant MS characterization throughout bioprocess and lot release.

Is high resolution mass spectrometry the missing piece in continuous bioproduction?

Is high resolution mass spectrometry the missing piece in continuous bioproduction?

In line with quality‐by‐design (QbD) and the desire for continuous manufacture and real‐time lot release, biopharmaceutical manufacturers require advanced PAT for process monitoring and rapid analytical information generation.

High resolution LC‐MS is growing in popularity based on its ability to efficiently offer a wealth of multi‐attribute information which can be used to optimise manufacture and improve drug safety and efficacy.

In this article, co-authored by NIBRT and Thermo Fisher Scientific, the barriers to the adoption of LC‐MS in an online environment are discussed along with recent advances, including the potential application of cGMP‐compliant MS characterization throughout bioprocess and lot release.

Leveraging Platform Analytical Methods for Biopharma QbD

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) CQAs are monitored throughout drug development, manufacture and lot release. While each mAb therapeutic is clearly unique in its targeting and activity, the physicochemical properties of mAbs can often be described within relatively narrow ranges.

A key aspect of biopharmaceutical QbD, which is yet to be truly leveraged, is the use of so-called “platform” strategies for CQA determination. This article will explore the importance of HPLC in mAb CQA determination and monitoring, the benefits of implementing well-developed platform mAb HPLC methods and their potential scope and application.

Extractables and leachables

Ground-breaking research in single-use bioprocess technologies

NIBRT have embarked on what is believed to be the largest public research project to date focused on migration of leachable impurities from bioprocess materials. The report should become available in 2018, dependent on peer-review publication schedule, and you can register to receive a copy of this important report once it is available.

Register to receive report

To develop this report, NIBRT collaborated with:

  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland
  • BioMarin International Ltd.
  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Genzyme Ireland Ltd
  • Janssen Biologics
  • MSD
  • Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals

The project investigated bioprocess films from 5 vendors of single-use bioprocess bags.

Four extractable solvent model systems were used, plus a simulated leachable study using cell culture media. >1500 sample analyses were performed using headspace GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS.

Intact & Subunit Mass

Simple, Robust, High Quality Intact Mass Analysis—A Biosimilars Case Study

The NIBRT in Ireland is unique in supporting the bioprocessing industry. They provide learning in a facility that replicates modern industrial bioprocessing. In parallel, they conduct cutting-edge research in key areas of bioprocessing in collaboration with industry, looking at analytical solutions to help drug product development, manufacture, and characterization.

Read about the solution for intact large protein analysis of monoclonal antibodies that they found to be both fast and powerful.

Protein charge variant profiling

A simple pH gradient/ion-exchange chromatography workflow approach for the characterization of charge variants in monoclonal antibodies using the NISTmAb reference standard.

AN Salt Salt PH Ion Exchange

Evaluation and application of salt and pH-based ion-exchange chromatography gradients for analysis of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies

Demonstrating a simple, easily prepared pH buffer system capable of charge variant determination for the majority of therapeutic monoclonal antibody species. Showing the ease of optimization and improved reproducibility of the CX-1 pH gradient buffer system when compared to salt-based gradient systems used for charge variant analysis.

Charge Variant Comparison

Simple charge variant profile comparison of an innovator monoclonal antibody and a biosimilar candidate

Demonstrating the effectiveness of a simple pH gradient/ion-exchange chromatography workflow approach to the characterization of the different charge variant profiles of an innovator molecule (Cetuximab) and a candidate biosimilar. The assay is simple, reproducible, easily optimized and resolves variants effectively.

Protein aggregate analysis

Optimizing protein aggregate analysis by SEC

Optimizing protein aggregate analysis by SEC

This article, co-authored by scientists from NIBRT and Thermo Fisher Scientific, presents a robust UHPLC- SEC approach for protein aggregate analysis of five structurally diverse biotherapeutic mAbs (bevacizumab, cetuximab, infliximab, rituximab, and trastuzumab) that employs a silica column with a covalently-bonded diol hydrophilic layer designed to prevent secondary interactions. Pre-column dispersion can be minimized through optimization of instrument tubing and use of appropriate injection volumes.

Lifetime stability of SEC columns for protein aggregate analysis

Lifetime stability of SEC columns for protein aggregate analysis

Demonstrable class-leading MAbPac SEC-1 column lifetime and stability, without the requirement for guard columns.

Applicability of MAbPac SEC-1 columns for monoclonal antibody aggregate analysis using the Vanquish Flex Quaternary UHPLC system.

Analysis of five important biotherapeutic monoclonal antibodies by SEC, showing universal applicability of the MAbPac SEC-1 column for aggregate analysis of mAbs.

Peptide mapping

On-demand webinar: Peptide separations with pinpoint precision

Ultimate retention time reproducibility and high resolution peptide separations

Dr Amy Farrell from NIBRT and Dr Mauro De Pra from Thermo Fisher Scientific share the latest innovations in UHPLC for peptide mapping.

Reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) of peptides is routinely used in the biopharmaceutical industry to provide information on the nature and quality of protein therapeutics. In peptide mapping analysis RPLC provides ideal separation of peptides in combination with UV or MS detection. This webinar details a purpose-built UHPLC system for biopharmaceutical characterization, with a comprehensive how-to guide for optimising UHPLC for peptide mapping. From the webinar you will be provided with all the information necessary to develop the ideal UHPLC method for mapping your life changing biologic.

A robust and reproducible, high-precision, automated, digestion workflow that is appropriate as an easy-to-use, for LC-only and LC-MS peptide mapping.


Automated peptide mapping for monoclonal antibodies

AN Peptide Mapping PTMs

An automated high-throughput workflow for peptide mapping to monitor post-translational modifications (PTMs) of monoclonal antibodies

Automated high-throughput trypsin digestion for highly reproducible peptide mapping of five top-selling monoclonal antibodies (chimeric, humanized and fully human). The study focused on reproducibility, protein sequence coverage, and identification of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including deamidation, oxidation, N-terminal pyroglutamination, C-terminal lysine loss, glycation, and glycosylation.

AN Efficient Peptide Mapping analysis

Comparison of alternative approaches to trypsin protein digestion for reproducible and efficient peptide mapping analysis of monoclonal antibodies.

Comparing peptide mapping data acquired using the SMART Digest kit and the SMART Digest Trypsin kit, Magnetic Bulk Resin option, to those obtained by alternative digestion methods including an in-solution protocol and a rapid protein digestion method. The study focused on reproducibility, protein sequence coverage and identification of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including deamidation and oxidation.

Posttranslational modification determination of biotherapeutic drugs and their biosmimilars

AN Investigating Rituximab Trastuzumab

Comparability study investigating Rituximab and Trastuzumab innovator and biosimilar drug products

Peptide mapping study to evaluate the similarity of post-translational modifications (PTMs) detected in Rituximab and Trastuzumab drug products and their respective biosimilars.

Rapid, automated sample preparation within one hour leading to highly reproducible results for innovator and biosimilar comparability studies, with less hands-on time. Simple protein digestion with minimal user intervention while achieving high confidence in results with excellent data quality; approximately 100% sequence coverage and low levels of sample preparation induced post-translational modifications.

AN Infliximab Innovator

Comparability study investigating Infliximab innovator and biosimilar drug products

A study to evaluate the use of the Thermo Scientific™ SMART Digest™ Trypsin Kit, with Magnetic Bulk Resin option (Magnetic SMART Digest), protocol in combination with the Thermo Scientific™ KingFisher™ Duo Prime purification system to investigate PTMs in the innovator and biosimilar drug substances. The efficiency and reproducibility of the platform was evaluated with a specific focus on the determination of protein sequence coverage and identification of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including deamidation, oxidation, lysine clipping, glycation, and glycosylation.

Glycan analysis

A widely applicable UHPLC approach to fast, comprehensive profiling of 2-AA and 2-AB labeled glycans in IgG antibodies.

A high-throughput screening method for unambiguous identification of glycoforms with 20 x reduction in separation time compared to standard profiling methods.

Fast HILIC UHPLC approach to the comprehensive glycan profiling of 2-AA labelled candidate biosimilar and innovator mAbs with HRAM MS confirmation.

Therapeutic Antibody Originator

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) for bioprocessing

On-demand webinar: Innovative Analytical Strategies for Monitoring Critical Process Parameters and Critical Quality Attributes (CQA)

Jonathan Bones, Ph.D.

Biopharmaceuticals are complex molecules produced by living cells, with strict control of bioprocessing being required to ensure the production of high-quality therapeutic proteins.

A key desire by biopharmaceutical manufacturers is PAT for process monitoring and rapid analytical information generation.

Mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to liquid-phase separations offers immense potential for implementation as an online characterization tool, providing a wealth of multi-attribute information at all stages throughout the bioprocess with greater confidence and depth of product attribute knowledge, improving safety and potency.

In this on-demand webinar hear Dr Jonathan Bones of NIBRT and Dr Michael Blank of Thermo Fisher Scientific present an overview of the current state of bioprocessing monitoring, discuss areas for improvement and implementation of PAT, and describe the potential of cGMP-compliant MS characterization throughout bioprocess and lot release.

Is high resolution mass spectrometry the missing piece in continuous bioproduction?

Is high resolution mass spectrometry the missing piece in continuous bioproduction?

In line with quality‐by‐design (QbD) and the desire for continuous manufacture and real‐time lot release, biopharmaceutical manufacturers require advanced PAT for process monitoring and rapid analytical information generation.

High resolution LC‐MS is growing in popularity based on its ability to efficiently offer a wealth of multi‐attribute information which can be used to optimise manufacture and improve drug safety and efficacy.

In this article, co-authored by NIBRT and Thermo Fisher Scientific, the barriers to the adoption of LC‐MS in an online environment are discussed along with recent advances, including the potential application of cGMP‐compliant MS characterization throughout bioprocess and lot release.

Leveraging Platform Analytical Methods for Biopharma QbD

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) CQAs are monitored throughout drug development, manufacture and lot release. While each mAb therapeutic is clearly unique in its targeting and activity, the physicochemical properties of mAbs can often be described within relatively narrow ranges.

A key aspect of biopharmaceutical QbD, which is yet to be truly leveraged, is the use of so-called “platform” strategies for CQA determination. This article will explore the importance of HPLC in mAb CQA determination and monitoring, the benefits of implementing well-developed platform mAb HPLC methods and their potential scope and application.

Extractables and leachables

Ground-breaking research in single-use bioprocess technologies

NIBRT have embarked on what is believed to be the largest public research project to date focused on migration of leachable impurities from bioprocess materials. The report should become available in 2018, dependent on peer-review publication schedule, and you can register to receive a copy of this important report once it is available.

Register to receive report

To develop this report, NIBRT collaborated with:

  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Allergan Pharmaceuticals Ireland
  • BioMarin International Ltd.
  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Genzyme Ireland Ltd
  • Janssen Biologics
  • MSD
  • Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals

The project investigated bioprocess films from 5 vendors of single-use bioprocess bags.

Four extractable solvent model systems were used, plus a simulated leachable study using cell culture media. >1500 sample analyses were performed using headspace GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS.

Intact & Subunit Mass

Simple, Robust, High Quality Intact Mass Analysis—A Biosimilars Case Study

The NIBRT in Ireland is unique in supporting the bioprocessing industry. They provide learning in a facility that replicates modern industrial bioprocessing. In parallel, they conduct cutting-edge research in key areas of bioprocessing in collaboration with industry, looking at analytical solutions to help drug product development, manufacture, and characterization.

Read about the solution for intact large protein analysis of monoclonal antibodies that they found to be both fast and powerful.


On-demand webinar series


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TitleType
 A universal chromatography method for aggregate analysis of monocolonal antibodiesAppsLab Method
 A universal chromatography method for aggregate analysis of monoclonal antibodiesApplication Note
 Setting the correct UHPLC instrument connections for protein aggregate analysis by size-exclusion chromatographyAppsLab Method
 The importance of correct UHPLC instrument setup for protein aggregate analysis by size-exclusion chromatographyApplication Note
 A fast separation of 2-AB labelled N-Glycans from polyclonal human serum IgGAppsLab Method
 Fast profiling of the N-glycan population in biotherapeutic antibodies by UHPLC-FLD with MS confirmationApplication Note
 A high resolution separation of 2-AA derivatized N-Glycans from a commercial chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody (Infliximab)AppsLab Method
 Ultrafast hydrophilic interaction UHPLC analysis of 2-AA labelled N-glycans from monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)AppsLab Method
 An ultrafast, batch-to-batch comparison of monoclonal antibody glycosylationApplication Note
 Ultrafast hydrophilic interaction UHPLC analysis of 2AA labelled N-glycans from monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)AppsLab Method
 In-depth protein glycosylation comparison of an innovator monoclonal antibody by hydrophilic interaction UHPLCAppsLab Method
 Comprehensive protein glycosylation comparison of an innovator monoclonal antibody to a candidate biosimilar by HILIC UHPLC analysisApplication Note
 In-depth protein glycosylation comparison of a biosimilar candidate by hydrophilic interaction UHPLCAppsLab Method
 High resolution charge variant analysis of Cetuximab by ion exchange chromatography using pH gradient buffersAppsLab Method
 High resolution charge variant analysis of Infliximab by ion exchange chromatography using pH gradient buffersAppsLab Method
 High resolution charge variant analysis of Bevacizumab by ion exchange chromatography using pH gradient buffersAppsLab Method
 High resolution charge variants analysis of recombinant human IgG1K NIST mAbAppsLab Method
 Using the NISTmAb reference standard to demonstrate a simple approach to charge variant analysisApplication Note
 High-precision, automated peptide mapping of proteinsAppsLab Method
 High-precision, automated peptide mapping of proteinsApplication Note
 Rapid sample preparation and peptide mapping analysis of top-selling monoclonal antibody therapeuticsAppsLab Method
 Robust and reproducible peptide mapping and intact mass analysis workflows on a single instrument platformApplication Note
 SEC Protein aggregate analysisAppsLab Method
 Lifetime stability of size exclusion chromatography columns for protein aggregate analysisApplication Note
 Optimizing Protein Aggregate Analysis by SECArticle
 Peptide separations with pinpoint precisionPresentation
 Is high resolution mass spectrometry the missing piece in continuous bioproduction?Article
 Leveraging Platform Analytical Methods for Biopharma QbDArticle
 Use of alternative chromatographic phases and LC-MS for characterization of N-glycans from NISTmAb RM 8671Application Note
 Evaluation of chromatographic phases for separation of differentially labeled glycans from erythropoietin and trastuzumabApplication Note
 Simple, Robust, High Quality Intact Mass Analysis—BiosimilarsCase Study
 Subunit Analysis Approach for the Determination of Fucosylation Levels in Monoclonal AntibodiesApplication Note
 A Quick and Accurate Comparison of Biosimilar and Originator BiotherapeuticsApplication Note
 Investigating Process-Related Post-Translational Modifications in NISTmAb RM 8671 Using High-Throughput Peptide Mapping AnalysisApplication Note
 Simultaneous analysis of monoclonal antibodies using a novel dual channel UHPLC instrument and orthogonal chromatographyApplication Note
 High through put protein aggregate analysis of monoclonal antibodies using anovel dual-channel UHPLC instrumentApplication Note
 Automated Chymotrypsin peptide mapping of proteins by LC-MSApplication Note
 Confident monoclonal antibody sequence verification by complementary LC-MS techniquesApplication Note
 A global pH-gradient based charge variant analysis directly coupled to HRAM-MS (CVA-MS) for mAb analysis Application Note
 Easy, Fast and Reproducible Analysis of Host Cell Protein (HCP) in Monoclonal Antibody PreparationsApplication Note
 Comparing Biosimilars using Intact Mass Analysis under Denaturing and Native ConditionsApplication Note
 High-throughput Peptide Mapping of Trastuzumab using a Tandem LC-MS WorkflowApplication Note
 Biosimilar Sequence Variant Assessment and Product Quality Attribute MonitoringApplication Note
 Comprehensive Identification and Label-free Quantitation of Host Cell Protein ContaminantsApplication Note
 Antibody Subunit Analysis via Inline Electrochemical Reduction of an Intact Antibody using the ROXY Potentiostat coupled to a Vanquish UHPLC – Q Exactive Plus MS setupApplication Note
 Choosing the Right Sample Vial for Analysis of AAV to Prevent Sample LossApplication Brief
 Confident Peptide Mapping and Disulfide Bond Analysis of an IgG2 Monoclonal AntibodyApplication Brief
 Size exclusion chromatography with fluorescence detection to determine AAV titers following downstream processingApplication Note
 Quantitative analysis of genome packaging in adeno-associated viruses using native MSApplication Note