Advances in native high-performance liquid chromatography and intact mass spectrometry for the characterization of biopharmaceutical products

The characterization of biotherapeutics represents a major analytical challenge. This review discusses the current state-of-the-art in analytical technologies to profile biopharma products under native conditions, i.e., the protein 3D conformation is maintained during liquid chromatographic analysis. Native liquid-chromatographic modes that are discussed include aqueous size-exclusion chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and ion-exchange chromatography. Infusion conditions and the possibilities and limitations to hyphenate native liquid chromatography to mass spectrometry are discussed. Furthermore, the applicability of native liquid-chromatography methods and intact mass-spectrometry analysis for the characterization of monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates is discussed.