(255e) Ultrafiltration membranes on the purification of plasmid DNA templates for mRNA vaccines

Current global events involving the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted almost every aspect of life as we know it. Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have provided a valuable tool against infections from the novel coronavirus, reaffirming the potential of nucleic acids as medicine. Using mRNA as a drug opens up a breadth of opportunities to treat and prevent disease. mRNA medicines can go inside cells to direct protein production, allowing translation to occur under native conditions. We have the potential to treat or prevent diseases that today were not addressable previously. The mRNAs used in these therapies and vaccines are made enzymatically by in vitro transcription from linear DNA templates. DNA templates require a high degree of purity and homogeneity, which is achieved by selecting appropriate downstream processing operations that yield high recoveries without compromising product integrity. Membrane ultrafiltration is an integral part of virtually any bioprocess. It is usually seen as a mild operation since it doesn’t require the use of harsh chemicals and / or conditions. This talk covers a high-level overview of large-scale plasmid purification process development.