The removal of bacterial endotoxins from biological samples is critical to avoid the potentially fatal pyrogenic response possible when introduced to mammalian systems. Endotoxins have a variety of specific characteristics that can be exploited to target their isolation and subsequent removal, but one that has not been extensively characterized is their difference in size from that of monoclonal antibodies. Here, we present a study which utilizes gel filtration chromatography as a method for endotoxin removal from both aggregated and nonaggregated antibody preparations, outlining a mechanistically simple method for removal of this impurity.

The removal of endotoxin from protein solutions and its prevention are key to the success of recombinant protein production due to the possible pyogenic response in mammals caused by contaminated samples. In the pre-clinical situation, protein production is often carried out in a non-good manufacturing practice (GMP) setting, utilizing bacterial DNA for transient transfection and non-validated cleaning techniques. Here, we present our findings evaluating various options for endotoxin removal, and propose strategies for endotoxin prevention with emphasis on chromatographic separations, endotoxin-removing membranes and on-column wash strategies.

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