Measuring Glycans from Biopharmaceuticals Using LC-Q/TOF

This project at University of Delaware will be led by Mark Blenner. This project is part of a larger small-group study to evaluate the variability associated with operator-associated variability in measuring released glycans from a monoclonal antibody.
Categories
Assays
Equipment and Supplies
Data

Industry Need

Biopharmaceutical manufacturers require reliable glycan analysis to ensure monoclonal antibody (mAb) quality, as glycosylation impacts efficacy, safety, and regulatory compliance. Many academic labs lack advanced LC-MS infrastructure, limiting participation in collaborative studies and slowing method standardization. Industry needs broader analytical capacity and validated workflows to support reproducible glycan profiling and inter-lab harmonization.

Approach

The Blenner Lab focused on infrastructure development and method validation for glycan analysis:

  • Acquired and commissioned an Agilent 6545XT AdvanceBio LC/Q-TOF system for glycan analysis.
  • Implemented protocols for glycan release and measurement using AdvanceBio Gly-X N-Glycan Prep with InstantPC Kit.
  • Successfully ran all standards (SRM 3655), released glycans, and identified glycans on NISTmAb.
  • Performed quantitation of selected glycans (e.g., G0F) and assessed method suitability for inter-lab comparison.
  • Trained a graduate student in LC/Q-TOF operation and glycan analysis workflows.


Impacts

Assess whether “community performance metrics” can be defined for NISTmAb released and/or released/labeled methods

Evaluate modes of implementation of a new quantitative glycan standard, SRM 3655

Determine if SRM 3655 can assist in harmonizing or standardizing glycan measurements

Value Statement/Outcomes

Commissioning of the Agilent 6545XT LC/Q-TOF system allowed successful identification of major glycans on NISTmAb and quantitation of G0F using SRM 3655 standards. This capability supports the goal of reducing glycan analysis variability and provides infrastructure for future collaborative studies, potentially lowering analytical turnaround time and improving method comparability.

Outputs/Deliverables

Acquired and installed Agilent 6545XT AdvanceBio LC/Q-TOF system.

Developed and validated glycan release and labeling protocols using InstantPC kit.

Completed glycan identification and quantitation for NISTmAb and SRM standards.

Built institutional capacity for NIIMBL projects and trained graduate student in LC-MS glycan workflows.

Delivered recommendations for future method optimization and inter-lab harmonization.

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Project Lead

University of Delaware

University of Delaware