Analysis of commercial monoclonal antibodies by microLC-MS/MS

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are high-potency agents mainly used in cancer therapy or to combat auto-immune diseases. Even small amounts of these substances can have severe effects even when taken accidently.

Therefore, it is of interest to analyse different kinds of samples which could contain these antibodies, e.g. solutions prepared for patient application (usually a dilution of the dosage form). By use of microLC-MS/MS, only a very small amount of this valuable solution is required to identify and quantify the monoclonal antibody in very short run times.

In addition, microLC-MS/MS can be used to monitor residues on surfaces or materials in hospitals, pharmacies or laboratories that prepare solutions for patient application. An easy way to monitor residues is by wipe sampling followed by microLC-MS/MS. This workflow could be applied to MAbs as well.

The ideal selectivity of YMC-Triart Bio C4 for intact monoclonal antibodies has been presented already in several applications. In this application note, YMC-Triart Bio C4 was used in YMC capillary column format to analyse and identify intact commercial MAbs, such as rituximab or bevacizumab, by microLC-MS/MS. An elevated temperature of 75°C and formic acid as additive was applied.