Back in the summer of 2022, Alison Green and Theresa Schmidt both started as the latest recruits to join BioPharmaSpec at our laboratories in Jersey. This blog was written about the experiences they gained in their first nine months as Graduate Scientists!
Right from the first day, we felt very honored to be trained up by such a great team of experienced scientists within a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory, situated on the sunny Channel Isle of Jersey. We were both eager to get started and to learn and contribute to the structural and physicochemical characterization of biopharmaceuticals performed at BioPharmaSpec. Here is a short account of what we have been up to since starting our roles!
Running alongside an in-depth theoretical training program, we have already gained extensive hands-on experience across a wide range of cutting-edge analytical techniques. This included using MALDI-MS and LC/ES-MS to perform MS-based techniques such as intact mass analysis and peptide mapping, as well as specific carbohydrate analytical procedures using GC-MS. Several of these key biopharmaceutical characterization techniques, such as peptide mapping, were pioneered by BioPharmaSpec scientists and it has been a huge privilege to learn from the originators of these methods. In particular, the Q-TOF mass spectrometer, a major advance in modern biopolymer mass spectrometry, was conceptualised by Professor Howard Morris, the Chairman and CSO of BioPharmaSpec.
Peptide mapping, a technique whereby the amino acid structure and post-translational modifications of proteins and glycoproteins are examined through investigation of peptides released via specific proteolytic procedures, is one example of a key area of structural analysis we have been involved in. We have experienced the practical side of sample preparation, including reduction, alkylation and enzymatic digestion procedures, as well as setting up liquid chromatography systems and calibrating mass spectrometers. We have also started training on peptide fragmentation pathways, data interpretation and the biochemistry of post translational modifications to get a full picture of this important technique and its applications in structural analysis.
As well as MS, we have also gained familiarity across some of the diverse range of other techniques performed in BioPharmaSpec labs, such as amino acid sequencing via Edman degradation and amino acid analysis using gas phase hydrolysis. We have also experienced molecular weight analysis through gel electrophoresis, both with classical SDS-PAGE techniques as well as using the Protein Simple Maurice S CE-SDS system, and extended this into learning about protein aggregation analysis via SEC-MALS.
Over time, we will be exposed to all the analytical techniques employed here. It has been exciting to gain a deeper understanding of the strengths and applicability of different techniques as well as the importance of orthogonal techniques for generating self-supportive structural data.
For both of us, it has been very interesting to see how these vital analytical techniques combine to produce a comprehensive picture of a biopharmaceutical. Furthermore, it has become very clear to us how necessary these characterization methods are not only for regulators but also for manufacturers to enhance their understanding of a biopharmaceutical and make development decisions based on the structural data.
Each of the techniques have been shown to us by the knowledgeable scientists here at BioPharmaSpec and it has been exciting to be involved in this work and to learn from their expertise both practical and theoretical. Moreover, as new instruments arrive, like the Sciex triple TOF 6600 mass spectrometer for host cell protein (HCP) analysis, we will be trained up on these instruments as well to further expand our skill set.
During our time here, it has been fascinating to observe the high emphasis BioPharmaSpec places on quality to ensure that all the services provided at the company are of the highest grade. The detail and diligence of reporting and organizing laboratory processes and samples have been new and impressive to us. We have gained considerable confidence knowing that we are part of a company with a strong quality culture that places accountability and traceability at the heart of all procedures via the use of comprehensive standard operating procedures and extensive review processes.
Through the extensive theoretical training program, we have covered the latest scientific knowledge regarding mass spectrometry, analytical science and international biopharmaceutical regulations. What is special about BioPharmaSpec is that they focus on an in-depth understanding of the data, rather than blind automated processing. Over our short time here we have gained detailed insights into the meaning of the data we have generated and the controlled application of bioinformatics tools to assist in data analysis. Particular highlights for us have been to see the mass accuracy that can be achieved with mass spectrometry and to be able to de novo sequence the amino acids of proteins.
We have both really enjoyed the high level of practical and theoretical training from such an experienced team, who have been more than happy to support us. It has been truly motivating to see the expertise each scientist has and to learn about the real-world relevance of the analytical techniques that we are performing. The analytical field we are working in is diverse meaning no two days are the same, allowing us to develop a broad knowledge base of different analytical techniques and their applications.
Combined with knowledge from our training program, we are developing a deep understanding of the different techniques, instruments and data analysis skills needed in this field. Since we have started working at BioPharmaSpec, we have been developing professionally every day and aim, one day, to be analytical experts ourselves!
