Development of Magnetic Particles for Virus Purification Processes

Viruses can be purified by numerous methods like centrifugation, filtration, or chromatography. However, these methods are usually not intended for small scale purification or virus isolation. Furthermore, they are not suited for high-throughput isolations or analysis of patient or environmental samples.

Separation via magnetic particles, is a promising alternative [1]. Classically, magnetic particle separation is based on antibodies immobilized onto magnetic beads, allowing a specific isolation of target (macro-)molecules up to cells. However, use of the method requires specific antibodies for every target which increases costs and narrows down its field of applications. Both disadvantages can be circumvented, by using pseudo-affinity ligands based on small molecules, like sulfated carbohydrates, which are applicable for a wide range of targets [2-5].

Combining the advantages of pseudo-affinity ligands with magnetic separation, we develop magnetic sulfated cellulose particles (MSCP) to purify or deplete a variety of viruses including influenza A and B virus and modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus [6-7].