AZURA® Bio purification

Significance of the topic

Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) plays a central role in the purification of biomolecules by providing gentle, biocompatible separation under controlled conditions. Modular and scalable purification platforms like AZURA Bio enable laboratories to tackle a wide range of protein purification challenges, from laboratory research to pilot‐scale production.

Objectives and overview of the brochure

This brochure introduces the KNAUER AZURA Bio purification portfolio, highlighting its flexibility and compact footprint. It outlines available chromatographic modes—size exclusion (SEC), affinity (AC), ion exchange (IEX) and hydrophobic interaction (HIC)—and describes how users can configure tailored workflows that integrate multiple purification steps and automate routine tasks.

Methodology

FPLC uses low‐shear flow and gentle buffers to preserve protein integrity. Common strategies combine a capture step (affinity or ion exchange) with intermediate cleanup and final polishing (SEC or HIC). Gradient elution is achieved by quaternary or binary pumps, and pressure‐sensitive media are protected from pulsation. Automated valve switching and fraction collection streamline multi‐step protocols.

Used instrumentation

• AZURA P 6.1L binary and quaternary gradient pumps (10–50 ml/min), P 2.1L scale‐up pumps (100–1 000 ml/min)
• Buffer selection valves supporting up to 12 buffers
• Multi‐injection valves, sample loops and AS 6.1L autosampler (10 ml volume, plate and vial compatibility)
• Column selection valves for 2–7 columns, with reverse‐flow option
• Detectors: UV/VIS single and multi‐wavelength, diode array (3D scan), conductivity, pH, fluorescence, refractive index and light scattering
• Fraction collectors: Foxy R (up to 1 000 ml/min) and Vario 4000 series with customizable racks
• Accessories: pressure control, air sensors, back‐pressure regulators, AZURA Assistant docking station
• Software: PurityChrom® 6 for method creation, system visualization, audit trail and 21 CFR 11 compliance

Main features and discussion

• Modular hardware allows users to mix pumps, valves and detectors in compact benchtop or pilot‐scale configurations.
• Automated two‐step purification combines affinity capture with desalting in one run, reducing manual transfers and sample handling.
• Quaternary low‐pressure gradients offer cost‐effective buffer blending; high‐pressure binary gradients deliver superior accuracy.
• Reverse‐flow elution concentrates affinity‐bound proteins and improves column cleaning efficiency.
• PurityChrom® 6 provides an animated flow path, intuitive method writing, multi‐system support and advanced user management.

Benefits and practical applications

• Highly customizable systems adapt to diverse tasks in academic, QA/QC and industrial environments.
• Compact footprint and cold‐room compatibility maximize lab space and maintain bioprocess integrity.
• Automated buffer and sample switching, combined with advanced detectors, ensures reproducible results and high throughput.
• Seamless scale‐up from lab to pilot scale retains method parameters and promotes process transferability.

Future trends and applications

Emerging developments include integration of real‐time PAT sensors, AI‐driven method optimization, expanded multi‐column and simulated moving bed configurations, and dedicated platforms for lipid nanoparticle purification. Enhanced software analytics and cloud connectivity will further streamline large‐scale bioprocess workflows.

Conclusion

The AZURA Bio purification systems deliver a versatile, modular FPLC solution that addresses the full lifecycle of protein purification, from method development to pilot‐scale production. Their combination of flexible instrumentation, powerful software and automation capabilities raises throughput, reproducibility and process efficiency.