Virus-like particles (VLPs) are hollow particles that have outer shell of the virus without genetic information, thus considered relatively safe for medical usages. VLPs are widely researched in pathology/immunological areas for the use of vaccine preparation, DDS development and alike. VLPs are generally prepared from microbial expression systems.
Hepatitis B surface antigen antibody-like particle (HBsAg VLP) is one of the VLPs. In addition to the spherical complete bodies, the crude product of HBsAg VLP contains incomplete bodies and aggregates and/or impurities originated from the microbial expression process.
In this application, the crude product of HBsAg VLP was analyzed using KW 405-4F, a silica-based aqueous SEC (GFC) column, and a multi angle light scattering detector. The determined rms radius of eluted substances reflected the actual particle size distribution well.


Sample : 5 μL
HBsAg VLP
(Partially purified product)

Column       : Shodex KW405-4F (4.6 mm I.D. x 300 mm)
Eluent       : PBS (-) (pH7.4)
Flow rate    : 0.35 mL/min
Detector     : UV(280 nm) (small cell volume) 
               MALS (µDAWN produced by Wyatt Technology Corp.)
Column temp. : 25 °C