Mass Spectrometry for the Masses

Mass spectrometry (MS) has become an integral part of biotherapeutics development and manufacturing. A 2017 study reported that most USDA-approved biotherapeutics utilized MS analysis for protein and/or impurity characterization from 2000-2015. With the development of new and improved MS instruments, the use of MS in biotechnology will continue to grow, presenting a steep learning curve for analysts who are more familiar with traditional techniques. There is therefore a need for targeted and easily accessible learning material to provide analysts with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement MS in their work.

The Applied Mass Spectrometry to Biomanufacturing course has been designed to address the learning gap by demystifying core concepts and providing a comprehensive understanding of MS use in biopharmaceutical analysis. The course employs microlearning, an increasingly popular learning modality, to deliver complex topics in manageable portions through short (<20 minutes), engaging, multimodal (animation, OST, etc.) video modules. Each video focuses on a particular biopharmaceutical assay (e.g., host cell protein analysis, raw material testing, cell culture media analysis, glycosylation profiling), covering fundamental knowledge, sample preparation, data analysis, and the transition from conventional to MS-based workflows. The modular format offers a personalized experience, tailored to each participant’s individual biopharmaceutical characterization needs.

Video: Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry

This video short is a primer, an introduction to the MS landscape and establishes a solid foundation for novice learners. The video covers basic core concepts and terminologies of MS, and equips you with the necessary knowledge base to understand later applications in biopharmaceutical analysis. By the end of this module, participants will have gained an understanding of the essentials of MS.

Video: Rapidly Confirming Product Identity Using MALDI-TOF

This video covers using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) MS to rapidly verify the identity of your biopharmaceutical products. It illustrates a step-by-step guide on the fundamentals of this particular technique and how to use it to achieve fast and accurate product identification. After completing this module, participants will be able to effectively apply MALDI-TOF MS in their biopharmaceutical analysis.