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Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): Principles, Modes, and Emerging Applications in Nanotechnology and Biomedicine

Discover how Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) provides nanometric precision in imaging, mechanical analysis, and electrochemical characterization of surfaces. Explore real-world applications in nanotech, semiconductors, and biomedicine.

Introduction

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a cutting-edge surface characterization technique that enables researchers to explore surfaces with nanometer-scale precision. Unlike optical or electron microscopes, AFM uses a mechanical probe to scan and measure the surface topography, material properties, and interactions at the atomic level.

The versatility of AFM allows it to operate in various environments, including air, vacuum, and liquids. This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, from materials science to biomedicine. It provides both qualitative imaging and quantitative analysis of topography, mechanical elasticity, electrical properties, and more.

As advanced as it is adaptable, AFM enables the development of new semiconductors, high-performance polymers, bio-compatible coatings, and real-time biological measurements at the molecular scale. With the integration of specialized modes and AI-driven software, the Bruker Dimension Icon-PT AFM, for example, brings even greater efficiency and precision to modern nanoscale research.

Understanding the fundamentals of AFM

Atomic Force Microscopy was invented in 1986 by Binnig, Quate, and Gerber. Its original design has since evolved into a family of techniques that share one common feature: the interaction between a sharp probe tip and a surface.

The basic components of an AFM system include:

• Cantilever and Tip: A nanometer-scale tip mounted on a flexible cantilever that interacts with the sample.
• Laser and Photodetector: A laser beam reflects off the back of the cantilever and onto a photodetector, tracking vertical displacement.
• Piezoelectric Scanner: Controls the movement of the sample or the probe with sub-nanometer accuracy.
• Feedback System: Maintains a constant force or height to allow precise mapping of the surface.

AFM does not rely on light or electrons to generate images. Instead, it uses force interactions, such as van der Waals, electrostatic, or capillary forces, to sense the features of the surface. This makes it especially suitable for non-conductive samples, unlike SEM or TEM.

Additionally, AFM can function in air, liquids, or controlled gas environments, enabling real-time biological and chemical analysis under near-physiological conditions. This environmental adaptability is a major advantage in biosanitary research.

AFM working modes explained

Atomic Force Microscopy offers multiple operational modes, each designed for specific material types and analytical goals.

Contact Mode

In contact mode, the probe remains in constant contact with the surface as it scans. This mode provides high-resolution imaging but can be invasive, especially for soft or biological samples. It is best suited for hard, stable surfaces such as metals, glass, and ceramics.

Tapping Mode (Intermittent contact)

Tapping mode oscillates the cantilever at its resonance frequency and gently touches the surface during each cycle. This reduces lateral forces and sample damage, making it ideal for imaging soft polymers, biological tissues, and loosely bound nanoparticles.

Non-contact Mode

In non-contact mode, the cantilever vibrates near the surface without touching it. It detects attractive van der Waals forces, offering the least invasive method for delicate or loosely bound surface features.

Other advanced Modes

In addition to the former, there are advanced AFM modes worth mentioning, such as PeakForce QNM®, KPFM, and TUNA.

• PeakForce QNM®: Measures mechanical properties (modulus, adhesion, deformation) at <1 nN forces with nanometric resolution.
• Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM): Maps electrostatic surface potential and work function.
• TUNA/CAFM: Enables current mapping for electrical conductivity in semiconductors and nanomaterials.

These advanced modes enable multi-parameter surface mapping in a single scan, drastically improving data acquisition and analysis capabilities.

Applications of Atomic Force Microscopy by industry

Materials Science and Nanotechnology

AFM is pivotal in analyzing nanostructured materials, thin films, composites, and coatings. It provides:

• High-resolution topographic maps.
• Mechanical characterization (Young’s modulus, hardness, adhesion).
• Analysis of wear and deformation under mechanical stress.

This information helps design advanced materials with tailored surface properties for aerospace, electronics, and energy applications.

Biomedical and Biosanitary applications

In biomedical research, AFM reveals cellular structures, measures membrane stiffness, and observes molecular binding forces in real-time. It is used to:

• Differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells based on viscoelastic properties.
• Study protein aggregation and receptor-ligand binding.
• Investigate bacterial adhesion and extracellular matrix mechanics.

The ability of AFM to function in liquid environments is crucial for maintaining live cell conditions during measurements.

Semiconductor and Electronics

AFM is indispensable for analyzing surface defects, roughness, and conductive pathways at the nanometer level in integrated circuits (ICs), MEMS devices, and photovoltaic materials. Modes like KPFM and TUNA are used to:

• Measure nanoscale electrical conductivity.
• Characterize dielectric breakdown.
• Map doping profiles.

Environmental and Surface Chemistry

AFM is increasingly applied to study microplastics, nanotoxicology, and pollutant detection in air, soil, and water. It is used to:

• Visualize particle morphology.
• Measure surface energy and adhesion.
• Detect chemical functional groups with techniques like CFM and AFM-IR.

Comparative analysis: AFM vs. other microscopy and measurement techniques

Technique	Key Strengths	Limitations
AFM	Nanoscale topography, mechanical & electrical analysis in ambient conditions	Slower scan speed, limited subsurface analysis
SEM	High-resolution imaging of conductive materials	Requires vacuum and coating, limited for biological samples
TEM	Atomic resolution, internal structure imaging	Expensive, complex sample preparation
Nanoindentation	Quantitative mechanical properties	Lacks spatial resolution of AFM
Optical Profilometry	Fast, non-contact surface mapping	Poor vertical resolution below 100 nm

AFM stands out due to its versatility and resolution, especially when used for multi-modal surface characterization.

Challenges and barriers to adoption of AFM

Despite its advantages, AFM adoption faces several challenges:

• High equipment costs: Advanced AFM systems are expensive, making them inaccessible for routine labs.
• Complexity: Requires expert operators to run the system and interpret data.
• Scanning time: Slower than optical or SEM techniques, especially for large areas.
• Sample preparation: Soft or uneven samples may deform under probe interaction.
• Data volume: Generates massive datasets that require sophisticated analysis tools.

Ongoing improvements in automation, software, and user interface design aim to lower these barriers and broaden AFM accessibility. More importantly, the use of expert personnel and speciallized facilities overcomes most of these drawbacks. To learn more, visit Unit 16 of NANBIOSIS: Surface Characterisation and Bacterial Colonization Unit.

Future trends and innovations in AFM

High-Speed AFM and automation

Emerging high-speed AFMs reduce scan times significantly, enabling near real-time visualization of dynamic biological and chemical processes. AI-powered analysis accelerates interpretation and enhances reproducibility.

AFM for Drug Delivery and molecular manipulation

AFM enables single-molecule force spectroscopy, critical in understanding drug-target interactions. In future applications, AFM-integrated tools could guide surgeries, diagnose diseases at the nanoscale, or evaluate drug responses in real time.

Integration with robotics and quantum research

Miniaturized AFM probes embedded in surgical instruments or autonomous robots could perform in vivo diagnostics. In quantum and nanoelectronics, AFM could help design next-generation devices with atomic precision.

Future enhancements may include:

• AFM-endoscopy for cancer detection
• AI-assisted materials discovery
• Autonomous environmental nanosensors
• Nanoassembly using functionalized probes

The adaptability of this technique makes it an ideal platform for multidisciplinary innovation.

Conclusion

Atomic Force Microscopy has evolved from a niche research tool to a multi-functional powerhouse in nanotechnology, biomedicine, electronics, and environmental science. With the ability to deliver atomic-scale resolution, multi-modal characterization, and operation under diverse conditions, AFM is shaping the future of materials research and nanoscale innovation.

Despite technical and financial barriers, ongoing developments in probe technology, high-speed scanning, and AI integration are making AFM more accessible and efficient than ever. From studying living cells to engineering quantum devices, AFM is, and will remain, one of the most transformative tools in modern science.

Credits:
Margarita Hierro Oliva
Gabriel Alfranca

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

HPLC: What It Is, How It Works, and Its Applications in Modern Biotech

Discover what HPLC is, how it works, and why it’s essential in analytical chemistry and biotechnology. Learn about real applications like LC/MSD iQ integration for antibody purification.

What is HPLC? Understanding High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is one of the most powerful analytical techniques used in chemistry, biochemistry, and biotechnology. From pharmaceutical quality control to the purification of cutting-edge biotechnological products, HPLC provides high-resolution separation and precise quantification of complex mixtures. Its precision, sensitivity, and versatility have made it indispensable in both research and industrial settings.

This article explores how HPLC works, its key components, real-world applications —including the integration of mass detectors like the Agilent LC/MSD iQ— and how this technique is evolving toward automation and AI-enhanced scalability.

How does HPLC work? Core principles and mechanism

At its core, HPLC is a technique for separating, identifying, and quantifying the components of a mixture by exploiting their interaction with a stationary phase and a liquid mobile phase under high pressure.

Mobile and stationary phases

The mobile phase is a liquid solvent or a mixture of solvents that carries the sample through the system. The stationary phase is typically a column packed with small, porous particles (often silica-based) that interact differently with each compound.

As the mobile phase flows under high pressure through the stationary phase, each component in the sample moves at a different rate depending on its chemical characteristics and interaction with the column material.

Retention time and elution

Every compound elutes from the column at a different retention time. This is a key indicator used to identify and quantify substances. The sharper and more distinct the elution peaks, the more effective the separation.

Types of HPLC

HPLC can be tailored to different applications through various modes:

• Isocratic Elution: A constant mobile phase composition throughout the run.
• Gradient Elution: Varies the composition of the mobile phase to improve separation of complex mixtures.
• Reverse-Phase HPLC (RP-HPLC): The most common form, using a nonpolar stationary phase and polar mobile phase.
• Normal-Phase HPLC, Ion-Exchange HPLC, and Size-Exclusion HPLC are also used based on the molecular properties of the analytes.

Key components of an HPLC system

Understanding each part of the system is essential for appreciating its versatility and precision, as well as to help understanding how it can benefit from the analytical potential of this technique.

1. Solvent delivery system (Pump)

The pump delivers the mobile phase through the column at a precise and constant flow rate, often between 0.5 to 1.5 mL/min, under pressures of up to 6000 psi.

2. Injector and sample introduction

The injector introduces the sample into the mobile phase. Manual or autosampler injectors are used depending on the system’s automation level. This provides the column with a mixture of the sample and the mobile phase.

3. Column: The Heart of HPLC

This is where the separation happens. Columns vary in length, diameter, and particle size depending on the application. Different types of columns can be used depending on the nature of the sample. Reverse-phase C18 columns are the most widely used in pharmaceutical and biotech labs.

4. Detectors: UV vs Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Traditional systems use UV-Vis detectors to measure absorbance. However, newer systems incorporate Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) for enhanced specificity. Mass detectors can identify compounds based on molecular weight, offering far superior sensitivity and selectivity.

HPLC vs LC-MS: Enhanced analytical power

Combining HPLC with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) brings unmatched analytical power, especially when dealing with complex biological samples. This is thanks to their superior analytical capabilities compared to traditional detection approaches.

The role of LC/MSD iQ integration

At NANBIOSIS Unit 2 (CAbS), researchers have integrated the Agilent G6160A LC/MSD iQ mass selective detector with the Agilent 1260 HPLC system to significantly enhance immunoreagent analysis.

This configuration enables:

• Specific molecular mass detection
• Rapid confirmation of compound identity
• Higher selectivity than UV detectors, even for overlapping peaks
• Improved purification protocols

Advantages over traditional UV detection

Traditional UV detectors may struggle with closely eluting or co-eluting compounds, especially in bioanalytical samples. LC-MS eliminates this by providing a mass fingerprint for each analyte, ensuring better resolution and reducing false positives.

Real Case: Immunoreagent characterization

NANBIOSIS experts at Unit 2 (Custom Antibody Service) use LC/MSD iQ for:

• Monitoring the purity of antibodies
• Quantifying specific immunoreagents
• Characterizing molecular forms for regulatory compliance

This setup supports biotech development pipelines and technology transfer from lab to industry, highlighting the practical utility of this cutting-edge analytical technique.

Applications of HPLC in science and the industry

HPLC is essential across multiple fields where chemical precision is non-negotiable. A few examples are listed herein.

Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Control

• Identification and quantification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
• Stability testing and degradation analysis
• Regulatory compliance (FDA, EMA)

Biotechnology and Biologics Purification

• Purification of monoclonal antibodies, peptides, and recombinant proteins
• Analytical development for biosimilars and biobetters
• Batch release testing in biomanufacturing

Environmental and Food Safety Testing

• Detection of contaminants, pesticides, or drug residues
• Analysis of food additives, vitamins, and preservatives
• Monitoring of water quality and industrial effluents

Advantages and limitations of HPLC

Strengths

• High precision and reproducibility
• Exceptional resolution of complex mixtures
• Compatibility with a wide range of detectors and samples
• Scalable from analytical to preparative scales

Limitations

• High equipment and maintenance cost
• Requirement of trained personnel
• Complex method development
• Solvent usage and disposal issues

These limitations, however, are mitigated in advanced laboratories through automation, SOPs, and proper training protocols. This is where NANBIOSIS Unit 2 can help you overcome these hurdles.

Future of HPLC: Innovation and automation

There are a few ground-breaking technologies that can potentially revolutionize many analyticial techniques, and HPLC is no exception. The integration of AI, robotics, and cloud-based systems is redefining what HPLC can do.

AI-integrated HPLC platforms

Future systems could incorporate real-time predictive analytics, optimizing flow rates, gradients, and detection settings for maximum efficiency.

Large-scale applications and process control

With sufficient investment, platforms like Agilent LC/MSD iQ can be scaled for industrial-level purification, maintaining accuracy without manual intervention.

Vision from CAbS: NANBIOSIS Expertise

In a scenario with unlimited funding, the team at NANBIOSIS Unit 2 envisions:

• A fully integrated LC/MS-AI platform
• Real-time monitoring and adaptive process control
• Seamless tech transfer from lab to industrial production
• Global-scale immunoreagent production with full traceability

This would elevate the role of HPLC from an analytical tool to a core component of industrial bioprocessing infrastructure.

Conclusion: Why HPLC remains indispensable in Analytical Chemistry

Despite the emergence of newer techniques, HPLC remains the gold standard for separation science. Its adaptability —especially when combined with mass spectrometry— ensures its place in the future of biotech, pharma, and beyond.

Whether you’re developing life-saving biologics, ensuring water safety, or refining analytical workflows, HPLC continues to deliver unmatched resolution, reliability, and reproducibility.

Credits:
Nuria Pascual
Gabriel Alfranca

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

Understanding Zeta Potential: Surface Charge at the Solid/Water Interface and Its Role in Modern Materials Science

Explore the importance of zeta potential and surface charge at the solid/liquid interface for biomaterials, membranes, and nanomaterials.

What is Zeta Potential and why does it matter?

Zeta potential is a key physicochemical parameter that describes the electrostatic potential at the slipping plane of a solid surface in a liquid medium. It is not a direct measure of surface charge but rather the potential at the boundary between the stationary layer of fluid attached to the surface and the mobile layer of the surrounding liquid. This parameter is crucial for understanding the behavior of colloidal dispersions, emulsions, and particles in suspension.

The phenomenon of zeta potential emerges from the formation of the electrical double layer (EDL) at the interface between a solid and an aqueous solution. This layer consists of a charged surface and a compensating layer of counter-ions. When an external field is applied, the movement of these ions relative to the surface creates an observable potential difference.

Zeta potential impacts the stability of colloidal systems: high absolute values (positive or negative) indicate strong electrostatic repulsion, which helps prevent aggregation. Conversely, low values may signal a risk of flocculation or sedimentation. Hence, it is a critical metric in formulating stable suspensions in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, and beyond.

Surface charge at the solid/water interface

The solid/water interface is a dynamic region where charge develops due to several mechanisms: ionization of surface groups, ion adsorption, and lattice defects. The type and density of surface charge depend strongly on pH, ionic strength, and the nature of the surrounding electrolyte.

This surface charge is the origin of the electrical double layer and directly influences interactions with dissolved molecules, proteins, or ions. In biological and environmental systems, it governs key processes such as adsorption, desorption, ion exchange, and membrane transport.

In materials science, understanding surface charge is essential for tailoring materials with desired wettability, adhesion, or biocompatibility. This is especially relevant in applications involving membranes, coatings, and nanostructures that operate in aqueous environments.

How Zeta Potential is measured: techniques and technologies

Several techniques are used to determine zeta potential, including electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) for colloidal systems and streaming potential or streaming current methods for solid surfaces. Among advanced tools, the SurPASS 3 Electrokinetic Analyzer stands out for its ability to directly measure the zeta potential at the solid/liquid interface.

SurPASS 3 uses the classical electrokinetic approach with continuous flow: an electrolyte is passed through a channel formed between the sample surface and a reference, and the resulting flow potential or flow current is measured. This allows for precise, non-destructive analysis of a wide variety of sample geometries, including flat surfaces, powders, fibers, and porous materials.

Moreover, SurPASS 3 integrates automated pH titration using syringe pumps, enabling the determination of the isoelectric point (IEP). This is invaluable for tracking surface modifications and understanding material behavior across different pH levels. This equipment is available in the services of our Unit 16, among other surface characterization techniques.

Key applications across industries

Biomedical and Pharmaceutical

• Implants: Evaluation of surface charge helps optimize biocompatibility and reduce immune rejection.
• Drug delivery: Zeta potential measurements inform the design of nanoparticle carriers to enhance targeting and stability.
• Contact lenses: Assessment of protein adsorption through surface charge analysis supports development of more comfortable and hygienic lenses.

Materials science and engineering

• Membrane characterization: Understanding surface charge assists in improving antifouling properties and selectivity.
• Nanomaterial design: Enables engineering of coatings like graphene oxide with specific interfacial behaviors.
• Coating and adhesion studies: Surface charge insights guide the functionalization and durability of advanced materials.

Environmental and energy applications

• Fuel cell membranes: Characterizing zeta potential supports optimization of ion transport layers.
• Water purification: Adsorbent and filter materials benefit from surface charge tuning for enhanced contaminant removal.

Industrial and commercial uses

• Textile finishing: Zeta analysis supports better dyeing, treatment, and functional coatings.
• Food packaging: Helps in developing antimicrobial or oxygen-barrier films.
• Construction materials: Surface property evaluation leads to more durable and weather-resistant materials.

Competitive edge of SurPASS 3 vs other equipment

Compared to traditional surface analysis equipment, SurPASS 3 offers:

• Automation: Rapid, reproducible results with minimal user intervention.
• Versatility: Accommodates diverse sample shapes and sizes.
• pH-dependent profiling: Automatically determines IEP and adsorption/desorption kinetics.
• Real-time monitoring: Enables observation of surface transformations during chemical treatments.

However, barriers exist:

• Sample requirements: Specific geometries and physical properties are needed.
• Infrastructure needs: Compressed nitrogen supply and optional temperature control increase setup costs.
• Technical expertise: Trained operators are essential for accurate interpretation and maintenance.

Future outlook: emerging and visionary applications

In the near term, SurPASS 3 will continue supporting:

• Real-time adsorption studies for R&D
• Surface engineering of biomaterials
• Environmental material design (e.g., photocatalysts, adsorbents)

Long-term applications include:

• 4D-printed responsive materials with programmed zeta profiles
• Nanomaterials for quantum devices with controlled interfacial properties
• Virus-trapping smart surfaces for healthcare settings
• Carbon capture materials using charge-optimized MOFs

Final thoughts: why Zeta Potential is a foundational metric

Zeta potential is not just a measurement—it’s a gateway to understanding how materials behave at the most fundamental level. From drug delivery to environmental technology, from textile innovation to nanotechnology, the surface charge at the solid/liquid interface defines interactions, stability, and performance.

With tools like the SurPASS 3, researchers and engineers can now explore these properties with unmatched precision and adaptability, paving the way for smarter, more functional materials.

Credits:
Margarita Hierro Oliva
Gabriel Alfranca

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

Protein Purification Methods: Advanced Techniques and Automation with ÄKTA Pure

Explore modern protein purification methods with a special focus on automated systems like ÄKTA Pure. Learn how advanced chromatography workflows are transforming antibody production, diagnostics, and biotech applications.

What is protein purification and why does it matter?

Protein purification is a fundamental process in biotechnology, biomedical research, and pharmaceutical production. It involves isolating a specific protein of interest from a complex mixture, such as a cell lysate, while preserving its structure and function. This process is critical because the quality, purity, and yield of proteins directly impact downstream applications such as drug development, diagnostic assays, and therapeutic research.

In the context of immunoreagents, such as antibodies, protein purification ensures the removal of host cell proteins, nucleic acids, and other contaminants that may interfere with analytical or clinical performance. High-purity proteins are essential for reproducibility and reliability across scientific studies.

The traditional steps of protein purification

The protein purification workflow typically includes several key steps:

1. Cell lysis and extraction: Disruption of the cell membrane to release intracellular contents using chemical, mechanical, or enzymatic methods.
2. Clarification: Removal of insoluble debris through centrifugation or filtration.
3. Buffer exchange and conditioning: Adjusting pH, salt concentration, and adding stabilizers to optimize protein behavior before chromatography.

Each step requires careful design to avoid loss of protein function or yield.

Overview of core purification techniques

Several chromatographic methods are widely employed:

• Affinity Chromatography: Exploits specific interactions between the protein and a ligand attached to a resin. Protein A or G resins are commonly used for antibody purification.
• Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEX): Separates proteins based on charge differences.
• Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC): Also known as gel filtration, this method separates proteins based on size and shape.
• Precipitation and Filtration: Less specific methods used in early-stage purification, often resulting in variable quality.

The role of automation in protein purification: ÄKTA Pure

The ÄKTA Pure system represents a shift towards automation in protein purification. Developed by Cytiva, it integrates multiple chromatography techniques into a single, modular, and highly customizable platform.

ÄKTA Pure addresses key challenges in protein purification:

• Reproducibility: Reduces variability associated with manual processes.
• Contamination Control: Automation minimizes exposure and potential degradation.
• Optimization: Through UNICORN software, parameters like flow rate, pH, and gradient elution are finely controlled.

Its use of affinity, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography enables highly pure antibody isolation with reduced time and effort.

Comparative analysis: ÄKTA Pure vs other systems

While traditional systems like HPLC offer precision, they lack the flexibility and ease of method development found in ÄKTA Pure. Manual purification methods, although accessible, introduce variability and limit scalability.

Compared to other FPLC systems, ÄKTA Pure stands out due to:

• Integrated software (UNICORN) for intuitive protocol design
• Modular components for flexibility
• Scalability from research to pilot production

Applications and impact in the biomedical and biotech industries

The ÄKTA Pure system has a significant impact in fields requiring consistent, high-purity proteins:

• Diagnostics: Antibody production for ELISA and lateral flow assays
• Biotech R&D: Reliable protein reagents for drug screening and discovery
• Therapeutics: Preparation of immunoreagents for preclinical validation

Barriers to entry and practical considerations

Despite its advantages, implementing ÄKTA Pure may involve high initial equipment cost, training needs for advanced chromatography and software use, and infrastructure adjustments in existing labs.

However, these challenges are offset by long-term gains in quality, throughput, and compliance.

Near and long-term opportunities for automated protein purification

Short and mid-term applications include:

• Routine antibody purification for biomedical research
• Development of high-performance diagnostic reagents
• Protocol refinement to increase yields and consistency

Looking forward:

• Integration with AI for adaptive protocol optimization
• Large-scale purification of advanced antibody formats (e.g., bispecifics, ADCs)
• Continuous processing for industrial-scale immunoreagent production

NANBIOSIS case study: Integrating ÄKTA Pure into CABS services

The CABS platform within NANBIOSIS incorporates ÄKTA Pure to support:

• Rapid adaptation to different antibody types
• Regulatory-compliant workflows
• Expert-guided optimization for diverse client needs

This integration allows seamless transition from research protocols to industrial applications, drastically decreasing the challenges of the technique, and enhancing efficiency and reliability.

Conclusion

Modern protein purification is evolving from manual methods to intelligent, automated systems. ÄKTA Pure exemplifies this shift, offering robust solutions to common challenges in protein production. As the demand for high-quality immunoreagents grows, adopting flexible, scalable purification systems will be key to innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, and beyond.

Credits:
Nuria Pascual
Gabriel Alfranca

What is NANBIOSIS?

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates. This includes their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

In order to access our Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions with priority access, enter our Competitive Call here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

Happy Day of Chemistry! The role of Chemistry in a sustainable research in health

Today, November 15 is a day of celebration for us, the Day of the Chemistry in Spain!

Chemistry is the science that studies matter, how it is composed, its properties and how its structures are transformed and, as matter is everything, including living beings and ourselves, we can say that chemistry is omnipresent and transversal in all areas surrounding us. Chemistry is everywhere, we ourselves are chemistry and our health and our life is chemistry.

“Everything around us is chemistry in the environment, foods, what we use and what we touch every day. Our own body is a sophisticated complex factory with an infinite number of chemical processes taking place on a perfect and synchronized manner”- points Pilar Marco, Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS U2 Custom Antibody Service (CAbS) from CIBER-BBN at IQAC-CSIC.

The crucial role of chemistry in everyday life is also evidence in the development of current technology and the economy. According the VCI Prognos Study, the Global growth forecast for Industrial Sectors, places the chemical industry in the fist position. As far as national picture, the INE Statistics on R+D Activities 2020 -last publish report-, chemical and pharmaceutical industry employs the 22,2 % of research staff recruited and the investment and expenditure on the chemical and pharmaceutical industry represents the 23,6% R+D and Innovation -above the motor vehicles industry.

Thanks to chemical and pharmaceutical research,

medicines, vaccines and health products have made great strides in fighting diseases and improving quality of life. Thanks to chemical and pharmaceutical medicine research, in few years, it will be possible, for example, to count on smart implants delivering personalised drugs only where cancer or infections are detected or biosensors circulating in our body to find diseases only one week after infection.

At the Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia, four NANBIOSIS units of CIBER-BBN use chemistry to deliver new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches that improve the quality of life of the society.

One of the research lines of the Nb4D group-U2 CabS at IQAC-CSIC (led by Pilar Marco and Nuria Pascual) focuses on the chemical signals that bacteria emit to communicate with each other and thus develop virulence mechanisms. Their knowledge will allow the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic strategies to mitigate the serious problem of antimicrobial resistance.

NANBIOSIS U3 Synthesis of Peptides Unit– MS4N group, led by Miriam Royo, explores the use of diverse types of chemical multivalent platforms (oligomers, dendrimers, polymers, micelles and lipid nanovesicles) for the development of drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, protein delivery systems for the treatment of lysosomal diseases and macromolecular compounds that have intrinsically therapeutic properties with application to central nervous system diseases.

Chemistry plays an essential role in helping society achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In 2015 the United Nations created a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. This framework, comprising 17 aspirational goals known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Chemistry is key to achieve the SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being with the development of new technologies that will provide a deeper understaunding of human health, making posible better, cheeper and faster medical diagnosis and treatmens.

In this sense, Carlos Rodriguez Abreu, Scientific Director of NANBIOSIS Unit for the characterization of nanostructured liquids (U12) explains: “The goals of sustainable development are producing a shift towards surfactants not based on petroleum derivatives, but derived from other raw materials that are more biocompatible and that allow a circular economy that is less aggressive with the environment. Quality control is necessary with regard to the properties of the products that contain surfactants, such as the droplet size in emulsions, the particle size in suspensions, their colloidal stability over time, among others. Additionally, products must be precisely formulated to optimize the use of raw materials and obtain the desired properties. In this context, the NANBIOSIS U12, acredited with ISO 9001:2015 by AENOR, offers a wide range of advanced analysis techniques for the determination of different colloidal properties such as droplet size and particle size, colloidal stability, viscosity, surface tension, pore size distribution, and determination of phase behavior and structure for the tailor-made formulation of surfactant and colloid systems for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

The Nucleic Acid Chemistry group at IQAC-CSIC – NANBIOSIS U29 Oligonucleotide Synthesis Platform (OSP) is developing new compounds based in DNA and RNA to detect and treat diseases participating in several projects with several research and industrial partners such as La Marato de TV3 (Covid), Oligofastx, Caminan2, Osteoatx. These new drugs use the natural mechanisms for gene regulation to treat undruggable diseases such Muscular dystrophy and others. Importantly special attention is made to design novel synthetic protocols to produce less organic waste what contributes to the sustainable development. 

We wish to all the family of chemistry professionals new projects and inspiration to achive humans Good Health & Well-Being and keep the world moving!

And Happy Chemistry Day, too, for all the chemistry enthusiasts!