Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) Analytics

Structural and functional characterisation of heparin and related glycosaminoglycans — supporting research, quality assessment, comparability and investigational studies.

Structural Identity & Molecular Characterisation Spectroscopy & Chromatography
  • ¹H NMR spectroscopy (≥500 MHz) for structural fingerprinting and identity confirmation
  • 2D NMR techniques (where required) for advanced structural interrogation
  • Chromatographic identity testing (HPLC/UHPLC)
  • LC-MS / HRMS profiling of intact polysaccharides and derived oligosaccharides
  • Disaccharide compositional analysis following enzymatic depolymerisation
  • Multidetector SEC/GPC for molecular weight distribution and absolute Mw assessment
Functional & Potency Assessment Functional assays
  • Anti-factor IIa activity assays
  • Anti-factor Xa activity assays
  • Anti-Xa : IIa ratio determination
  • Clotting-based assays (e.g., APTT-based methods) where appropriate
  • Comparative functional profiling across batches or sources
Impurity & Adulterant Profiling Targeted assays
  • Oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS) screening
  • Dermatan sulfate / galactosamine impurity assessment
  • Nucleotidic impurities (UV 260 nm and MS-based approaches)
  • Protein and residual biomolecule impurities
  • Investigational profiling of atypical or unexpected structural features
Physicochemical & Safety Testing Core QC
  • pH determination
  • Loss on drying / moisture content
  • Residue on ignition
  • Nitrogen content and elemental analysis (including heavy metals where required)
  • Bacterial endotoxins (LAL)
  • Sterility testing (where applicable)
Scope: Studies can be delivered as discrete analytical packages or as part of an integrated programme. Reporting can be tailored for research, quality assessment, comparability and regulatory-focused investigations, as required.