Introduction:
This article discusses the differences in albumin obtained from different sources and the importance of selecting the correct albumin product for specific applications. It emphasizes the need to consider factors such as post-translational modifications, manufacturing risks, metal binding abilities, ligand variations, and albumin purity when choosing albumin for medical use.
- Different sources of albumin, including human plasma, rice, and different yeasts, have variations in post-translational modifications, ligand binding, and purity.
- Certain product-related impurities in albumin can cause undesirable side effects and adverse immunogenic responses in humans.
- Recombinant albumins from rice and Pichia pastoris have been shown to contain glycosylation that may trigger immune responses.
- Different albumin sources have variations in metal binding abilities, which can affect their functionality in certain applications.
- Different sources of albumin also carry different ligands based on their origins, purification, and formulation processes.
- Commercially available albumins contain process-related impurities that can pose risks for viral and prion contamination.
- Recombinant albumins from baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are a safe and reliable source with consistently high quality.
Conclusion:
The selection of albumin for medical applications should take into consideration factors such as post-translational modifications, manufacturing risks, metal binding abilities, ligand variations, and albumin purity. Recombinant albumins from baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are a reliable source with low proces-related impurities and high functionality.
