Waters Aura GT System for particle characterization

The Aura GT System is the first dedicated platform designed for the detection, counting, and characterization of viral vectors used in gene therapy, including AAV (Adeno-Associated Virus) and lentiviral vectors. Combining Backgrounded Membrane Imaging (BMI) and Fluorescence Membrane Microscopy (FMM) with dual fluorescence channels, the system enables rapid and reliable assessment of viral particle aggregation and stability during early-stage development.

Requiring only 5 µL of sample, Aura GT allows characterization even when only limited material is available. Using fluorescent dyes such as Thioflavin T (ThT) and SYBR™ Gold, researchers can distinguish capsid aggregates from DNA-containing aggregates, identify root causes of instability, and gain valuable insights into viral vector quality.

The system supports high-throughput 96-well plate screening and enables direct comparison of formulations, AAV serotypes, production lots, storage conditions, and stability profiles. Results that traditionally required months of work can now be obtained within hours.

Key Features

• Combines BMI and FMM technologies in one platform
• Specifically designed for AAV, lentivirus, and viral vectors
• Detects, counts, and characterizes viral aggregates
• Differentiates capsid and DNA aggregates
• Identifies root causes of aggregation and instability
• Requires only 5 µL sample volume
• Dual fluorescence channels for simultaneous characterization
• High-throughput 96-well plate screening
• Direct comparison of formulations, serotypes, and production lots
• Viral vector stability assessment
• Actionable results within hours
• Eliminates labor-intensive traditional assays
• Optimized for gene therapy development
• High sensitivity and throughput

Technical Specifications

Technology

• Backgrounded Membrane Imaging (BMI)
• Fluorescence Membrane Microscopy (FMM)
• Dual-channel fluorescence detection

Optics

• Objective: 4×
• Resolution: 1.0 pixel/µm
• Imaging area: 24.6 mm²

Particle Detection

• Detectable size range:
  • 1 µm (ECD)
  • <5 mm (ECD)

Sample Handling

• Minimum sample volume: 5 µL
• Compatible with 96-well plates
• Optimized for high-throughput screening

Waters: Get your gene therapy products to market even faster with Aura GT System.

Analysis Speed

• BMI read time: 1 minute per sample
• FMM read time: 30 seconds per sample
• 2 fluorescence channels

Fluorescence Analysis

• Thioflavin T (ThT) for capsid aggregate detection
• SYBR™ Gold for DNA detection
• Simultaneous identification of protein and DNA aggregates

Waters: Identify root cause and characterize AAV particles at low volume with Aura GT System.

Software

• Particle Vue™ 4.x Software Suite
• Image acquisition and analysis
• Automated particle characterization

Typical Applications

• Gene therapy development
• AAV vector characterization
• Lentiviral vectors
• Stability studies
• Aggregation studies
• AAV serotype comparison
• Formulation screening
• Production lot evaluation
• DNA aggregate analysis
• Viral vector development