Adsorption of lysozyme and antibodies at material surfaces: Implications to material compatibility for development of biologics

Abstract

The impacts of contact materials such as borosilicate glass, polycarbonate (PC) and cellulose, on the adsorption of lysozyme, along with the interaction of an immunoglobulin (IgG) with polyethersulfone (PES)-typical filter material, were evaluated using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The adsorption and viscoelastic properties of the adsorbed protein layers, along with displacement and adsorption prevention by polysorbate 80 (PS80) and poloxamer 188, were characterized based on frequency and dissipation change. A decrease in frequency denotes a mass gain from adsorption, while an increase in dissipation indicates formation of a viscoelastic layer. The adsorption at a fixed lysozyme concentration increases in the following order: borosilicate glass > PC > cellulose. Furthermore, the adsorbed protein layers on PC surface appears to be the most viscoelastic, whereas the adsorbed layer at borosilicate seems to be the least viscoelastic. Finally, adsorption at interfaces is irreversible and cannot be completely displaced by PS80 or poloxamer 188. However, the adsorption of IgG on PES was shown to be effectively prevented when PS80 is present in the formulation. These results provide insights in understanding material compatibilities during manufacturing, storage and administration of therapeutic proteins in biopharmaceutical industry.