Stability at the Interface: Comparative Case Study of Surfactant Performance in Biopharmaceutical Formulations

Nonionic surfactants like Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, and Poloxamer 188 are essential in preventing antibody aggregation and adsorption in biopharmaceutical formulations. Our work compares the interfacial activity and biopharmaceutical stability of Kolliphor® HS 15, using techniques such as tensiometry, interfacial rheology, and QCM-D. Results reveal notable differences among surfactants and highlight the impact of interface type. Additional tests assessed protein aggregation, oil release from siliconized vials, and surfactant stability against enzymatic degradation. Kolliphor® HS 15 matches polysorbates in interfacial activity and stabilization and shows a comparable resistance to enzymatic degradation with advantages for certain model enzymes and maintains stability under oxidative stress. Kolliphor® P188, though less active at interfaces, prevents aggregation of some proteins, suggesting multiple stabilization mechanisms and is therefore a suitable alternative These findings enhance understanding of surfactant-driven protein stabilization in various packaging systems.