Stabilisation of dissolved proteins against denaturation at hydrophobic interfaces

Studies with insulin delivery devices have shown that denaturation of dissolved proteins at hydrophobic interfaces is a basic obstacle to long-term insulin stability in pumps. This study shows that polypropylene glycol/polyethylene glycol block polymers prevent both the adsorption of dissolved proteins to hydrophobic interfaces and the resultant aggregation. At a concentration of 0.001% (w/v), the block polymer Genapol PF-10 stabilises insulin solutions over a wide range of concentrations. Insulin solutions thus stabilised are at present being clinically tested. The effectiveness of molecular variants of Genapol PF-10 to stabilise other proteins (human gamma-globulin, myoglobin and serum albumin) is presented also.