In the rapidly evolving field of biopharmaceutical research and development, understanding the interactions between drugs and various surfaces is crucial. QSense QCM-D technology is a powerful method for analyzing these interactions, providing insights that can help mitigate potential challenges during drug manufacturing, storage, and administration. Here, we highlight the top five QSense sensors that are particularly valuable for biopharmaceutical development, with a focus on pre-filled syringes and IV bags.
Label-free analysis of molecular interaction with materials in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, storage, and administration
QSense QCM-D technology offers a robust, label-free method for analyzing molecular interactions at surfaces and interfaces. By providing time-resolved measurements, it enables a detailed assessment of surface adsorption and desorption dynamics, as well as structural changes in adsorbed layers. This capability is particularly valuable for evaluating the stability and material compatibility of biopharmaceuticals. Early screening for surface-induced instabilities using QSense QCM-D can help reduce the risk of late-stage failures in the development process.
One of the key strengths of the QCM-D technology is its flexibility in measurement conditions and sensor materials, enabling the analysis of a vast range of molecular interactions. This versatility is particularly beneficial in biopharmaceutical development, where it can be used to study drug interactions with various materials encountered throughout manufacturing, storage, and administration.
Top Five QSense Sensors for Biopharmaceutical Development
Here we highlight five sensors that are relevant for biopharmaceutical R&D. These sensors represent materials commonly used in plastic packaging, glass containers, pre-filled syringes, and IV bags, enabling analysis of drug-surface interactions and interactions between antibodies and excipients.
- Stainless Steel (QSX 304 - SS2343)
Stainless steel is a strong and corrosion-resistant material used for example in needles for pre-filled syringes. The QSX 304 sensor is based on stainless steel SS2343, which is similar to US S 316, and it allows for analysis of how antibodies and other biologics interact with this material.
- Borosilicate Glass (QSX 336)
Borosilicate glass shows excellent chemical resistance and can withstand high temperatures. Being stable during storage, this glass material is for example commonly used for syringe barrels in pre-filled syringes and other pharmaceutical containers. QSense QSX 336 sensor is coated with borosilicate glass and enables for example analysis of adsorption and desorption of biologics on glass surfaces.
- Polydimethyl Siloxane (PDMS) (QSX 348)
To facilitate the smooth administration of drug products, the barrels of prefilled syringes are lubricated with silicone oil. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a silicone polymer, embodies the key characteristics of silicone oil. The QSX 348 PDMS sensor enables the analysis of interactions between biologics and PDMS surfaces and can provide insight into the effects of silicone oil on drug stability.
- Polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE/LLDPE) (QSX 999)
Polyethylene is used in the construction of IV bags. The QSX 999 HDPE/LDPE/LLDPE sensor represents the surface properties of high-density, low-density, and linear low-density polyethylene, providing a versatile sensor for studying drug interactions with these materials.
- Cyclo Olefin Polymer (COP) (QSX 999)
COP is a plastic that shows many attractive properties such as a high degree of break-resistance, glass-like transparency, and low oxygen permeation compared to other plastics. This material is for example used in the barrels of pre-filled syringes and the construction of IV bags. The QSX 999 COP sensor enables analysis of the interaction between biologics and COP materials.
Concluding remarks
QSense QCM-D is a versatile technology that, when paired with the appropriate sensors, can provide detailed insights into molecule-surface interactions of interest in different areas, for example, biopharmaceutical R&D. The sensors here highlighted —stainless steel, borosilicate glass, PDMS, polyethylene, and COP—can, for example, facilitate the study of interactions between biopharmaceuticals and materials used in pre-filled syringes and IV bags. This enables researchers to better understand and address potential challenges early in the biopharmaceutical development process, reducing the risk of late-stage failures.
Download the list below to see the full range of QSense sensor materials available for biopharmaceutical research and development.
