Louise COLIN

Microscopic Dynamic Properties of Antibody Solutions

Antibody protein injections are used in various therapies. The conflicting requirements of minimizing the injection volume and of limited injectable viscosities motivate pharmaceutical research on dense aqueous antibody solutions The macroscopic phase behavior in protein solutions may depend on minute changes of, for instance, the temperature in a physiologically relevant range. We will combine small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering, high resolution neutron spectroscopy as well as x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy to obtain a dynamic picture on the molecular level of antibody solutions, systematically addressing the phase behavior comprising monomeric solution states, cluster formation, as well as gel- and glass-like arrested states depending on external parameters such as temperature and additives. The protein and cluster center-of-mass diffusion and the internal relaxations on the molecular level will be measured simultaneously. The results will be interpreted with models and simulations from colloid physics. We expect to better understand (1) the link between microscopic interactions and phase behavior relevant for pharmaceutical applicability, as well as, more fundamentally, the link between macroscopic viscosity and diffusion on nanosecond time scales; and (2) the biological, pharmacological and medical function and specificity of antibodies.

More information on the project (InnovaXN website)