Carbohydrate-Driven Control of Respirable Protein Powder Surfaces and Performance

Delivery of therapeutic proteins to the respiratory tract via inhalation offers a means to increase local concentrations while avoiding invasive administration. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) add advantages in terms of user convenience and product stability. However, protein stabilization in the dried state typically requires high levels of hydrogen-bonding excipients (e.g., disaccharides), which also increase hygroscopicity and can reduce aerosol performance under humid conditions. In this talk, I will present recent findings from our group on how carbohydrate chemistry—specifically size, flexibility, and hydrogen bonding capability—affects solid-state structure during spray drying, modulates surface energetics under humidity, and ultimately impacts aerosol performance and protein stability.