Protein Biomolecule Preservation: Molecular Instability to Advanced Stabilization Method

Proteins are important biomolecules that are finding extensive applications in biotechnology, pharmacology, treatments and diagnostics. The sensitivity of proteins to degradation caused by physical, chemical and biological factors during formulation, storage and transportation is due to their complex physical structure and sensitivity to conformational changes. Thus, to preserve the stability, bioactivity, and therapeutic effects of protein biomolecules, preservation is essential.The physicochemical and structural basis of protein stability including protein folding-unfolding equilibria, thermodynamic and kinetic stability and the importance of non-covalent interactions are discussed in this review. It contains the discussion of the key degradation processes and key variables that influence preservation of proteins, which are temperature, pH, moisture, ionic strength, and mechanical stress. The role of stabilization of excipients and conventional preservation techniques is evaluated in a critical manner. In addition, novel strategies, evaluation procedures of stability, modern challenges and future opportunities of advanced and viable preservation of proteins are addressed..