Microjet machine for preparing ceramide lipidosome

Abstract

The utility model provides a ceramide liposome preparation microjet machine, which comprises a machine body, a plunger type cylinder, a homogeneous cavity, a first transparent pipe and a circulating water pipe, the plunger type cylinder is arranged on the machine body, a servo motor used for driving the plunger type cylinder is arranged in the machine body, the top of the plunger type cylinder is communicated with a sample feeding pipe, and the top of the plunger type cylinder is communicated with a second transparent pipe. The discharging end of the plunger cylinder is communicated with one end of a high-pressure connecting pipe, and the other end of the high-pressure connecting pipe is connected with the feeding end of the homogenizing cavity. The device can accurately detect the temperature after homogenization and prevent ceramide degradation, adopts the first infrared temperature measurement sensor and the second infrared temperature measurement sensor to monitor the temperature of the homogeneous fluid in real time, ensures that the temperature is stable in the liposome preparation process, prevents ceramide degradation caused by too high temperature, improves the product quality, and reduces the production cost. The spiral heat exchange tube is combined for rapid cooling, so that the temperature rise in the homogenizing process is effectively controlled, the stability and uniformity of lipidosome formation are ensured, the structural design is reasonable, the use is convenient and rapid, and the practicability is very high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of homogenizer technology, specifically to a microfluidic machine for ceramide lipid systems. Background Technology

[0002] Ceramide is an important bioactive lipid molecule widely used in skincare products, pharmaceutical formulations, and the biomedical field. Ceramide liposomes are nanoscale carrier systems formed by encapsulating ceramide within a lipid bilayer. They possess high biocompatibility and permeability, significantly improving the stability and skin absorption efficiency of ceramides. The preparation process of ceramide liposomes has a significant impact on the particle size uniformity, encapsulation efficiency, and stability of the liposomes, with homogenization being one of the key steps in liposome preparation. Currently, ceramide liposomes are typically prepared using techniques such as high-pressure homogenization, ultrasonication, or membrane extrusion. Among these, high-pressure microfluidic homogenization technology has become the mainstream preparation method due to its ability to effectively reduce liposome particle size and improve dispersion uniformity under high shear forces.

[0003] However, in the preparation of ceramide liposomes, existing microfluidic homogenizers cause a significant temperature rise when the material passes through the microchannels under high pressure. Excessive temperature may lead to the degradation of ceramides, thus affecting the quality of liposomes. Current microfluidic homogenizers lack temperature monitoring devices, making it difficult to adjust the temperature in a timely manner. If the temperature is too high, it may lead to chemical degradation or changes in molecular structure, affecting its biological activity and product quality. The large temperature fluctuations during the preparation process are not conducive to stable production. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a standby microfluidic apparatus for ceramide liposome preparation. This equipment uses a high-precision infrared temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the material in real time during homogenization, and combines it with a spiral heat exchange tube for efficient cooling, ensuring the stability of liposome preparation. Furthermore, the equipment is equipped with a wireless communication module, enabling remote data monitoring and storage, thus improving the level of intelligence and automation in production.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes the following technical solution: a microfluidic machine based on ceramide lipids, comprising:

[0006] Organism;

[0007] A plunger cylinder is mounted on the machine body, and a servo motor for driving the plunger cylinder is installed inside the machine body. The top of the plunger cylinder is connected to an injection tube.

[0008] The homogenized cavity has a discharge end connected to one end of a high-pressure connecting pipe and a feed end connected to the inlet end of the homogenized cavity.

[0009] The first transparent tube has its inlet end connected to the outlet end of the homogenizing cavity via a connecting tube, and a first infrared temperature sensor is installed on the first transparent tube.

[0010] A circulating water pipe is provided with a spiral heat exchange tube inside. The inlet end of the spiral heat exchange tube is connected to the outlet end of a first transparent tube. The outlet end of the spiral heat exchange tube is connected to a second transparent tube. A second infrared temperature sensor is provided on the second transparent tube. The outlet end of the second transparent tube is connected to an outlet pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, in this invention, the flow channel within the homogeneous cavity is Y-shaped.

[0012] Furthermore, in this invention, the two ends of the circulating water pipe are respectively connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, in this invention, a pressure gauge is provided on the high-pressure connecting pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, in this invention, the machine body is provided with a display screen.

[0015] Furthermore, in this invention, anti-slip seats are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the machine body.

[0016] Furthermore, this utility model also includes a processor. The first infrared temperature sensor and the second infrared temperature sensor are both connected to the processor. The processor is also connected to a wireless communication module, a display screen, and a storage module. The first infrared temperature sensor and the second infrared temperature sensor transmit temperature data to the processor. The processor displays the temperature data on the display screen and transmits the data to the storage module for storage. The processor transmits the temperature data to the user terminal through the wireless communication module.

[0017] Furthermore, in this invention, both the first transparent tube and the second transparent tube are glass tubes.

[0018] Furthermore, in this invention, the infrared temperature sensor is a Keyence FT-H30, and the infrared temperature sensor is directly attached to the pipe wall to measure the fluid temperature through the transparent pipe.

[0019] Beneficial effects: The technical solution of this application has the following technical effects:

[0020] This invention can accurately detect the temperature after homogenization to prevent ceramide degradation. It uses a first infrared temperature sensor and a second infrared temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the homogenized fluid in real time, ensuring temperature stability during liposome preparation and preventing ceramide degradation due to excessive temperature, thus improving product quality. Combined with a spiral heat exchange tube for rapid cooling, it effectively controls the temperature rise during homogenization, ensuring the stability and uniformity of liposome formation. The structure is reasonably designed, convenient and quick to use, and highly practical.

[0021] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts described in more detail below can be considered as part of the utility model subject matter of this disclosure, provided that such concepts do not contradict each other.

[0022] The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, and features of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Other additional aspects of the present invention, such as features and / or beneficial effects of exemplary embodiments, will become apparent from the following description or may be learned through practice of specific embodiments according to the teachings of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various figures may be denoted by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component is labeled in each figure. Embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a system block diagram of the present invention.

[0027] The meanings of the reference numerals in the figure are as follows: 1. Body; 2. Plunger cylinder; 3. Sample inlet tube; 4. Homogenizing cavity; 5. Connecting tube; 6. First transparent tube; 7. First infrared temperature sensor; 8. Circulating water tube; 9. Liquid inlet tube; 10. Liquid outlet tube; 11. Spiral heat exchange tube; 12. Second transparent tube; 13. Second infrared temperature sensor; 14. Discharge tube; 15. Pressure gauge; 16. Display screen; 17. Anti-slip seat. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To better understand the technical content of this utility model, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of this utility model are described in this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate numerous illustrative embodiments. The embodiments of this disclosure are not necessarily defined to include all aspects of this utility model. It should be understood that the various concepts and embodiments described above, as well as those described in more detail below, can be implemented in any of many ways, because the concepts and embodiments disclosed in this utility model are not limited to any particular implementation. Furthermore, some aspects of this utility model can be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects disclosed in this utility model.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a microfluidic device for ceramide lipid formulation includes a body 1, a plunger cylinder 2, and a homogenization chamber 4. The plunger cylinder 2 is mounted on the body 1, and a servo motor for driving the plunger cylinder 2 is installed inside the body 1. The body 1 serves as the overall support frame for the microfluidic device, supporting all components. This facilitates the installation of other functional components and improves the durability and stability of the device. The plunger cylinder 2 provides high-pressure driving force, allowing the raw material to enter the homogenization chamber and undergo high-pressure shearing. The plunger cylinder provides a more stable pressure output, ensuring the continuity and consistency of the homogenization process. An injection tube 3 is connected to the top of the plunger cylinder 2, which is used to deliver the ceramide solution or precursor material to the plunger cylinder 2.

[0031] The discharge end of plunger cylinder 2 is connected to one end of a high-pressure connecting pipe, and the other end of the high-pressure connecting pipe is connected to the feed end of homogenizing cavity 4. A pressure gauge 15 is installed on the high-pressure connecting pipe to monitor the pressure of the pipeline in real time during the homogenization process. Under high pressure, ceramide liposomes are homogenized using microfluidic technology to improve stability. The flow channel in homogenizing cavity 4 is Y-shaped. The Y-shaped flow channel optimizes the fluid path, making the shear force evenly distributed and improving the uniformity of liposome particles, which is particularly suitable for liposome-type fluids. High-pressure microfluidic treatment improves the dispersion effect of ceramide liposomes, resulting in smaller and more uniform particle sizes and improved encapsulation efficiency.

[0032] It also includes a first transparent tube 6 and a circulating water pipe 8. The inlet end of the first transparent tube 6 is connected to the outlet end of the homogenization chamber 4 via a connecting pipe 5. A first infrared temperature sensor 7 is installed on the first transparent tube 6. The first transparent tube 6 is made of glass, which is corrosion-resistant and high-temperature resistant, ensuring that it will not deform or contaminate materials during long-term use. The transparent design allows operators to easily observe the material flow, improving intuitiveness, and also facilitates the measurement of the material temperature by the first infrared temperature sensor 7 before cooling after homogenization, which helps in temperature control. The first infrared temperature sensor 7 is a Keyence FT-H30 model. The infrared temperature sensor is directly attached to the tube wall and measures the fluid temperature through the transparent pipe. Using the Keyence FT-H30 sensor provides non-contact temperature measurement, avoiding contamination. It provides high-precision temperature measurement, prevents ceramide degradation at high temperatures, and improves product stability. Temperature data can be stored, displayed, and remotely transmitted via a wireless communication module, improving the level of intelligence.

[0033] The circulating water pipe 8 is connected to an inlet pipe 9 and an outlet pipe 10 at both ends, forming a circulating cooling system that continuously removes heat, maintains stable temperature, and optimizes the liposome formation environment. The inlet and outlet pipes facilitate the flow of the cooling medium, improving heat exchange efficiency. A spiral heat exchanger tube 11 is installed inside the circulating water pipe 8. The spiral heat exchanger tube 11 increases the heat exchange area and improves cooling efficiency. The spiral structure improves heat exchange efficiency, reduces cooling time, and increases production efficiency. It also prevents liposome particle agglomeration due to excessive temperature, improving product uniformity and stability. The inlet end of the spiral heat exchanger tube 11 is connected to the outlet end of the first transparent pipe 6, and the outlet end of the spiral heat exchanger tube 11 is connected to a second transparent pipe 12. A second infrared temperature sensor 13 (Keyence FT-H30 model) is installed on the second transparent pipe 12. The infrared temperature sensor is directly attached to the pipe wall and measures the fluid temperature through the transparent pipe, facilitating the measurement of the material temperature after cooling. The discharge end of the second transparent tube 12 is connected to a discharge tube 14, which is used to transport the processed ceramide liposomes.

[0034] The machine body 1 is equipped with a display screen 16. The display screen 16 shows the temperature parameters in real time, providing intuitive feedback on the equipment's operating status, facilitating adjustments and improving production efficiency. Combined with a storage module, it can record data, enabling traceability of production quality.

[0035] Anti-slip seats 17 are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the machine body 1. The anti-slip seats 17 can enhance the stability of the equipment and reduce the impact of vibration.

[0036] The system also includes a processor. The first infrared temperature sensor 7 and the second infrared temperature sensor 13 are both connected to the processor. The processor is also connected to a wireless communication module, a display screen, and a storage module. The first infrared temperature sensor 7 and the second infrared temperature sensor 13 transmit temperature data to the processor. The processor displays the temperature data on the display screen and transmits the data to the storage module for storage. The processor then transmits the temperature data to the user terminal via the wireless communication module. These modules achieve the purpose of data storage, remote monitoring, and display. The processor collects sensor data in real time, improving the level of intelligence. The wireless communication module can remotely monitor temperature changes, and the storage module records production process data, facilitating data analysis and quality traceability, and improving production stability.

[0037] The overall working principle is as follows: First, sample injection and pressurization. The material enters the plunger cylinder 2 through the injection tube 3. The servo motor drives the plunger cylinder to provide high pressure, conveying the material to the homogenization chamber 4. The high-pressure connecting pipe maintains stable pressure, and the pressure gauge 15 provides real-time monitoring to ensure that the homogenization pressure meets the set value. Micro-jet homogenization: The high-pressure fluid enters the homogenization chamber 4, generating strong shear force under the action of the "Y"-shaped flow channel, homogenizing the liposomes to the nanoscale and improving dispersion uniformity. Temperature monitoring: After homogenization, the material enters the first transparent tube 6. The first infrared temperature sensor 7 records the temperature data and uploads it to the processor. Rapid cooling: The material enters the spiral heat exchange tube 11 and is cooled by the circulating water pipe 8 to reduce the temperature and prevent high temperature from affecting the stability of the liposomes. The cooled material flows into the second transparent tube 12. The second infrared temperature sensor 13 records the cooling effect and uploads the data to the processor. Data storage and remote monitoring: The processor records and analyzes temperature changes, displays them in real time on the display screen 16, and stores the data. The wireless communication module allows remote monitoring of the equipment status, improving production controllability. After homogenization and cooling, the ceramide liposomes are discharged from the discharge pipe 14 and either proceed to the next process or are collected directly.

[0038] The homogenization effect, temperature control capability, and final liposome particle size distribution of the ceramide liposome system were verified to ensure the feasibility and stability of the equipment.

[0039] Experimental materials

[0040] Ceramide solution (10 mg / mL), phosphatidylcholine (50 mg / mL), distilled water, cooling medium (ethanol-water mixture);

[0041] Experimental methods

[0042] Sample injection and homogenization: The plunger cylinder pressure was set to 80 MPa, and the number of homogenization cycles was controlled (1, 3, or 5). The material underwent shear homogenization through a Y-shaped flow channel to form liposomes. Temperature monitoring: The temperature T1 after homogenization was recorded using a first infrared thermometer. Cooling was performed through a spiral heat exchanger tube, and the temperature T2 after cooling was recorded using a second infrared thermometer. Particle size determination: The particle size (average particle size, PDI) of the liposomes was determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS).

[0043] Experimental data

[0044] Table 1. Effect of different homogenization times on liposome particle size

[0045] Homogenization times Feed pressure (MPa) Average particle size (nm) PDI (Multiple Dispersion Index) 1 80 210 0.32 3 80 165 0.25 5 80 120 0.18

[0046] Results analysis: With increasing homogenization cycles, the liposome particle size gradually decreased, and the distribution became more uniform (PDI decreased). After 5 homogenization cycles, the liposomes reached the nanoscale (120 nm), which is suitable for improving bioavailability.

[0047] Table 2. Temperature Change Monitoring

[0048] Test number Temperature TO before homogenization (°C) Temperature T1 (°C) after homogenization Temperature T2 (°C) after cooling 1 25 65 30 2 25 70 32 3 25 75 35

[0049] Results Analysis: The temperature rose significantly during homogenization (reaching a maximum of 75°C in T1), which may have affected the stability of ceramides. The spiral heat exchanger effectively reduced the temperature (T2), ultimately maintaining the material temperature at 30-35°C.

[0050] C, meets the process requirements.

[0051] Table 3. Effects of different pressures on liposome homogenization

[0052] Feed pressure (MPa) Average particle size (nm) PDI (Multiple Dispersion Index) Encapsulation efficiency (%) 60 190 0.30 85.2 80 120 0.18 91.5 100 110 0.15 92.8

[0053] Results analysis: Increasing the pressure from 60 MPa to 80 MPa significantly reduced the liposome particle size and improved the encapsulation efficiency. Above 100 MPa, the improvement in effect was limited; considering energy consumption costs, the optimal pressure setting was 80 MPa.

[0054] Therefore, the number of homogenization cycles affects the liposome particle size; 3–5 homogenization cycles can yield liposomes smaller than 120 nm. High-pressure microfluidic homogenization generates heat, requiring cooling via a spiral heat exchanger. The final temperature is controlled at 30-35℃, meeting process requirements. 80 MPa is the optimal pressure, resulting in good homogenization, uniform particle size, and high encapsulation efficiency. This experiment verifies the effectiveness of this equipment in liposome preparation and provides a reference for subsequent optimization of process parameters.

[0055] This embodiment achieves efficient and stable preparation of ceramide liposomes through innovative designs such as high-pressure microfluidic homogenization, intelligent temperature monitoring system, rapid cooling heat exchange, and remote data management, improving production quality and intelligence level, and is suitable for laboratory research and industrial production.

[0056] All standard parts used in this application can be purchased from the market, and can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art. The control method is automatic control through a controller. The control circuit of the controller can be implemented by simple programming by those skilled in the art and is common knowledge in the field. Since this application is mainly used to protect mechanical devices, the control method and circuit connection will not be explained in detail in this application.

[0057] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A microfluidic device for the preparation of ceramide liposomes, characterized in that: It comprises: a machine body (1); a plunger cylinder (2) mounted on the machine body (1), the machine body (1) being internally provided with a servo motor for driving the plunger cylinder (2), the top of the plunger cylinder (2) being communicated with a sample inlet tube (3); a homogenizing cavity (4), the discharge end of the plunger cylinder (2) being communicated with one end of a high-pressure connecting tube, the other end of the high-pressure connecting tube being communicated with the inlet end of the homogenizing cavity (4); a first transparent tube (6), the inlet end of the first transparent tube (6) being communicated with the discharge end of the homogenizing cavity (4) through a connecting tube (5), the first transparent tube (6) being provided with a first infrared temperature sensor (7); a circulating water tube (8), the inside of the circulating water tube (8) being provided with a spiral heat exchange tube (11), the inlet end of the spiral heat exchange tube (11) being communicated with the discharge end of the first transparent tube (6), the discharge end of the spiral heat exchange tube (11) being connected with a second transparent tube (12), the second transparent tube (12) being provided with a second infrared temperature sensor (13), the discharge end of the second transparent tube (12) being communicated with a discharge tube (14).

2. A microfluidic device for preparing ceramide liposomes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow channel in the homogenizing cavity (4) is "Y" shaped.

3. The microfluidic device for preparing ceramide liposomes according to claim 1, wherein: The two ends of the circulating water tube (8) are respectively communicated with a liquid inlet tube (9) and a liquid outlet tube (10).

4. The microfluidic device for preparing ceramide liposomes according to claim 1, wherein: The high-pressure connecting tube is provided with a pressure gauge (15).

5. The microfluidic device for preparing ceramide liposomes according to claim 1, wherein: The machine body (1) is provided with a display screen (16).

6. A microfluidic device for preparing ceramide liposomes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The four corners of the bottom of the machine body (1) are provided with anti-skid seats (17).

7. A microfluidic device for preparing ceramide liposomes according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a processor, the first infrared temperature sensor (7) and the second infrared temperature sensor (13) are both connected with the processor, the processor is also connected with a wireless communication module, a display screen and a storage module, the first infrared temperature sensor (7) and the second infrared temperature sensor (13) transmit temperature data to the processor, the processor displays the temperature data on the display screen and transmits the data to the storage module for storage, and the processor transmits the temperature data to the user end through the wireless communication module.

8. A microfluidic device for preparing ceramide liposomes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transparent tube (6) and the second transparent tube (12) are both glass tubes.

9. The microfluidic device for preparing ceramide liposomes according to claim 1, wherein: The models of the first infrared temperature sensor (7) and the second infrared temperature sensor (13) are both Keyence FT-H30, and the infrared temperature sensors are directly attached to the tube wall to measure the fluid temperature through the transparent tube.

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