Emulsifying device for microsphere preparation

Abstract

The utility model discloses an emulsifying device for preparing microspheres, which belongs to the technical field of emulsifying equipment and comprises a workbench, an injection part and an emulsifying part are mounted on the workbench and connected through a connecting guide pipe, and the emulsifying part comprises a support frame arranged on the upper end face of the workbench and a rotary joint mounted on the upper portion of the support frame. The lower end of the rotary joint is rotationally connected with a communicating pipe, a rotating part for driving the communicating pipe to rotate is arranged on the outer side of the communicating pipe, and a metal porous membrane liquid outlet cover with a liquid leakage function is detachably arranged at the free end, deviating from the rotating part, of the communicating pipe. The device has the beneficial effects that the speed of a dispersed phase entering a continuous phase is controlled by adjusting the feeding speed of the injection pump, and the rotating speed of the liquid outlet cover is adjusted by adjusting the rotating speed of the motor, so that the interface shearing force is controlled, the working efficiency is effectively improved, and the obtained microspheres are high in dispersity and good in stability. The method can be used for precise small-batch preparation of dispersed phase and component microspheres.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of emulsification equipment technology, specifically relating to an emulsification device for microsphere preparation. Background Technology

[0002] Emulsification is the process of uniformly dispersing one liquid into extremely small droplets in another immiscible liquid. In other words, the solution constituting the microspheres, in one solution system (called the dispersed phase), is poured into another immiscible liquid (called the continuous phase). Under ultrasonic or vigorous stirring, the dispersed phase forms extremely small droplets, which, under the action of an emulsifier, remain stable within the continuous phase. Subsequently, these droplets are solidified into microspheres; methods such as cross-linking and solvent evaporation of the dispersed phase can be considered. Emulsification is one of the most commonly used methods for preparing embolic microspheres. PLGA protein-carrying microspheres are prepared using a W / O / W emulsification method. BSA or antibody protein is added to a solution of dichloromethane and Span 80 to obtain a W / O emulsion mixture, which is then vigorously swirled. The emulsion is then injected into a PVA solution through a needle, and mechanical stirring is used to achieve emulsification. The dichloromethane is then evaporated to obtain solidified microspheres.

[0003] An emulsifier works by using a high-speed rotating homogenizing head connected to an engine to shear, disperse, and impact materials. This makes the materials finer and promotes the mixing of oil and water. Emulsifiers are used in many creams and lotions, such as cosmetics, shower gels, and sunscreens. They are also needed in the food industry (sauces, juices, ice cream manufacturing), as well as in the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries. However, current laboratory research and development, as well as small-scale production operations, all require high shearing forces from emulsifiers. While existing emulsifiers are easy to operate, they produce poorly dispersed microspheres and are unsuitable for precise, small-batch emulsification of dispersed phases, thus limiting their application.

[0004] In view of this, the inventors conducted in-depth research to address this need, which led to the present invention. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the problem that existing technologies still result in poor microsphere dispersion and cannot be used for precise small-batch preparation of dispersed phases, this utility model provides an emulsification device for microsphere preparation, including a worktable. An injection unit and an emulsification unit are installed on the worktable. The injection unit and the emulsification unit are connected by a connecting conduit. The emulsification unit includes a support frame disposed on the upper surface of the worktable and a rotary joint installed on the upper part of the support frame. A connecting pipe is rotatably connected to the lower end of the rotary joint. A rotating component for driving the connecting pipe to rotate is provided on the outside of the connecting pipe. A metal porous membrane outlet cover with leakage function is detachably provided on the free end of the connecting pipe away from the rotating component.

[0006] A rotary joint connects the injection section and the emulsification section, and a rotating component is installed on the outside of the connecting tube. The rotation of the rotating component causes the connecting tube to rotate at high speed. The rotation speed of the liquid outlet hood is adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the motor, thereby controlling the interfacial shear force. This allows the liquid dispersion phase that enters the connecting tube through the injection section and the rotary joint to be emulsified into small droplets under the action of the shear force on the side wall of the liquid outlet hood.

[0007] Furthermore, a conical guide cone is fixedly provided in the middle of the bottom surface of the liquid outlet hood. The outer diameter of the guide cone is smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom surface of the liquid outlet hood, and the height of the guide cone is smaller than the height of the liquid outlet hood. Several leakage microholes are provided on the side wall and bottom edge of the liquid outlet hood, and the several leakage microholes are arranged at equal intervals.

[0008] By using the above technical solution, a conical guide cone is set at the bottom of the liquid outlet hood, which allows the liquid flowing out from the connecting pipe to be quickly dispersed to the side wall of the liquid outlet hood. The liquid is then emulsified under the shear force of the side wall of the liquid outlet hood due to the high-speed rotation of the connecting pipe.

[0009] Furthermore, the pore size of the leakage micropores is 10~1000μm and the spacing is 20~2000μm.

[0010] Furthermore, the support frame includes a fixed platform, a first fixed rod, and a second fixed rod. The first fixed rod and the second fixed rod are fixedly disposed at the diagonal edges of the fixed platform. A first connecting rod is rotatably disposed at the free end of the first fixed rod. A gripper is disposed at the free end of the first connecting rod. The gripper is detachably connected to the rotary joint. The second fixed rod is provided with a second connecting rod and a support platform from top to bottom. The support platform is fixedly connected to the second fixed rod.

[0011] Furthermore, the rotating component includes a rotating wheel, a driving wheel, and a drive motor. The teeth of the rotating wheel mesh with those of the driving wheel. The rotating wheel is fixedly disposed on the outer wall of the connecting pipe. The drive motor is disposed on the upper surface of the support platform. The output shaft of the drive motor is fixedly connected to the driving wheel.

[0012] The above technical solution involves setting a rotating wheel on the outer wall of the connecting pipe. The rotating wheel is driven to rotate by the drive wheel on the upper surface of the support platform. Since the connecting pipe is rotatably connected to the upper rotating joint, the liquid outlet cover connected to the bottom of the connecting pipe can also rotate, so that its side wall has shear force, thereby realizing the emulsification of the internal liquid.

[0013] Furthermore, a magnetic stirrer is provided in the middle of the fixed platform, and a liquid container is provided at the upper end of the magnetic stirrer. A magnetic particle for stirring is provided inside the liquid container.

[0014] The above technical solution allows for the use of a magnetic stirrer with magnetic stirrers on a fixed platform to stir the emulsified liquid in the container, and also to heat the liquid in the container as needed.

[0015] Furthermore, the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second fixed rod, and a clamping ring is provided at the free end of the second connecting rod. A thermometer for measuring the temperature of the solution in the liquid container is detachably fixed on the clamping ring.

[0016] Furthermore, the injection unit includes a syringe and an injection pump, the syringe is snapped into a snap-fit ​​groove of the injection pump, and the push plate of the injection pump abuts against the free end of the syringe plunger.

[0017] The above technical solution involves connecting a syringe to a connecting conduit, and then using an injection pump to push the syringe to allow the dispersed phase to enter the connecting tube through the connecting conduit and rotary joint until it reaches the liquid outlet. The rotating wheel fixedly installed on the outside of the connecting tube rotates rapidly under the drive of the motor, thus completing the emulsification of the dispersed phase.

[0018] Furthermore, the bottom of the support platform is provided with several reinforcing rods, and the two ends of the reinforcing rods are fixedly connected to the bottom of the support platform and the upper end surface of the fixed platform, respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, the rotating wheel and the driving wheel are bevel gears that cooperate with each other.

[0020] The beneficial effects of adopting the technical solution of this utility model are as follows:

[0021] (1) The speed at which the dispersed phase enters the continuous phase is controlled by adjusting the feed rate of the injection pump, and the rotation speed of the liquid outlet is adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the motor to control the interface shear force device. When the device is running, the dispersed phase enters the porous liquid outlet through the connecting tube under the push of the injection pump, and enters the liquid outlet through the leakage micropores. Under the action of the shear force on the side wall of the liquid outlet, the small droplets are emulsified, which effectively improves the working efficiency. The resulting microspheres have high dispersibility and can be used for precise small-batch preparation of dispersed phases and component microspheres.

[0022] (2) The speed of the liquid outlet hood is controllable, the feeding speed of the dispersed phase is controllable, the feeding method is suitable for small-batch emulsification preparation of microspheres, and the sub-hood can be replaced according to the needs to adjust the pore size and pore distribution. In addition, the liquid outlet hood and the connecting pipe are detachably connected, which makes it easy to disassemble and clean, and improves the reusability of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a front view of an emulsification device for microsphere preparation according to the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an emulsification device for microsphere preparation according to the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connecting tube of an emulsification device for microsphere preparation according to this utility model;

[0027] In the diagram, 1. Workbench; 2. Connecting conduit; 3. Rotary joint; 4. Connecting pipe; 5. Rotating component; 6. Liquid outlet cover; 7. Flow guide cone; 8. Leakage micro-hole; 9. Fixed platform; 10. First fixed rod; 11. Second fixed rod; 12. First connecting rod; 13. Support platform; 14. Rotating wheel; 15. Drive wheel; 16. Drive motor; 17. Magnetic stirrer; 18. Liquid container; 19. Second connecting rod; 20. Thermometer; 21. Syringe; 22. Injection pump; 23. Reinforcing rod. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely to represent selected embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0029] This embodiment controls the rate at which the dispersed phase enters the continuous phase by adjusting the feed rate of the injection pump, and controls the interfacial shear force by adjusting the rotation speed of the dispensing hood by adjusting the motor rotation speed. This effectively improves work efficiency and yields microspheres with high dispersibility, suitable for precise small-batch preparation of dispersed phases and component microspheres. Specific implementation details are as follows:

[0030] like Figure 1-3As shown, an emulsification device for microsphere preparation includes a worktable 1, on which an injection unit and an emulsification unit are mounted. The injection unit and the emulsification unit are connected by a connecting conduit 2. The emulsification unit includes a support frame disposed on the upper end face of the worktable 1 and a rotary joint 3 mounted on the upper part of the support frame. A connecting pipe 4 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the rotary joint 3. A rotating component 5 for driving the connecting pipe 4 to rotate is provided on the outside of the connecting pipe 4. A metal porous membrane liquid outlet cover 6 with a leakage function is detachably disposed on the free end of the connecting pipe 4 away from the rotating component 5.

[0031] The speed at which the dispersed phase enters the continuous phase is controlled by adjusting the feeding speed of the injection pump 22, and the rotation speed of the liquid outlet 6 is adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the motor, thereby controlling the interfacial shear force. Under the push of the injection pump 22, the dispersed phase enters the interior of the porous liquid outlet 6 through the connecting conduit 2, and enters through the leakage micropores 8 to achieve emulsification under the action of the shear force on the side wall of the liquid outlet 6.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, a conical guide cone 7 is fixedly provided in the middle of the bottom surface of the liquid outlet 6. The outer diameter of the guide cone 7 is smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom surface of the liquid outlet 6, and the height of the guide cone 7 is smaller than the height of the liquid outlet 6. A plurality of leakage microholes 8 are provided on the side wall and bottom edge of the liquid outlet 6, and the plurality of leakage microholes 8 are arranged at equal intervals.

[0033] Here, a conical guide cone 7 is set at the bottom of the liquid outlet 6 so that the liquid flowing out from the connecting pipe 4 can be quickly dispersed to the side wall of the liquid outlet 6. Under the action of shear force on the side wall of the liquid outlet 6, the liquid is emulsified by the high-speed rotation of the connecting pipe 4. In addition, the connecting pipe 4 can change the surface properties, pore size and pore distribution of the liquid outlet 6 by loading liquid outlet 6 with different structures and shapes.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the pore size of the leakage micropores 8 is 10~1000μm and the spacing is 20~2000μm.

[0035] Here, the micropore size directly affects the droplet size distribution. Different pore size ranges can be flexibly adapted to different emulsification requirements. The adaptive design of micropore size and spacing can reduce the possibility of material blockage. By balancing the pore size and spacing parameters, emulsification efficiency, stability and process adaptability are taken into account, which is especially suitable for scenarios that require precise control of droplet characteristics.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the support frame includes a fixed platform 9, a first fixed rod 10, and a second fixed rod 11. The first fixed rod 10 and the second fixed rod 11 are fixedly disposed at opposite edges of the fixed platform 9. A first connecting rod 12 is rotatably disposed at the free end of the first fixed rod 10. A gripper is provided at the free end of the first connecting rod 12. The gripper is detachably connected to the rotary joint 3. The second fixed rod 11 is provided with a second connecting rod 19 and a support platform 13 from top to bottom. The support platform 13 is fixedly connected to the second fixed rod 11.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating component 5 includes a rotating wheel 14, a driving wheel 15, and a drive motor 16. The teeth of the rotating wheel 14 mesh with those of the driving wheel 15. The rotating wheel 14 is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the connecting pipe 4. The drive motor 16 is mounted on the upper end face of the support platform 13. The output shaft of the drive motor 16 is fixedly connected to the driving wheel 15.

[0038] Here, a rotating wheel 14 is installed on the outer wall of the connecting pipe 4. The rotating wheel 14 is driven to rotate by the drive wheel 15 on the drive motor 16 installed on the upper end of the support platform 13. Since the connecting pipe 4 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the rotary joint 3, the liquid outlet 6 connected to the bottom of the connecting pipe 4 can also rotate to make its side wall have shear force, thereby realizing the emulsification of the internal liquid.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, a magnetic stirrer 17 is provided in the middle of the fixed platform 9, and a liquid container is provided at the upper end of the magnetic stirrer 17. The liquid container is provided with magnetic particles for stirring.

[0040] Here, a magnetic stirrer 17 is installed on the fixed platform 9. It can be used with a magnetic ball to stir the emulsified liquid in the container, and can also heat the liquid in the container as needed.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the second connecting rod 19 is rotatably connected to the second fixed rod 11, and a clamping ring is provided at the free end of the second connecting rod 19. A thermometer 20 for measuring the temperature of the solution in the container is detachably fixed on the clamping ring.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the injection unit includes a syringe 21 and an injection pump 22. The syringe 21 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove of the injection pump 22, and the push plate of the injection pump 22 abuts against the free end of the push rod of the syringe 21.

[0043] Here, the syringe 21 is connected to the connecting conduit 2, and the syringe pump 22 pushes the syringe 21 to allow the dispersed phase to enter the inside of the connecting tube 4 through the connecting conduit 2 and the rotary joint 3 until the liquid outlet 6. The rotating wheel 14 fixed on the outside of the connecting tube 4 rotates rapidly under the drive wheel 15 of the connected motor to complete the emulsification of the dispersed phase.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the support platform 13 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing rods 23, and the two ends of the reinforcing rods 23 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the support platform 13 and the upper end face of the fixed platform 9, respectively.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating wheel 14 and the driving wheel 15 are bevel gears that cooperate with each other.

[0046] The specific operation of the emulsification process is as follows: a dispersed phase is added to the syringe 21, a continuous phase is added to the container 18, and the drive motor 16, magnetic stirrer 17 and injection pump 22 are started. The dispersed phase is propelled from the syringe 21 through the connecting tube 2 and rotary joint 3, enters the high-speed rotating connecting tube 4, reaches the liquid outlet 6, and enters the container 18 containing the continuous phase through the leakage micro-hole 8 on the liquid outlet 6 to achieve emulsification.

[0047] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An emulsification device for microsphere preparation, characterized in that, The device includes a workbench (1), on which an injection unit and an emulsification unit are installed. The injection unit and the emulsification unit are connected by a connecting conduit (2). The emulsification unit includes a support frame set on the upper end face of the workbench (1) and a rotary joint (3) installed on the upper part of the support frame. A connecting pipe (4) is rotatably connected to the lower end of the rotary joint (3). A rotating component (5) for driving the connecting pipe (4) to rotate is provided on the outside of the connecting pipe (4). A metal porous membrane liquid outlet cover (6) with a leakage function is detachably provided on the free end of the connecting pipe (4) away from the rotating component (5).

2. The emulsification device for microsphere preparation according to claim 1, characterized in that, A conical guide cone (7) is fixedly provided in the middle of the bottom surface of the liquid outlet hood (6). The outer diameter of the guide cone (7) is smaller than the outer diameter of the bottom surface of the liquid outlet hood (6), and the height of the guide cone (7) is smaller than the height of the liquid outlet hood (6). Several leakage microholes (8) are provided on the side wall and bottom edge of the liquid outlet hood (6), and the several leakage microholes (8) are arranged at equal intervals.

3. The emulsification device for microsphere preparation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The leakage micropores (8) have a pore size of 10~1000μm and a spacing of 20~2000μm.

4. The emulsification device for microsphere preparation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame includes a fixed platform (9), a first fixed rod (10), and a second fixed rod (11). The first fixed rod (10) and the second fixed rod (11) are fixedly installed at the diagonal edges of the fixed platform (9). The free end of the first fixed rod (10) is rotatably provided with a first connecting rod (12). The free end of the first connecting rod (12) is provided with a gripper. The gripper is detachably connected to the rotary joint (3). The second fixed rod (11) is provided with a second connecting rod (19) and a support platform (13) from top to bottom. The support platform (13) is fixedly connected to the second fixed rod (11).

5. An emulsification device for microsphere preparation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rotating component (5) includes a rotating wheel (14), a driving wheel (15), and a drive motor (16). The teeth of the rotating wheel (14) mesh with those of the driving wheel (15). The rotating wheel (14) is fixedly mounted on the outer wall of the connecting pipe (4). The drive motor (16) is mounted on the upper end face of the support platform (13). The output shaft of the drive motor (16) is fixedly connected to the driving wheel (15).

6. The emulsification device for microsphere preparation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixed platform (9) is provided with a magnetic stirrer (17) in the middle, and a liquid container is provided at the upper end of the magnetic stirrer (17), and a magnetic ball for stirring is provided in the liquid container.

7. The emulsification device for microsphere preparation according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second connecting rod (19) is rotatably connected to the second fixing rod (11). The free end of the second connecting rod (19) is provided with a clamping ring, and a thermometer (20) for measuring the temperature of the solution in the container is detachably fixed on the clamping ring.

8. The emulsification device for microsphere preparation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The injection unit includes a syringe (21) and an injection pump (22). The syringe (21) is snapped into the snap-fit ​​groove of the injection pump (22), and the push plate of the injection pump (22) abuts against the free end of the push rod of the syringe (21).

9. An emulsifying device for microsphere preparation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the support platform (13) is provided with several reinforcing rods (23), and the two ends of the reinforcing rods (23) are fixedly connected to the bottom of the support platform (13) and the upper surface of the fixed platform (9), respectively.

10. An emulsifying device for microsphere preparation according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotating wheel (14) and the driving wheel (15) are bevel gears that cooperate with each other.

Images