Cross Mixer Angled Inlets for Uniform Lipid Nanoparticles
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a controlled high-throughput process to prepare lipid nanoparticles with defined parameters for effective targeted delivery of biologically active substances like small molecule drugs, proteins, and nucleic acids, as existing methods face challenges in stability and cell permeability.
Innovation Solution
A cross mixer is used to combine lipid and aqueous buffer solutions, featuring angled inlets and an outlet, which facilitates rapid mixing and nucleation of nanoparticles through high turbulence, reducing ethanol concentration quickly to form lipid nanoparticles with defined parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional mixing methods are used for lipid nanoparticle preparation, then the process is simpler, but the mixing speed and nucleation uniformity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mixer employs dynamic flow patterns through angled inlets (30-60 degrees relative to the flow direction) that create turbulent mixing conditions. The asymmetric inlet configuration generates varying flow velocities and directions that enhance mixing speed while maintaining a relatively simple geometric structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow parameters by introducing fluids at specific angles (30-60 degrees) rather than perpendicular or parallel configurations. This parameter optimization achieves rapid mixing and uniform nucleation without requiring complex mechanical components or high-energy input systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If rapid mixing is achieved through high turbulence, then nanoparticle nucleation uniformity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical mixing systems (such as rotating impellers or high-speed stirrers that consume significant energy) with a passive turbulent mixing approach. The asymmetric inlet geometry naturally generates turbulence and rapid mixing through fluid dynamics alone, achieving uniform nanoparticle nucleation without high-energy mechanical input.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing system utilizes the kinetic energy already present in the incoming fluid streams to generate turbulence and achieve rapid mixing. The angled inlets cause the streams to interact and mix spontaneously without requiring additional energy input from external mixing mechanisms, making the system self-sufficient for achieving uniform nanoparticle formation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cross mixer achieves efficient and fast nanoparticle production with reduced ethanol concentration, enabling high supersaturation and uniform nucleation, resulting in smaller and more uniform lipid nanoparticles.
Implementation Method 1
facilitates rapid mixing and nucleation of nanoparticles through high turbulence
Implementation Method 2
enabling high supersaturation and uniform nucleation, resulting in smaller and more uniform lipid nanoparticles
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides processes for controlled high-throughput preparation of lipid nanoparticle with defined parameters. A cross mixer can include a central region, a first inlet in fluidic communication with the central region, a second inlet in fluidic communication with the central region, a third inlet in fluidic communication with the central region, and an outlet in fluidic communication with the central region, the outlet oriented at an angle of between about 35° and about 120° from the first inlet and an angle of between about 35° and about 120° from the second inlet.