Liposome Preparation Device Using Filter-Mediated Double Emulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for liposome production, particularly the double emulsion method, suffer from low encapsulation efficiency and an inability to achieve programmable mass production, often requiring sonicators or microfluidic systems that limit liposome size and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a reaction tank and infusion unit with a filter is used to create a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion, allowing for high encapsulation efficiency and programmable production of nano-size or sub-micro size liposomes without the need for sonicators or microfluidic systems, utilizing a syringe filter and glass device for automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional double emulsion method is used, then liposomes can be produced, but encapsulation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device comprising a filter and collector that mediates between the emulsion formation process and the final liposome product. The filter acts as a physical intermediary to control droplet size and distribution, while the collector serves as an intermediary structure to gather and concentrate liposomes, thereby improving encapsulation efficiency without sacrificing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the traditional method by controlling the infusion rate of aqueous solution and organic solution, adjusting the pore size of the filter, and modifying the concentration of lipids in the organic solution. These parameter changes optimize both encapsulation efficiency and production productivity simultaneously
2Ease of manufacture
If sonicators are used for liposome production, then emulsion can be formed, but encapsulation efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sonication system with a chemical-infusion-based emulsion formation process. Instead of using ultrasonic waves to create emulsion, the system uses controlled infusion of aqueous and organic solutions through a filter, eliminating the harmful mechanical vibration while maintaining ease of manufacture and improving encapsulation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The filter and collector device serves as an intermediary mechanism that achieves emulsion formation without sonication. The filter mediates the mixing process by allowing controlled interaction between phases, while the collector mediates the separation and concentration of liposomes, thereby avoiding the encapsulation efficiency loss caused by sonicators
3Productivity
If microfluidic systems are used, then liposomes can be produced, but only micro-size liposomes are achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables programmable mass production with variable liposome sizes by changing the pore size of the filter and the infusion rate parameters. By adjusting these parameters, the system can produce liposomes ranging from nano-size to micro-size, providing adaptability while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities through programmable infusion rates and interchangeable filters with different pore sizes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different production requirements and liposome size specifications, overcoming the fixed size limitation of traditional microfluidic systems
4Productivity
If traditional methods are used, then liposome production can be achieved, but programmable mass production is incapable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements programmable control through dynamic adjustment of infusion rates, filter selection, and process parameters. The system can be programmed to automatically adjust these parameters for different production scales and liposome specifications, achieving both mass production capability and programmable automation
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 method achieves high encapsulation efficiency and programmable mass production of liposomes, suitable for biomedicine, nanotechnology, and bioanalysis, with the ability to produce liposomes of varying sizes using different filter pore sizes, enhancing their application potential.
Implementation Method 1
introducing the bioactive agent containing-aqueous solution and being filtered by the filter
Implementation Method 2
the organic solvent is evaporated by a rotary evaporator or by placing for a while
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for preparation of liposomes, comprises a reaction tank and an infusion unit. The reaction tank comprises a collector mounted in a predetermined position of the reaction tank; Two inlet ports are included: the first inlet port for infusing an aqueous solution; and the second inlet port for infusing an organic solution. The infusion unit can introduce a bioactive agent containing-aqueous solution into the reaction tank. The infusion unit comprises a filter connected to one end of the infusion unit and being adjacent to the collector. The method using the device comprises the steps of infusing an aqueous solution and an organic solution into the reaction tank of the device and thus forming an interface between the filter and the collector; infusing a bioactive agent containing-aqueous solution and being filtered by the filter, the bioactive agent is encapsulated to form a water-in-oil emulsion; the water-in-oil emulsion is passing through the aqueous solution and thus to form a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion. Finally the removal of the organic phase of water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion enables the harvest a plurality of liposomes. It has advantages such that simple-used and automation production. Thus nano size or sub-micro size liposomes can be prepared with high encapsulation efficiency without sonicators or delicate microfluidic systems.