Spiral Mixing Chip for Uniform Lipid Nanoparticle Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing lipid nanoparticles face challenges in achieving uniform particle size and efficiency due to difficulties in mixing aqueous-phase and oil-phase solutions, leading to the need for separate sorting processes.
Innovation Solution
A chip with a spiral structure is used to mix an oil-phase solution containing lipids with an aqueous-phase solution containing nucleic acids, featuring a mixer unit with ridges and valleys along a spiral path to enhance mixing efficiency and form uniform lipid nanoparticles by self-assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional production methods are used, then the production process is simple, but the particle size uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spiral-shaped mixing channel with curved geometry to generate rotational flow patterns. This curvature induces secondary flows that enhance mixing efficiency and ensure uniform distribution of lipid and aqueous phases, resulting in consistent nanoparticle sizes without requiring complex post-processing sorting equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing channel is divided into multiple spiral segments with progressively decreasing dimensions. This segmentation allows staged mixing where each segment contributes to progressively finer homogenization of the phases, achieving uniform particle size through cumulative effect of multiple mixing zones rather than a single complex stage
2Productivity
If conventional mixing methods are used, then the mixing process is simple, but the mixing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral configuration of the mixing channel creates continuous rotational motion of the fluid phases as they traverse the curved path. This curvature-induced rotation generates centrifugal forces and secondary flows that dramatically enhance interfacial contact and mass transfer between oil and aqueous phases, achieving high mixing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes hydraulic principles by allowing the fluid flow itself to generate the mixing action through the spiral geometry. The kinetic energy of the flowing phases is converted into rotational motion and enhanced mixing without requiring external mechanical mixers or complex actuation systems
3Productivity
If conventional production methods are used, then equipment requirements are minimal, but production efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mixing function and nanoparticle formation function into a single spiral mixing channel structure. The self-assembly of lipid nanoparticles occurs in-situ within the same spiral channel that performs mixing, eliminating the need for separate mixing vessels and formation chambers, thereby improving production efficiency without proportionally increasing equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral geometry serves multiple functions simultaneously: it mixes the phases, controls flow rates through geometric constraints, provides surface area for self-assembly, and defines the final particle size distribution. This multi-functionality of the single curved structure achieves high production efficiency
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 spiral structure increases the mixing efficiency between the two phases, resulting in uniformly sized lipid nanoparticles with improved production efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
forming uniform lipid nanoparticles by self-assembly at the interface between the aqueous-phase solution and the oil-phase solution
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a chip for producing lipid nanoparticles including a spiral structure and a method for producing lipid nanoparticles using the same. According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the efficiency of mixing between an aqueous-phase solution containing a nucleic acid and an oil-phase solution containing lipids, thereby forming uniform lipid nanoparticles by self-assembly at the interface between the aqueous-phase solution and the oil-phase solution. Moreover, the present invention relates to a production method capable of efficiently producing lipid nanoparticles having a uniform shape and diameter using the chip for producing lipid nanoparticles including a spiral structure.