Vacuum Liposome Extrusion With Disposable Membrane Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liposome production methods, particularly extrusion protocols, are time-consuming, require extensive cleaning and assembly, and are prone to cross-contamination due to the use of glass and metal components, making them inefficient and risky for large-scale production.
Innovation Solution
The use of a vacuum device with disposable plastic components, including a membrane holder and collection tube, simplifies and accelerates the extrusion process by eliminating the need for glass and metal devices, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and saving time and resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional extrusion devices with glass and metal components are used, then liposome production can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires extensive cleaning and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable plastic extrusion devices instead of reusable glass and metal components. Each device is pre-assembled and discarded after a single use, completely eliminating cleaning time and reducing assembly requirements. This disposable approach directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining production capability while eliminating time loss to cleaning and complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The extrusion device is designed as a segmented, pre-assembled unit with distinct components (membrane holder, collection tube, extrusion membrane) that are manufactured separately and then integrated into a ready-to-use configuration. This segmentation allows the device to be prepared in advance and used immediately, eliminating on-site assembly time while maintaining functional integrity for liposome production.
2Reliability
If traditional extrusion devices with glass and metal components are used, then liposome production can be achieved, but the process is prone to cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
By using disposable plastic devices, the patent ensures that each liposome production run uses a fresh, sterile device that has never been in contact with previous samples. This completely eliminates cross-contamination risk between batches. The plastic material is inherently more resistant to contamination and the single-use nature guarantees sterility, directly resolving the reliability concern.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic components create an inert environment that is resistant to chemical contamination and easier to maintain in sterile conditions compared to glass and metal. The plastic barrier prevents interaction between the liposome suspension and the device material, reducing adsorption and contamination risks while simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If disposable plastic components are used, then assembly time is reduced and cross-contamination is minimized, but the device structure is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components (membrane holder, collection tube, extrusion membrane) that are manufactured separately and then easily joined through simple connection mechanisms. This segmentation enables pre-assembly and quality control of individual components while maintaining overall simplicity for the end user, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic extrusion device is designed as a universal platform that can be used for various liposome preparation protocols and scales. The standardized components and connection methods allow the same basic device structure to serve multiple functions, reducing the need for complex specialized components while maintaining versatility in operation.
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
This approach enables the production of liposomes with defined sizes and reduced polydispersity, improving efficiency and reproducibility while minimizing contamination and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The system can be operably connected to a vacuum source such that a vacuum force can be applied through the opening, thereby drawing liposomes through the porous membrane
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum force can be applied through the opening, thereby drawing liposomes through the porous membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Liposome preparation systems are provided. Aspects of the systems include a liposome collection container and a membrane holder. In embodiments, the liposome collection container has an open first end, a closed bottom, a wall, and an opening in the wall. The system can be operably connected to a vacuum source such that a vacuum force can be applied through the opening, thereby drawing liposomes through the porous membrane and producing a population of liposomes. Also provided are methods of producing liposomes, as well as apparatus and kits for performing the methods.