Membrane-Coated Nanoparticle Processing with Vortex Mixing and TFF
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing nanoparticles and cellular or viral membranes are inefficient in removing organic solvents and separating membrane components, leading to suboptimal product quality and process scalability.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a multi-inlet vortexing reactor to mix nanoparticle materials in organic solvent and aqueous phases, followed by tangential flow filtration (TFF) to reduce solvent content, and employing high shear fluid processors for membrane coating, enabling efficient solvent removal and membrane separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to prepare nanoparticles and cellular membranes, then the process is simple, but the removal of organic solvents and separation of membrane components is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing system into distinct functional modules: a multi-inlet vortexing reactor for mixing and nanoparticle formation, and a tangential flow filtration system for solvent removal and membrane separation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving high purity products while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary tangential flow filtration system between the vortexing reactor and final product collection. This intermediary device serves as a mediator that removes organic solvents and separates membrane components from the nanoparticle suspension, enabling high-purity product recovery without requiring complex direct purification methods.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional mixing methods are used, then the device is simple, but the formation of nanoparticles with controlled size and monodispersity is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-inlet vortexing reactor that utilizes mechanical vibration and vortex flow to mix nanoparticle materials in organic and aqueous phases. The vortexing action creates intense shear forces and turbulent flow patterns that promote uniform nanoparticle formation and controlled size distribution, achieving high monodispersity through mechanical energy input rather than complex thermal or chemical processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional filtration methods are used, then the process is simple, but the separation of membrane components and removal of organic solvent is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tangential flow filtration system that utilizes hydraulic principles to separate membrane components and remove organic solvents. The system applies controlled pressure gradients across a filtration membrane, enabling efficient solvent removal and complete membrane separation. The hydraulic flow mechanism provides continuous, complete separation without requiring complex thermal evaporation or chemical extraction processes, thereby maintaining high productivity.
4Productivity
If the process is scaled up for industrial production, then the output increases, but the consistency of product quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional integrated system where the vortexing reactor performs mixing, nanoparticle formation, and initial size control in a single device, while the tangential flow filtration system simultaneously removes solvents and separates membrane components. This multi-functionality ensures that scaling up the process does not require proportional increases in process complexity, as the same unified equipment handles all critical quality parameters, thereby maintaining product consistency at industrial production scales.
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 process achieves high-purity nanoparticles and membrane-coated nanoparticles with controlled size and monodispersity, enhancing process scalability and product consistency.
Implementation Method 1
mixing a material for forming a nanoparticle in an organic solvent and an aqueous phase using a multi-inlet vortexing reactor
Implementation Method 2
subjecting said composition to tangential flow filtration (TFF) to reduce the amount of or to remove said organic solvent from said composition
Implementation Method 3
mixing a nanoparticle inner core comprising a non-cellular material with a cellular membrane derived from a cell or a membrane derived from a virus using a high shear fluid processor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to processes and systems for preparing nanoparticles, cellular or viral membranes and/or cellular or viral membrane coated nanoparticles using or comprising, inter alia, a multi-inlet vortexing reactor, tangential flow filtration (TFF) and/or a high shear fluid processor such as a microfluidizer (or a microfluidizer processor). The present invention also relates to the nanoparticles, cellular or viral membranes and/or cellular or viral membrane coated nanoparticles prepared by the present processes and systems, and the uses and/or applications of the nanoparticles, cellular or viral membranes and/or cellular or viral membrane coated nanoparticles.