Liposofast extruders from Avestin are available in the UK and Ireland from processing specialists Biopharma Process Systems.
Extrusion is a process to produce liposomes of a particular size by forcing a multilamellar sample repeatedly through polycarbonate filters with a defined pore size.
The process is a simple and nondamaging method of ensuring a homogenous sample without the addition of solvents. It requires only moderate pressures and takes minutes to complete.
Liposofast extruders are designed to accompany the Avestin Emulsiflex in biological-based applications.
The range consists of the Basic, a manually powered extruder for very small samples, and the LF-50, an air-powered extruder for slightly larger samples. A range of polycarbonate membranes of various pore sizes are available to suit the requirements of the application.
Even when buffers are used, some suspensions will require warming to ensure sufficient motility for extrusion. Liposofast can be temperature controlled by means of either a water bath or circulated water.
Liposofast Basic works with sample sizes of 0.2ml-1.0ml. The sample is passed through the membrane by pushing it back and forth through two syringes, for which manual power is sufficient.
Where the use of the Basic is highly repetitive, or where highly concentrated samples are being extruded, a stabiliser can be used to simplify operation.
The Liposofast LF-50 can process samples of up to 50ml. Compressed gas at pressures up to 600psi/41bar is used to pressurise the sample cylinder and force the starting materials through a polycarbonate membrane.
The sample cylinder of the LF-50 is jacketed to enable the sample to be temperature controlled by means of circulating fluid. All components of the LF-50 are easily cleaned and can be autoclaved. The design is suitable for SIP or CIP.Inline filter/extruder.
Most Avestin homogenisers can also be fitted with a high-pressure filter/extruder to allow extrusion to happen immediately after homogenisation. This allows scale up to production volumes in combination with larger scale Emulsiflex homogenisers.
