Stable and efficient reducing of liposomal size

University of Michigan
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Research Fellow

Overall

Performance

Ease-of-Optimization

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Company:

Avanti Polar Lipids Inc

Product Name:

Avanti® Mini-Extruder

Catalog Number:

610000

Development of liposomal formulations for gene therapy and drug delivery is a common technique used in most transfection protocols. In order to develop optimized therapeutics, reduction and optimization of size is critical toward in vivo applications. We used the Avanti Extruder to obtain uniformly sized unimodal liposomal vesicles to encapsulate siRNA, plasmid DNA and retroviral particles for delivery to human cells.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Liposomal Therapeutics

Starting Material

Re-suspended solution of lipids/Multilamellar vesicular solution of liposomes

Protocol Overview

A liposomal solution was passed 11 times through the extruder with the 100 nm filter membrane in place. Liposomes were sized before and after extrusion

Tips

Make sure the extrusion takes place above the highest transition temperature of the lipids being used. Be gentle with the membranes as they can tear easily

Results Summary

As shown in the image, uniformly sized vesicles of 100-200 nm were efficiently obtained within 10 minutes of extrusion. Pre-extrusion, the liposomal sized were between 300-500 nm in diameter.

Features Summary

The setup is manual and fits easily on a lab bench. Membranes and syringes also available from Avanti.

Additional Notes

None

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Summary

The Good

Fast, Reliable

The Bad

Syringes can start leaking over a prolonged use of time. Use teflon tape to tighten gaps.

The Bottom Line

Small and capable extruder for formulation of liposomal therapeutics.

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