Ultrasonic energy in liposome production: process modelling and size calculation

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Food Sciences

Background:

• Liposomes are increasingly utilized as carriers for active molecules in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and food science.
• Liposome size is a critical characteristic influencing their efficacy in target applications.
• Current production methods involve energy input to reduce liposome size through bilayer rupture and sphere formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model the mechanisms of lipid bilayer rupture and sphere formation during ultrasonic liposome production.
• To understand how energy from ultrasonic radiation is stored as elastic and tension energy within liposomes.
• To develop a predictive model for controlling liposome size during manufacturing.

Main Methods:

• Developed a physical model for liposome size reduction, incorporating elastic curvature and edge tension energies.
• Designed an algorithm and wrote code to solve the model equations.
• Applied a preparation protocol with active and passive energy supply periods, validating model predictions against experimental results.

Main Results:

• The model accurately predicts liposome size reduction based on energy supply rate and time constant.
• Key parameters for controlling liposome size include the energy supply rate and initial surface area ratio.
• Experimental results showed good agreement with model predictions when using these fitting parameters.

Conclusions:

• The developed model provides a mechanistic understanding of ultrasonic liposome size reduction.
• The findings offer a pathway for optimizing liposome production protocols for desired vesicle sizes.
• This research contributes to the precise manufacturing of liposomes for advanced applications in drug delivery and beyond.