Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
09:51
Microfluidic Production of Lysolipid-Containing Temperature-Sensitive Liposomes
Published on: March 3, 2020
10.0K
Liposomes Size Engineering by Combination of Ethanol Injection and Supercritical Processing
Islane Espirito Santo1, Roberta Campardelli2, Elaine Cabral Albuquerque3
1Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Salerno Fisciano Salerno 84084 Italy; Industrial Engineering Program, Polytechnic School, Federal University of Bahia Salvador Bahia 40210-630 Brazil.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|July 28, 2015
Summary
Supercritical fluid extraction efficiently removes ethanol from liposome suspensions, creating stable nanosomes. This process also enhances drug encapsulation efficiency, offering a scalable, single-step solution for nanomedicine production.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Technology
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Liposome suspensions often contain ethanol residue requiring removal.
- Controlling liposome size and distribution is crucial for nanomedicine applications.
- Current methods for liposome processing can be complex and multi-step.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a single-step method for ethanol removal and liposome size reduction using supercritical fluid extraction.
- To produce stable nanosomes with controlled size and distribution.
- To evaluate the impact of supercritical processing on drug encapsulation efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Supercritical fluid extraction using a high-pressure packed tower.
- Exploration of various operating pressures, temperatures, and gas-to-liquid ratios.
- Characterization of liposomes using Z-potential and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
Main Results:
- Ethanol was successfully extracted to levels as low as 400 ppm.
- Supercritical processing reduced liposome size and improved distribution, yielding nanosomes (approx. 180 ± 40 nm).
- Drug encapsulation efficiency for fluorescein reached 90% when processed in a water/fluorescein solution.
Conclusions:
- Supercritical fluid extraction is an effective method for producing stable nanosomes with controlled size.
- The process preserves liposome integrity and enhances drug encapsulation efficiency.
- This technology offers a scalable, integrated solution for nanomedicine manufacturing.
