Liposome Extruders

Extrusion of lipids through polycarbonate filters is one of the most reliable method of liposome preparation.  Our stainless steel extruders can be cleaned in any organic solution and sterilized at high temperature.  Luer connectors on both sides allow quick and easy connection to a disposable plastic or Teflon tipped glass Hamilton(TM) syringes.  0.5-1 ml  Hamilton syringes with luer lock (part# HS-05 or HS-10) are optimal, larger volumes may require too much force applied to a syringe plunger.  Three different size but otherwise similar models are available.  Center and left pictures above show smallest ER-1 model.   Right picture show fine structure of the filter supporting surface of the largest ER-3 model.  While grooved surface provide sufficient membrane support for "easy" liposome preparations, use of nylon supporting mesh is recommended in other cases.
Part #
Work Area  (mm. sq.)
Recomm. Membrane Diameter (mm)*
Support Mesh Diam. (mm)
Replacement O-Ring Part #
ER-1
~130
19-25
NM-13
OR-1
ER-2
~280
25-30
NM-19
OR-3
ER-3
~1100
45-50
NM-38
OR-3
* - We usually have in stock two most popular types of polycarbonate membranes PF-2501 (100 nm) and PF-2502 (200 nm).  Both are 25 mm in diameter and suitable for ER-1 and ER-2 extruders.  Other polycarbonate membranes has to be ordered, and normally available within 10-14 days .
Extruder Warmers
Extrusion of liposomes from high transition temperature lipids require elevated temperatures.  We offer several modification of the device that is designed to heat our ER-1 and ER-2 extruders.  It is available in two versions: basic (HER-1P - shown above-left) that is bent from aluminum sheet, and advanced (HER-1xS - above-right) that is milled from a thick aluminum plate.  Both can be immersed into a water bath or placed atop of a hotplate.
If these heat sources are not available, you may prefer another modification of warming device (HER-1A) with active heating elements attached to the holding platform.  It also include transparent plastic enclosure that reduces temperature gradients between different parts of the assembled extruder.  You will need a variable low voltage (10-20 V max., 15-20 watt output power) source and thermometer for setting and control of the temperature.  ET-1 digital thermometer is recommended but you may use any other electronic thermometer with small sensing element.  The most advanced version of the extruder warmer (HER-1C) includes actively heated platform, enclosure and electronic temperature controller (TC-12) .  With this setup all you have to do is to set the required temperature on a digital display, and wait few minutes for temperature to rise to preset level.
 
Part # Description Heating Dimensions (mm // inches )
HER-1P, HER-1PS Passive warmer/holder Water bath or hotplate 50x50x150 // 2"x2"x6" 
HER-1A, HER-1AS Active warmer/holder with transparent enclosure 50 Ohm, ceramic heater, 15 W max, 10 W mean power 70x75x160 // 2.8"x3"x6.4"
HER-1C, HER-1CS Active warmer/holder with transparent enclosure and temperature controller Up to +50 oC above room temp. with TC-12 temperature controller 70x75x160 // 2.8"x3"x6.4"
ET-1 Electronic thermometer (Accuracy- +/-1oC; Resolution -0.1oC; Sampling cycle - 10 s; Power - AAA Battery; oC/oF switchable) N/A Design may vary

 

Go To Prices

Back to the top of the page.

HOME

Extruders.html    2-27-2007