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/ER-1E**
~130
19-25
NM-13
OR-1
ER-2
~280
25-30
NM-19
OR-2
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 .

** - ER-1E extruder is similar to the original model but has luer connector made from nickel plated brass, epoxy glued to filter support. While handling require a bit more caution compared to the original (whole steel) ER-1, new version is tested OK for ethanol cleaning and sterilization in boiling water.  No leaks under ~450 psi pressure. 

Extruder Warmers 
Extrusion of liposomes from high transition temperature lipids require suspension warming.  We offer several devices for heating of our ER-1 and ER-2 extruders. Basic (HER-1P - shown above-left) is milled from a thick aluminum plate.  Similar, larger size version HER-2P is designed for ER-3 extruder but may be also used with ER-1 and ER-2. These passive warmers has to be immersed into a water bath or placed atop of a hotplate to mantain elevated temperature.  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 Passive warmer/holder for ER-1, ER-2 extruders Water bath or hotplate 22x46x126 // 0.9"x1.8"x5" 
HER-2P  Passive warmer/holder for ER-1, ER-2, ER-3 extruders Water bath or hotplate 31x70x126 mm //1.2"x2.7"x 5"
HER-1A  Active warmer/holder with transparent enclosure for ER-1, ER-2 extruders 50 Ohm, ceramic heater, 15 W max, 10 W mean power 70x80x160 // 2.5"x3"x6"
HER-1C  Active warmer/holder with transparent enclosure and temperature controller for ER-1, ER-2 extruders Up to +50 oC above room temp. with TC-12 temperature controller 70x80x160 // 2.5"x3"x6" 
(warmer)
90x120x150 //3.5"x4.5"x6" (controller)
HER-2C  Active warmer/holder with transparent enclosure and temperature controller for ER-1, ER-2, ER-3 extruders Up to +50 oC above room temp. with TC-12 temperature controller 90x90x200 // 2.5"x3"x6" 
(warmer)
90x120x150 //3.5"x4.5"x6" (controller)

 

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Extruders.html    08-06-2015