METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARATION OF LIPID VESICLES

摘要

Improved production of lipid vesicles is achieved using an apparatus for preparation of a lipid vesicle that includes: (a) a first reservoir for receiving a buffer composition; (b) a static mixer for agitating buffer composition in the first reservoir; (c) a second reservoir for receiving a lipid solution; (d) a dispensing head for introducing lipid solution from the second reservoir into the first reservoir, and (e) a connector joining the second reservoir to the dispensing head for conducting lipid solution from the second reservoir to the dispensing head. The dispensing head has formed therein one or more injection ports having a diameter of 2 mm or less. To use the apparatus, one first prepares a solution of ethanolic lipid comprising from about 1 to about 100 mg/ml lipid in at least 90% by weight ethanol. This ethanolic lipid is injected directly into aqueous buffer through the injection port to make a lipid/buffer mixture, which is mixed by turbulent passage through a static mixer. The resulting lipid vesicles, prior to an extrusion step, are in about 10 % or more by weight ethanol, and have average diameter of from about 80 nm to about 200 nm.