Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are typically produced by the simultaneous and controlled injection of two separate fluid streams—one containing lipid molecules dissolved in an organic solvent and the other containing the therapeutic payload in an aqueous solution.
Common methods of LNP production:
1) Thin film hydration
2) Pipette mixing
3) Microfluidic mixing
4) Turbulent mixing
Understanding the Basics of Lipid Nanoparticle Production
Lipid nanoparticles are tiny vesicles made from lipids, which are biocompatible and biodegradable materials, making them ideal for drug delivery purposes. The production of LNPs is crucial because their size, stability, and lipid composition directly influence their efficacy in delivering therapeutic agents.
At Helix Biotech, Inc. we prefer to use turbulent mixing through a technology called "Impinged Jet Mixers", where two streams of solvent, an organic phase containing the lipid components and an aqueous phase containing the nucleic acids, collide at an impingement point and rapidly mix to eventually form nanoparticles. This process lends itself to incredible scaling potential in a very cost-effective, timely, and efficient manner.
Fig. 1Â - Novaâ„¢ Benchtop nanoparticle manufacturing system. Highly scalable and efficient: Great for R&D.