PLGA Microparticle Production Station
The PLGA microparticle production station is a robust, high performance solution to generate polymer microparticles in a homogenous and fully controlled manner. The performance brought by the RayDrop droplet generator, with the combination of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) as an encapsulation polymer and ethyl acetate as a solvent provide a biocompatible solution lowering both hazard risk and precipitation time. Suitable for biological applications, the RayDrop and its station offer a semi-automated solution for one of the most successful drug delivery systems in laboratories and clinics. To solve the current problems of the PLGA microparticles synthesis, droplet based microfluidics appears to be a powerful tool. Droplet control and generation allows highly monodispersed and continuous production as compared to batch emulsion methods.
BENEFITS
Monodispersity ~ 2%
Particle size control
System recovery
Ease of use
Continuous production
Ethyl acetate as a solvent
Semi-automated
Encapsulation performance
APPLICATION PACKS
The PLGA microparticle production station is available in 3 different packages depending on ones requirements. Each pack was designed to perform PLGA microparticle generation, and a detailed protocol has been created and designed specifically for this application. Thus, any pack owner can use it smoothly, in a semi-automated way. The station remains fully modular and each parameter can be modified so you have a complete control of your expected results.
STANDARD PACK
The standard pack offers the possibility to generate PLGA microparticles manually by using the potential of the RayDrop device and the fluid control precision and stability with Fluigent instruments.
AUTOMATION PACK
The automation pack offers the possibility to generate PLGA microparticles in a semi-automated way using the 2-SWITCHTM and the MAT Software. By eliminating manual manipulation, the station executes your protocole to provide better results.
FULL PACK
The full pack extends the automation pack with the possibility of observing/recording your results in real-time with a quality microscope and high frequency camera. The setup has been optimized in order to produce superior results.
CONTENTS AND SETUP
STANDARD PACK
P/N: 1DPPL01
FLOW-EZ™ (x2)
Pressure based flow controller.
LINK
Control your system with Fluigent software.
FLOW UNIT (M)
High precision flow sensor for the dispersed phase.
FLOW UNIT (L)
High precision flow sensor for the continuous phase.
P-CAP 15mL (x2)
Air-tight pressure cap for 15mL reservoirs.
P-CAP 50 mL
Air-tight pressure cap for 50 mL reservoirs.
RayDrop
Microfluidic device for droplet generation.
A-i-O Software
Software to monitor and control in real time.
Flow EZ supply kit
Kit to provide pressure and power to the Flow EZTM.
Standard connector and tubing kit
Microfluidic and pneumatic tubing & fitting kit for standard setup.
Swip left to see complete schematic
AUTOMATION PACK
P/N: 1DPPL02
FLOW-EZ™ (x2)
Pressure based flow controller.
LINK
Control your system with Fluigent software.
FLOW UNIT (M)
High precision flow sensor for the dispersed phase.
FLOW UNIT (L)
High precision flow sensor for the continuous phase.
P-CAP 15mL (x2)
Air-tight pressure cap for 15mL reservoirs.
P-CAP 50 mL
Air-tight pressure cap for 50 mL reservoirs.
RayDrop
Microfluidic device for droplet generation.
A-i-O Software
Software to monitor and control the system in real time.
MAT Software
Software to automate your protocol.
Automation connector and tubing kit
Microfluidic and pneumatic tubing & fitting kit for automation setup.
2-SWITCH™ (x2)
Bidirectional valve for directing fluid flow.
Flow EZ supply kit
Kit to provide pressure and power to the Flow EZTM.
SWITCHBOARD
Communication hub between valves and PC.
Swip left to see complete schematic
FULL PACK
P/N: 1DPPL03
FLOW-EZ™ (x2)
Pressure based flow controller.
LINK
Monitor your setup with Fluigent software.
FLOW UNIT (M)
High precision flow sensor for the dispersed phase.
FLOW UNIT (L)
High precision flow sensor for the continuous phase.
P-CAP 15mL (x2)
Air-tight pressure cap for 15mL reservoirs.
P-CAP 50 mL
Air-tight pressure cap for 50 mL reservoirs.
RayDrop
Microfluidic device for droplet generation.
A-i-O Software
Software to monitor and control in real time.
MAT Software
Software to automate your protocol.
Full connector and tubing kit
Microfluidic and pneumatic tubing & fitting kit for full system.
2-SWITCH™ (x2)
Bidirectional valve for directing fluid flow.
SWITCHBOARD
Communication hub between valves and PC.
Flow EZ supply kit
Kit to provide pressure and power to the Flow EZTM.
Digital High-Speed Microscope
Observe and record your results with high resolution and frame rate.
(Resolution : 2592 x 2048, Frame rate : 7092 fps)
Swip left to see complete schematic
Features
PLGA MICROPARTICLE PRODUCTION STATION
Particule size distribution ~ 2%
High reproducibility
Uniform API Mixing
Continuous production
Semi-automated production
Ethyl acetate dedicated protocol
RAYDROP
Droplet size: 40µm to 130µm
Water-in-oil + oil-in-water: without coating nor surfactant needed
Droplet Frequency – depending on liquid types up to 10 000 Hz
Body warranty for 10 years
Exchangeable nozzle
Easy recovery/cleaning: device regeneration
Standard connections
TECHNOLOGY
The RayDrop is a microfluidic device composed of three main parts fully removable: two inserts on each side and a center section containing a nozzle and an outlet capillary. There are four microfluidic connections, two on the box for the continuous phase, and one on each insert for the dispersed phase entry and the mixed phase exit.
The RayDrop works as a co-flow focusing principle. The nozzle and outlet capillary are aligned in continuous phase chamber, the dispersed phase comes through the nozzle to create the microparticles into the continuous phase and exit by the outlet insert.
Specifications
Inlet and outlet capillaries: 150µm ID
Nozzle: 30µm ID
Dimensions: L * l * h = 60mm * 40mm * 13 mm
Weight: 205 g
Part Number: 1DPRD01
Performance
| Traditional methods (Batch methods) | Fluigent PLGA microparticle production station | |
|---|---|---|
| Particle size distribution | ~20% | ~2% |
| Reproducibility | Low | High |
| API mixing | Uneven | Uniform |
| Live particle size control | No | Precise |
| Continuous / In line production | No | Yes |
| Microfluidic methods available on the market | Fluigent PLGA microparticle production station | |
| Particle size distribution | ~5% | ~2% |
| Semi automated production | No | Yes |
| Ethyl acetate dedicated protocol | No | Yes |
| Device regeneration | No (glass chip changed when clogged) | Yes (the RayDrop can be maintained) |
| Connectors | Non standard, user dependant quality (leakage, blockage) | Standard fittings for better sealing |
Testimonial
“My team has started using the Fluigent microfluidic kit for making polymer based particles. We tried different microfluidic systems in the past but unfortunately they were not suitable for our application. The main issue was chip blockage which rendered the process quite laborious.
The RayDrop microfluidic chip from Fluigent gave us the best results with a better control over the process.
I have to mention the excellent technical support from Fluigent, their team visited my lab 3 times to deliver training and help to optimize the process”
Dr Omar QUTACHI
Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutics
Health and Life Sciences
De Montfort University , The Gateway, Leicester
FAQ
As chemicals, can be used ethylacetate, ethanol or IPA. (The nozzle material is not compatible at long-term use with dichloromethane)
The method has been designed for PLGA. Changing polymers may change the physical fluid properties and lead to different results.
Yes, we recommend filtering all solutions before starting your experiment. The presence of dust can block the nozzle.
Open the top plugs of the RayDrop.
Return to the RayDrop filling state.
Refer to the application note protocol.
Leaks can sometimes appear if the fluidic connectors are not tightened enough.
Check that all the connectors are attached firmly.
(Be careful not to over tighten or your tubing may be blocked by pinching)
If the RayDrop has been manipulated (for cleaning or maintenance) the four screws might not be tightened enough.
Use an allen key to tighten.
Follow the procedure detailed in the application note.
Please note the priming and cleaning procedures.
If the usual cleaning procedures from the good practice guide cannot unclog the nozzle, contact customer support for help.
If some ethylacetate without PLGA has flowed into the chamber it can be flushed out easily.
Follow the instructions in the good practice guide.
If some ethylacetate without PLGA is fixed around the nozzle, it can be easily flushed out.
Follow the instructions in the good practice guide.
If some PLGA gets into the chamber, it has to be eliminated quickly.
Refer to the good practice guide for the exact procedure.
It is important to clean the RayDrop after each experiment in order to prevent clogging.
Refer to the good practice guide for the detailed procedure.
Make sure that all tubing is well flushed before connecting the RayDrop.
If air bubbles appear during experiment we advise one to switch to the ethyl acetate solution (if you are in the PLGA configuration) and let it flow for a minute to remove all PLGA from the system.
Then make sure that all connectors are tightened properly.
Refer to the application note procedure to avoid air bubble infiltration.
