Microfluidic Encapsulation System

Conventional mixing and emulsification yield a broad capsule size distribution, and active-ingredient loading varies from particle to particle. The LABADVANCE system forms droplets and capsules directly in a microfluidic chip: the pressure or flow rate of each phase is controlled independently, while capsule size, generation frequency and structure are set by the recipe, flow ratio and chip geometry.

Low internal volume and laminar flow reduce mechanical stress on cells and biomolecules, and single-use reservoirs, tubing and chips form a closed circuit with minimal manual handling. Capsules are stabilized immediately after formation: ionic gelation, photo-crosslinking, cooling, solvent extraction, washing and fraction-collection modules can be added in line.

The system handles pharmaceutical substances, vitamins, flavors and cosmetic actives as well as cells, bacteria, proteins, enzymes, antibodies and nucleic acids. Single and double emulsions, microgels, microspheres and core–shell capsules are supported, including single-cell encapsulation; chip geometry and flow-path materials are selected for the specific formulation.

The software records pressures, flow rates, temperature and images of the droplet-formation zone, calculates droplet diameter and frequency and keeps a batch log. Throughput is increased by run time and parallel generators without changing the hydrodynamics, which eases the transition from lab formulation to pilot production. LABADVANCE provides process development, consumables selection, training, support and system upgrades.