FormuMax

Liposome Preparation

There are various methods of liposome preparation and most commonly used include extrusion, sonication, detergent dialysis and homogenization. Although each method has its advantages and drawbacks, extrusion through membrane filters with defined pore size is still the most preferred method, because the possibility of targeting a specific particles size range, narrow size distribution and most importantly it is one of the most scalable methods. The following series of pictures from freeze-fracture electron microscope show the gradual liposome size reduction when the membrane pore size is decreased from 0.4 μm to 0.05 μm.

Freeze-fracture EM of liposomes post extrusion through 0.4 μm membrane filter

Liposomes post extrusion through 0.2 μm membrane filter

Liposomes post extrusion through 0.1 μm membrane filter

Liposomes post extrusion through 0.05 μm membrane filter

SERVICES

We specialize in a range of formulation and drug delivery technologies from solubility enhancement using various solubility enhancing systems to more sophisticated nano-enabled systems like PEGylated liposomes (STEALTH liposomes), PEGylated lipospheres and polymer-based nanoparticles for controlled/sustained delivery of various type of compounds. We have strong expertise and over twenty years of experience in designing and developing delivery systems with respect to the drug carrier systems, and the drug loading and drug retention technologies. We provide formulation and analyticalm services to a wide range of industries from pharmaceutical and biotech to cosmetic and nutraceutical.

Formulation Development

Specialized in difficult-to-formulate compounds
Liposomes and other lipid-based drug delivery systems
Controlled/slow drug release systems
Nanocrystal down-sizing and polymer coating
Pre-formulation, formulation feasibility, and prototype development
Scale-up and optimization
Extrusion, homogenization/microfluidization, sonication and others
Formulation characterization, stability, in vitro/in vivo studies
Optimization of formulation process and carrier matrix
Formulation development for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutraceutical and etc

Analytical Science, characterization and Nonclinical

Formulation physical characterization
- Particle size and distribution
- Encapsulation efficiency
- Electron-microscopy (cryo-EM)
- pH
- Osmolility
HPLC method development
Formulation stability
In vitro drug release assay
Nonclinical studies (PK, anti-tumor efficacy)

Evaluation of Active Drug Loading:

Qa-Test (2 weeks turn-around) (inquire)
- Test for loadbility of a customer's compound to STEALTH liposomes ($2500)
- Return of sufficient amount of formulation to customer ($1000)

Solubility Enhancement of insoluble compounds:

Qs-Test (2 weeks turn-around (inquire)
- Screening using a set of 8 solubilization matrixes ($5000)
- Monitor stability for one week
- Return of sufficient amount of the best formulation to customer ($1000).