High Pressure Homogenisation for the Cell Disruption of Algae
Collagen Scaffold Production: The Freeze Drying Method
High Pressure Homogeniser Product Focus: Avestin EmulsiFlex C55
The difference in throughput between a benchtop and production scale high pressure homogneiser can be enormous, and so there is a need to bridge the gap between the two, via a system that offers all of the accessories and GMP-compliant modifications that a production-scale unit would offer, without the need to commit to an excessive throughput.
The Avestin EmulsiFlex C55 does exactly that. This pilot scale unit is the smallest of the triplex pump systems available from Avestin, and is widely applied for applications including:
- Cell Disruption (Bacteria, Yeast, Algae, Insect and Mammalian cells)
- Liposomal Products
- Emulsions
- Particle Size Reduction
The three electrically-driven high pressure pumps operate intermittently, allowing for a flow rate of up to 55L/hr, and negligible pressure pulsation. By effectively nullifying this pressure pulsation, an even smoother homogenisation process is created, often reducing the required homogenisation pressure and number of passes to achieve the desired results.
Despite having to account for a higher throughput, the head geometry within the homogenising valve (the point at which the sample is forced through a small orifice) maintains an exceptional degree of consistency with the benchtop units, optimising scalability.
The unique Emulsiflex design ensures there are no “O”-rings or gaskets in the entire path of the product. This means less risk of contamination, easier cleaning and no leakage.
The unique “dynamic” homogenizing valve design allows movement in accordance with sample viscosity; reducing the risk of blockage. The design aids to overcome many of the blockage issues associated with fixed valve design, allowing for smoother, efficient processing.
With a minimum sample volume of only 100mL, the C55 is versatile in terms of suitable sample sizes, and the addition of an optional frequency inverter can allow for adjustable flow rates down to ~18L/hr, making smaller volumes easier to process, as well as reducing wear rates.
The C55 has A version and B version: The A version can operate at homogenising pressures of up to 20,000psi, whilst the B version can operate at up to 30,000psi. The A version may be better suited to applications requiring lower pressures such as E.coli cell lysis, many food/drink emulsions and some liposome applications. Pressures of up to 30,000psi may be required for applications including the lysis of yeasts and algae, and certain emulsions requiring a smaller droplet size.
For stringent temperature control, a sanitary heat exchanger may be connected to the C55 outlet, and would act as a high-efficiency cooling jacket with cooling medium pumped through it. Compatibility with water/glycol mixes allows for sub-zero cooling medium temperatures; optimising product recovery.
A cooling system is also present on the triplex pump system, prolonging high pressure seal life. At this throughput, over time, maintenance costs and system downtime are dramatically reduced.
At the C55 scale and larger, GMP compliance becomes a more common request, as well as compliance to 21 CFR Part 11. These requirements can be met via a range of optional extras, available at Biopharma Group.