Also known as the Bangham method, the thin-film hydration (TFH) technique is widely recognized for its versatility in preparing liposomes with various structural and functional properties. This method is highly effective for creating heterogeneous liposomes, meeting a broad range of research and development requirements. CD Formulation excels in leveraging this technique to support R&D initiatives in the pharmaceutical industry.
Fig.1 Thin film hydration method for empty liposome preparation. (Jaradat, Eman, et al, 2021)
The thin-film hydration method commonly refers to as the Bangham method. This technique represents the most established approach for liposome preparation. This process begins by dissolving the phospholipids in an organic solvent. The solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure to form a thin lipid membrane. Next, a suitable aqueous medium is introduced. When the temperature reaches the phase transition point of the phospholipids, the lipid membrane absorbs water and separates, naturally assembling into a closed spherical structure, which we call a liposome. This method is straightforward and easily executed, achieving nearly 100% encapsulation efficiency for most lipophilic drugs. However, it tends to produce liposomes with a heterogeneous size distribution; thus, necessitating size control measures such as polycarbonate membrane extrusion or homogenization techniques. Furthermore, maintaining sterile conditions throughout the procedure is essential to ensure product sterility.
Based on this method, we first systematically study the properties of drugs and then carry out formulation development research.
The liposomes generated by this method exhibit a heterogeneous size distribution. We employ size control techniques, such as polycarbonate membrane extrusion and homogenization, to regulate the dimensions of the liposomes while maintaining sterility throughout the process to ensure product sterility.
We provide professional and systematic analysis for liposomes such as size, potential, encapsulation efficiency, viscosity, etc.
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Technology: modified thin film hydration (MTFH) technique
Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutics
IF: 10.7
Published: 2022
Results: In this study, the authors developed a straightforward industrial method to produce ART-GPC liposomes. Conventional techniques for synthesizing ART-GPC liposomes, such as thin-film hydration, ethanol injection (EI), and freeze-drying (FD), have yielded products with suboptimal physical and chemical properties. The authors validated the scalability and reproducibility of the MTFH technology. This represents the first report demonstrating that the MTFH method can effectively preserve liposomes in a dry film state while allowing in situ rehydration within the injection bottle, exhibiting excellent performance. In conclusion, the MTFH method emerges as a promising technology for the large-scale production of ART-GPC liposomes. The structural integrity of liposomes produced in small-scale bottles indicates significant potential for commercial manufacturing. Quality design strategies—including solvent selection, pressure application, hydration duration, and temperature control—were implemented to achieve optimal physical and chemical characteristics along with favorable production conditions.
Fig.2 A modified thin film method for large-scale production of dimeric artesunate phospholipid liposomes and comparison with conventional approaches. (Wang J, et al. 2022)
CD Formulation specializes in providing customized solutions for liposome preparation using the thin-film hydration technique. Our services are designed to meet the unique demands of pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, ensuring high-quality liposome production for diverse applications. Contact us for expert assistance in your liposome development projects.
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