Methods and devices for liposome preparation by centrifugation

Abstract

Methods and devices for producing a population of liposomes are provided. Aspects of the methods include applying a centrifugal force to a suspension of liposomes in a manner sufficient to pass the liposomes through a porous membrane to produce a population of liposomes. Aspects of the invention further include devices, systems and kits useful for performing the methods.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A liposome extrusion device comprising:
 a porous membrane comprising one or more layers of a polycarbonate material; and   a component configured to position the membrane in an interior of a liquid container and comprising a first end having an opening, and a second end opposing the first end and comprising the membrane.   
     
     
         29 . The device according to  claim 28 , further comprising the liquid container. 
     
     
         30 . The device according to  claim 28 , wherein the liquid container comprises a centrifuge tube. 
     
     
         31 . The device according to  claim 28 , wherein the component comprises a cylinder concentric to the interior of the liquid container. 
     
     
         32 . The device according to  claim 28 , wherein the second end of the component is spaced a distance apart from a closed end of the liquid container when the second end of the component is inserted in the liquid container. 
     
     
         33 . The device according to  claim 32 , wherein a volume of the liquid container between the second end of the component and the closed end of the liquid container is equal to or greater than the volume of the component. 
     
     
         34 . The device according to  claim 28 , wherein the membrane has a pore size of 1000 nm or less. 
     
     
         35 . The device according to  claim 28 , wherein the membrane has a pore size of 500 nm or less. 
     
     
         36 . The device according to  claim 28 , wherein the membrane has a pore size of 250 nm or less. 
     
     
         37 . The device according to  claim 28 , wherein the membrane comprises one or more layers of a membrane material. 
     
     
         38 . The device according to  claim 37 , wherein the membrane comprises two or more layers of a membrane material. 
     
     
         39 . The device according to  claim 38 , wherein the pore size of each of the two or more layers of the membrane material is the same. 
     
     
         40 . The device according to  claim 38 , wherein the pore size of at least two of the two or more layers of the membrane material are different. 
     
     
         41 . The device according to  claim 28 , wherein the liquid container comprises a seal. 
     
     
         42 . The device according to  claim 41 , wherein the seal comprises a removable cap. 
     
     
         43 . A system for producing a population of liposomes, the system comprising:
 a liquid container; and   a liposome extrusion device positioned in the liquid container, wherein the liposome extrusion device comprises:
 a porous membrane comprising one or more layers of a polycarbonate material; and 
 a component configured to position the membrane in an interior of the liquid container and comprising a first end having an opening, and a second end opposing the first end and comprising the membrane. 
   
     
     
         44 . The system according to  claim 43 , wherein the liposome extrusion device contains a suspension of liposomes. 
     
     
         45 . The system according to  claim 43 , wherein the liquid container comprises a centrifuge tube. 
     
     
         46 . The system according to  claim 43 , further comprising a centrifuge. 
     
     
         47 - 58 . (canceled) 
     
     
         59 . A kit comprising:
 a liposome extrusion device comprising:
 a porous membrane comprising one or more layers of a polycarbonate material; and 
 a component configured to position the membrane in an interior of a liquid container and comprising a first end having an opening, and a second end opposing the first end and comprising the membrane; and 
   a packaging configured to hold the device.   
     
     
         60 - 74 . (canceled)