4 Description of function
16
B-390
Operation Manual, Version E
4
Description of function
This chapter explains the basic working principle of the Encapsulator B-390. It also shows how the
instrument is structured and provides a general functional description of its assembly.
4 .1
Functional principle
The instrument provides the following key functions:
Reproducible bead size from one production to the next
–
Adjustable parameters (nozzle size, liquid flow rate and vibration frequency) determine bead
size.
Reproducible bead formation
–
In the range of 0.15 mm to 2.0 mm.
High bead size uniformity
–
Due to the integrated Electrostatic Dispersion Unit
(EDU);
approximately 5 % relative standard
deviation of bead size using pure alginate.
Immediate process control
–
Visual monitoring in the light of a stroboscope lamp.
High cell viability
–
Bead formation technique is at low shear stress and under physiological conditions, thus
resulting in high cell survival.
Batch size
–
The batch size is of 5 mL to 1’000 mL and the dead volume is approximately 2 mL.
Set of 8 single nozzles
–
The 8 nozzle sizes of 0.08, 0.12, 0.15, 0.20, 0.30, 0.45, 0.75 and 1.0 mm cover the bead size
range of approximately 0.15 mm to 2.0 mm.
Delivery of the polymer mixture
–
By air pressure with flow rates from 70 mL/h (0.08 mm nozzle) to 2’500 mL/h (1.0 mm nozzle).
High bead production
–
Up to 6000 beads are produced per second depending on encapsulation conditions and
polymer mixture.