ME-1.25 Molecular Encapsulator for Lab-Scale CO₂ Formulation

The ME-1.25 is extraktLAB’s lab-scale CO₂ system for formulation, encapsulation and particle engineering. A 1.25 L heated mixing vessel conditions the active and carrier, and a configurable mixer and nozzle transfer the mixture into a 5 L receiver for cyclonic separation and product recovery. Independent pressure and temperature settings let researchers develop and repeat formulation-specific processing methods.

You condition the active and carrier in the heated 1.25 L process vessel and establish CO₂ contact. Pump-driven, pressure-pulsation mixing blends the formulation with CO₂, and contact time and pressure-pulse sequencing are selectable. A timed discharge then moves the mixture through the selected mixer and nozzle into the 5 L receiver, where the product is separated and recovered.

The base operating pressure is 276 bar / 27.6 MPa (4,000 psi), set by the base pump configuration, and mixer and receiver pressure are controlled independently. A 450 bar (about 6,500 psi) configuration is a custom option. Inline preheating is 100 °C (212 °F) maximum, configurable up to 130 °C (266 °F). Mixer and receiver temperatures go up to 100 °C (212 °F) with independent heater zones; lower operating temperatures depend on the process chiller and the formulation.

The ME-1.25 supports cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, active loading onto dry carriers and natural gums, precipitated and composite particles, liposome and vesicle suspensions, lipid and polymer particles, and custom carrier systems. Liposome routes in an aqueous medium recover a wet suspension, and drying is a separate step. Carrier compatibility and process configuration determine performance.

CO₂ leaves the process as a gas, so there is less solvent to remove. A CO₂ route can sharply reduce the organic solvent used in a formulation, and that carries through to lower VOC and HAP emissions. Dry-feed routes can also avoid introducing bulk water and the step of removing it. An optional co-solvent pump (up to 300 mL/min) and an optional injection pump (up to 5 mL/min) are available when a route needs a liquid feed.

Done well, encapsulation has delivered tremendous improvements in bioavailability and solubility. The result depends on the active, the carrier and the process, so it is established by testing your own formulation. Nozzle bore does not set the finished particle size either; particle-size and throughput targets are demonstrated through application development.

Scale. The ME-1.25 is the lab-scale system with a 1.25 L process vessel and a 5 L receiver. The ME-2.5 is the pilot-scale system with a 2.5 L process vessel and a 10 L receiver. Both run at 276 bar (4,000 psi) as standard and use the same CO₂ process. Vessel size is a configuration difference, not a guarantee of throughput or of equivalent formulation results.

No. The ME-1.25 Molecular Encapsulator is a different product from the M-2.5 extractor and from the M-2.5 ScCO2 Anti-Solvent Encapsulator. Each has its own specifications and brochure.

The ME-1.25 runs on single-phase 208–240 V, 50 or 60 Hz power; the process chiller has a separate supply. It needs a compatible liquid CO₂ source and clean, dry regulated compressed air, with connections and loads given on the utility drawing. Options include closed-loop pressure control, a co-solvent pump, an injection pump, a process chiller, a CO₂ supply pump, a transfer basket, spares, service, an optional GMP documentation package and qualification services, and certification packages.

Use the request form or call +1 651 600 0036. Tell us your active, carrier, feed composition and target product form, and we will define the equipment, the options and the development pathway for a quote. If your demand is occasional or the application is still uncertain, a feasibility study can come first.