Mini Extruder Pro Kit with base A81411 Mini-Extruder Pro (kit): includes instructions, mini-extruder pro, 2 Luer syringes (1mL), 100 PC membranes (0.1 µm), 100 filter supports, and 1 base

Our Mini Extruder Pro Kit provides a complete benchtop solution for producing unilamellar vesicles with a controlled and reproducible size. Researchers can prepare liposomes or lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) suitable for consistent characterization and downstream applications by extruding a heterogeneous lipid suspension through a membrane with a defined pore size.

During extrusion, the lipid suspension is transferred back and forth between two Luer-lock syringes through a polycarbonate membrane; the included extruder base provides a stable platform throughout the process. This kit includes 0.1 µm membranes, and repeated passes through the membrane progressively narrow the vesicle size distribution. The result is a more uniform population of vesicles without the harsher mechanical forces or potential lipid loss associated with techniques such as sonication and high-pressure homogenization.

Why Extrusion Over Sonication?

While sonication can be a convenient option for smaller sample volumes, it can be more difficult to control. It can also contribute to lipid degradation or metal contamination from a probe tip.

Membrane extrusion offers a defined pore size and a more predictable route to a tighter vesicle size distribution, making it a preferred approach when reproducibility is important—whether for formulation development, biophysical assays, or comparisons between batches.

The Mini Extruder Pro is the next generation of the Avanti Research™ Mini Extruder platform. Its updated design maintains the core extrusion process and intended use of the original system while introducing improvements for durability, ease of use, and overall reliability.

Application

Liposome extrusion is widely used when a defined and reproducible vesicle size is essential to the success of a formulation or assay. Common applications include drug delivery development (including LNPs for nucleic acid delivery), membrane protein reconstitution, and model membrane research.

Key Features

• Complete extrusion system: Includes the Mini Extruder Pro, base, syringes, membranes, and filter supports for a ready-to-use setup.
• 0.1 µm polycarbonate membranes: Supports the preparation of vesicles with a controlled, defined size.
• Dual Luer-lock syringes: Enable controlled back-and-forth transfer of the lipid suspension through the membrane.
• 30-day warranty: Covers manufacturing defects.

Downloadable Extruder Transition Guide
Please see the Downloads section at the bottom of this page for a supporting document with additional details and guidance.