Patent ID: 6375985
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: A61K,B01J

Abstract:
A system for forming microparticles loaded with a drug, comprising:a first mixing chamber, said first chamber comprising a first port adapted to introduce axially into said first mixing chamber, a first stream of a first solution comprising predetermined amounts of said drug and a microparticle-forming polymer; and a second port proximate to said first port adapted to introduce a second stream of an emulsifier into said first stream, to form an emulsion in said first mixing chamber, said second port having a diameter and an orientation to said first mixing chamber wherein said second stream is directed to break up said first solution into small particles, and said second port influences said second stream and said first stream to form said small particles and to move in a generally helical path within said first mixing chamber; and a second mixing chamber, axially adjacent to said first mixing chamber, including a third port adapted to introduce a cross-linking solution, said cross-linking solution containing a predetermined amount of a cross-linking agent in a cross-linking solvent, into said second mixing chamber, said third port having a diameter and an orientation to said second mixing chamber wherein said cross-linking agent is injected orthogonal to and off-set from an axis of said second mixing chamber, wherein said cross-linking agent is directed by said third port into said first stream and said second stream creating a turbulent helical flow.