Inspecting the Integrity of Prefabricated Poly-carbonate Filters
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Visual Presentation (Poster, Installation, Demonstration)
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Faculty Sponsor
Drew Marquardt
Proposal
This study focuses on the integrity and shelf life of ready-made poly-carbonate membrane extruders. These extruders are used in everyday research in the sizing of vesicles and are also used in the pharmacology industry for emulsion preparation. As such, it is important for the sizes of the extruders to be consistent and that there is minimal degradation to the filter in order to be scientifically accurate. Knowing the shelf life of extruders helps manage stock, maintain consistency and performance for users. Using a natural lipid mixture (sunflower phosphocholine), extruders both at and nearing expiry were tested using both a manual method and an automatic extrusion method. One of each extruder was tested manually while the other was done on an automatic extruder. The batches of vesicles from each extruder were then measured for consistency based on size and polydispersity using dynamic light scattering. Furthermore, in order to visually assess the filters integrity, filters will be examined using electron microscopy to determine initial pore size and any change after going through extrusion. As clearly noted by manufactures, it was reinforced that extruders have a finite life span and accuracy worsens after expiry. The expired extruders performed worse in terms of sizing and polydispersity when compared to newer models. Based on the results, the prefabricated polycarbonate filters have a finite shelf life compared to unassembled devices. This may be caused by the tension placed upon the filters in the casing causing unnecessary stress. As well, the heat fixing of the plastic casing around the filter may damage it and begin the degradation early.
Grand Challenges
Sustainable Industry
Inspecting the Integrity of Prefabricated Poly-carbonate Filters
This study focuses on the integrity and shelf life of ready-made poly-carbonate membrane extruders. These extruders are used in everyday research in the sizing of vesicles and are also used in the pharmacology industry for emulsion preparation. As such, it is important for the sizes of the extruders to be consistent and that there is minimal degradation to the filter in order to be scientifically accurate. Knowing the shelf life of extruders helps manage stock, maintain consistency and performance for users. Using a natural lipid mixture (sunflower phosphocholine), extruders both at and nearing expiry were tested using both a manual method and an automatic extrusion method. One of each extruder was tested manually while the other was done on an automatic extruder. The batches of vesicles from each extruder were then measured for consistency based on size and polydispersity using dynamic light scattering. Furthermore, in order to visually assess the filters integrity, filters will be examined using electron microscopy to determine initial pore size and any change after going through extrusion. As clearly noted by manufactures, it was reinforced that extruders have a finite life span and accuracy worsens after expiry. The expired extruders performed worse in terms of sizing and polydispersity when compared to newer models. Based on the results, the prefabricated polycarbonate filters have a finite shelf life compared to unassembled devices. This may be caused by the tension placed upon the filters in the casing causing unnecessary stress. As well, the heat fixing of the plastic casing around the filter may damage it and begin the degradation early.