BUCHI B-395 Microencapsulation System
| Brand | BUCHI |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Manufacturer | BUCHI AG |
| Product Type | Imported Laboratory Instrument |
| Model | B-395 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The BUCHI B-395 Microencapsulation System is a precision-engineered, benchtop platform for the controlled production of monodisperse microcapsules via vibrating nozzle (Vibrational Jet) technology. Operating on the principle of laminar liquid jet breakup induced by high-frequency piezoelectric vibration, the system generates uniform droplets from a coaxial or single-fluid stream, which solidify upon contact with a gelling or crosslinking bath—enabling reproducible encapsulation under mild, non-denaturing conditions. Designed for R&D and pilot-scale process development, the B-395 supports scalable, GMP-aligned workflows in pharmaceutical formulation, biotechnology, functional food design, cosmetic delivery systems, and advanced material science. Its core architecture ensures minimal shear stress and thermal load, preserving the structural integrity and bioactivity of sensitive payloads—including live cells, enzymes, proteins, probiotics, lipophilic actives, and volatile flavor compounds.
Key Features
- High-precision piezoelectric-driven nozzle vibration (frequency range: 1–8 kHz), enabling deterministic control over droplet formation dynamics
- Interchangeable stainless-steel nozzles (standard and coaxial configurations) with orifice diameters from 80 µm to 500 µm, supporting capsule diameters from 80 µm to 5 mm
- Integrated stroboscopic illumination system for real-time visualization and optimization of jet breakup, droplet size, and satellite droplet suppression
- Modular fluid handling: independent syringe pumps for core and shell phases; pressure- and flow-stabilized delivery for consistent interfacial behavior
- GMP-compliant construction: electropolished 316L stainless steel contact surfaces, IP54-rated enclosure, and documentation-ready design per ISO 9001 and EU Annex 11 principles
- Optional accessories include concentric dual-nozzle kits for core-shell architectures, vibrating co-axial nozzles for emulsion-based encapsulation, and sterile-grade disposable nozzle assemblies
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The B-395 accommodates a broad spectrum of wall-forming polymers—including sodium alginate, low-methoxy pectin, chitosan, gelatin, cellulose sulfate, κ-carrageenan, and molten waxes—as well as aqueous, organic, and biphasic core formulations. Encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics are tunable via pH, ionic strength, temperature, and crosslinker concentration in the collection bath (e.g., CaCl₂, BaCl₂, or glutaraldehyde). The system conforms to critical regulatory expectations for early-phase formulation development: it supports traceable parameter logging (time-stamped pump speeds, vibration frequencies, ambient temperature), facilitates cleaning validation protocols, and integrates seamlessly into GLP/GMP environments when paired with qualified software and audit-trail-enabled controllers. While not a final manufacturing device, its outputs meet ASTM F2823–19 (Standard Guide for Microencapsulation Characterization) and USP (Drug Release) method development requirements.
Software & Data Management
The B-395 operates via a dedicated touchscreen interface with embedded firmware that records all operational parameters—including vibration frequency, amplitude, syringe pump rates, elapsed time, and ambient conditions—with timestamped CSV export capability. Optional integration with BUCHI’s LabX® software enables centralized instrument control, multi-user permission management, electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails—including user login history, parameter change logs, and data integrity verification. All raw acquisition files are stored locally on an encrypted SD card and can be exported without proprietary format dependencies, ensuring long-term data portability and third-party analysis compatibility.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical: Sustained-release oral dosage forms, targeted drug delivery carriers, vaccine adjuvant encapsulation, and excipient screening
- Biotechnology: Immobilization of mammalian or microbial cells for biocatalysis, enzyme stabilization, and synthetic biology chassis development
- Food Science: Encapsulation of omega-3 oils, probiotics, antioxidants, and aroma compounds to enhance shelf life and gastric stability
- Cosmetics: Controlled release of retinoids, peptides, and botanical extracts in topical formulations
- Materials Science: Fabrication of stimuli-responsive hydrogel microparticles, phase-change material microcontainers, and templated inorganic composites
FAQ
What is the minimum and maximum achievable capsule diameter with the B-395?
The system produces capsules ranging from 80 µm to 5 mm in diameter, depending on nozzle geometry, vibration frequency, flow rate ratio, and crosslinking kinetics.
Can the B-395 perform sterile microencapsulation?
Yes—when equipped with sterilizable or single-use nozzle assemblies and operated within a laminar flow hood or isolator, the B-395 supports aseptic processing for cell-based or clinical-grade formulations.
Is the system compatible with organic solvents or non-aqueous core materials?
With appropriate nozzle material selection (e.g., Hastelloy variants) and solvent-resistant pump tubing, the B-395 handles low-polarity solvents (e.g., ethyl acetate, dichloromethane) used in wax- or polymer-based encapsulation processes.
How is reproducibility quantified, and what is typical RSD for batch-to-batch capsule size?
Under optimized conditions, size distribution exhibits ≤5% relative standard deviation (RSD), verified by laser diffraction or image analysis per ISO 13320.
Does BUCHI provide application support and method development assistance?
Yes—BUCHI Application Scientists offer remote and on-site protocol optimization, polymer compatibility testing, and regulatory documentation support for technology transfer and filing dossiers.
