MFIC HC-5000 High-Pressure Microfluidic Interaction Chamber Homogenizer
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | HC-5000 |
| Instrument Type | High-Pressure Homogenizer |
| Max Operating Pressure | 5,000 psi |
| Max Flow Rate | 950 mL/min |
| Feed Temperature Range | –15–165 °F (–26–74 °C) |
| Compressed Air Requirement | 28 SCFM at 50 psi, Dew Point: –17.7–1.6 °C |
| Minimum Sample Volume | 100 mL |
| Dimensions | 44 × 44 × 51 cm |
| Weight | 16.8 kg |
| Construction Material | Electropolished 316 Stainless Steel |
| Cleaning | In-line CIP-capable |
| Certification | Validated for Steam Sterilization (SIP) and Autoclave Compatibility |
Overview
The MFIC HC-5000 is a high-pressure microfluidic interaction chamber homogenizer engineered for reproducible nano-scale dispersion, cell lysis, emulsification, and particle size reduction in research and quality control laboratories. Unlike conventional valve-based or rotor-stator homogenizers, the HC-5000 employs a fixed-geometry microchannel interaction chamber—patented by MFIC (Microfluidics International Corporation)—that subjects fluid streams to controlled, ultra-high shear via precise laminar flow collision under sustained hydraulic pressure. This principle, rooted in microfluidic hydrodynamic focusing and turbulent energy dissipation within micrometer-scale channels, enables consistent sub-200 nm particle size distributions with narrow polydispersity indices (PDI < 0.15) across diverse formulations including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, protein complexes, and oil-in-water emulsions. Designed for benchtop deployment, the HC-5000 operates using standard laboratory compressed air (no high-voltage electrical supply required), achieving up to 5,000 psi without hydraulic intensifiers or oil-lubricated pumps—eliminating contamination risk and simplifying maintenance.
Key Features
- Fixed-geometry ceramic-reinforced interaction chamber: No moving parts, zero wear on critical shear elements; lifetime >10,000 operating cycles under nominal pressure
- Full stainless steel (ASTM A276 Type 316) wetted path: Electropolished to Ra ≤ 0.4 µm, compliant with ASME BPE-2022 surface finish standards for biopharmaceutical processing
- In-line clean-in-place (CIP) capability: Integrated flush ports support automated cleaning protocols using NaOH, citric acid, or ethanol solutions without disassembly
- Steam-in-place (SIP) and autoclave-compatible design: Validated for repeated sterilization at 121 °C / 15 psi for 30 min per ISO 17665-1
- Pneumatic drive system: Intrinsically safe, explosion-proof (ATEX Zone 2 / Class I Div 2 certified), eliminating spark hazards in solvent-rich environments
- Compact footprint and portability: Weighs only 16.8 kg with integrated carrying handles; operates on standard 50 psi shop air (28 SCFM)
- Dual-stage pressure regulation: Precision analog gauges + digital pressure transducer output (0–6,000 psi range, ±0.5% FS accuracy) for GLP-compliant documentation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HC-5000 accommodates aqueous, organic, and semi-viscous suspensions with viscosities up to 500 cP and solid loadings ≤30% w/w. It supports temperature-controlled processing from –26 °C to +74 °C via optional jacketed inlet/outlet lines. All wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility testing and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated data acquisition software. The system meets ISO 22000 food safety prerequisites and is routinely deployed in GMP environments for pre-formulation studies supporting ICH Q5A–Q5E guidelines. Documentation packages include IQ/OQ protocols aligned with ASTM E2500-13 and EU Annex 15.
Software & Data Management
While the base HC-5000 operates manually via analog pressure control, it integrates seamlessly with MFIC’s optional Homogenizer Control Suite v3.2—a 21 CFR Part 11-compliant application enabling electronic batch records, audit trails, user role management, and PDF export of pressure/time/flow logs. Raw analog outputs (4–20 mA) are compatible with LabVIEW™, DeltaV™, and Siemens Desigo CC systems for centralized process monitoring. Calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards are provided with each unit shipment.
Applications
- Nanoparticle synthesis: Liposomal doxorubicin, PLGA micelles, siRNA-loaded exosomes
- Vaccine development: Viral vector disruption, adjuvant emulsification (e.g., MF59 analogs)
- Cell biology: Mammalian and bacterial cell lysis with minimal protein denaturation
- Materials science: Graphene oxide dispersion, quantum dot stabilization, ceramic nanopowder deagglomeration
- Food & cosmetics: Nanoemulsions for nutraceutical delivery, transparent sunscreen actives, cold-processed dairy analogs
FAQ
Is the HC-5000 suitable for GMP manufacturing environments?
Yes—when configured with SIP/CIP validation kits and used with MFIC’s Part 11-compliant software, the HC-5000 supports Stage 1–3 process validation per ICH Q5E.
Can it process heat-sensitive biologics without thermal degradation?
Absolutely—the adiabatic heating effect is minimized via short residence time (<100 ms) and optional chilled feed lines; temperature rise typically remains <5 °C at 3,000 psi.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the interaction chamber?
No scheduled replacement is required; chamber integrity is verified annually via helium leak testing per ASTM E499.
Does MFIC provide method transfer support from HC-2000 to HC-5000?
Yes—application engineers deliver scalable parameter mapping (pressure ↔ flow ↔ particle size) backed by DOE-generated response surface models.
Is third-party calibration service available outside North America?
Certified partners in Germany, Singapore, and Japan offer on-site calibration with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited reports.
