Processing methodology for the rational control of bilayer numbers leading to high efficiency production of lipid microtubules
US6936215B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 30, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC11B3/00
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The wall thickness of lipid microtubules are controlled by selecting a methanol/water system and determining the required amount of a lipid to form the desired wall thickness. The lipid is dissolved in a small portion of the heated methanol and that clear solution is added to the remaining amount of the heated methanol/water system. By slowly cooling the solution, microtubules are formed which have the desired wall thickness. Preferred microtubules have a wall thickness of just 2 bilayers and they are robust so they can be further coated. They can be made with a large aspect ratio and with lengths of greater than 250 microns. The process permits production of microtubules in very high yields.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.