Economical Feasibility Evaluation of an Ethanol Injection Liposome Production Plant

Over the past few decades liposomes, which are lipid vesicles useful for the controlled release of numerous bioactive compounds, have attracted significant industrial interest. Several techniques have evolved for the manufacture of liposomes on a small scale. However, production on a commercially feasible scale is still somewhat limited. Therefore, this research intends to evaluate the scale-up potential of a liposome production unit using the ethanol injection method, through preliminary economical feasibility estimation, as an addendum to a preexisting bioactive compound manufacture plant, with the aim of increasing the compound aggregate value. The ethanol injection technique is selected due to its simplicity and low cost, characteristics that make it easily scalable. The preliminary economic evaluation involves the assessment of capital investment, estimation of operating costs, and analysis of profitability. The results of the economic analysis suggest that the process is economically feasible for a plant with a daily production capacity of 288 L of liposomal suspension.