Frequently Asked Questions

 

Liposomal Supplements

What are the differences between regular dietary supplements (powder, tablets, capsules) and liposomal formulations?

For practical reasons, we are administeredmost supplements orally. This means that the vitamins, minerals or botanicals must pass through the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, starting with the mouth, the stomach and finally in to the intestines for absorption. Unfortunately, unprotected substances are often damaged in this way due to the digestive enzymes in the mouth or the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach. Even if they manage to survive their journey to the intestine, it is possible that the intestinal wall can only absorb a part of the product. In our liquid liposomal formulations, active ingredients pass through the mouth and stomach, largely unharmed, thanks to the products' encapsulation by liposomes. Since PlantaCorp liposomes are composed of phospholipid bilayers, similar to our bodies' cell membranes, liposomes are ideal carrier structures that can be easily absorbed by the intestine. This allows for an almost complete absorption of the encapsulated active ingredients.​ As a consequence, the active ingredient is highly bioavailable and can achieve maximum efficiency.



What are the differences between powder and liquid liposomal formulations?

The basic principle of liposomal manufacturing is based on the hydrophilic-hydrophobic interactions between lipid and water molecules. The provision of energy in the form of homogenization or ultrasonication, allows the phospholipids to arrange into a bilayer sphere with the hydrophilic ends facing the aqueous environment and the inner core. The existence of the water inside and around a liposome creates a pressure that holds the membrane in place. If the water is eliminated, the liposome will be unable to stay in its three-dimensional shape, leading to a loss of the structural integrity of the liposome. Since drying results in the loss of water surrounding the liposomes, the powder produced upon drying a liquid liposomal formulation, usually consists only of dried phospholipids and the active ingredients, and no real liposome. Although such powders can still result in the proven higher bioavailability of the active ingredient compared to the pure ingredient, the bioavailability is much poorer compared to intact liquid-state liposomes. Our Business development Team will be happy to explain this process in detail. Contact us.



Do you have studies on liposome stability?

PlantaCorp ensures that our ingredients are all stable in the aqueous environment, our liposomes are nano-sized (Avg. diameter 100nm) and that we use preservatives to maintain the quality and efficiency of our products. Post-production, we make sure to package our formulations in an oxygen-free environment, protected from fluctuations in light and temperature. Therefore, if you make sure to follow our product handling instructions, we can be fairly confident of the stability and optimal shelf-life of our product.
Unfortunately, we do not conduct specific liposome stability studies at this time. Our R&D and Quality management departments are currently working hard on this. The long-term stability studies will, however, take up to several months of time.



 

Developing Your Own Liposomal Formulation

Do you provide full service? Can you provide a product ready for sales?

Our liposome contract manufacturing as well as white labeling services, could in theory, lead to a ready-to-sell product.

Please go through our Process page or contact our Business Development Team to get a list of all the services we offer.



How many active ingredients can be included in a liposomal formulation?

This completely depends on the product. A key factor influencing the amount of an active ingredient that a formulation can have is its water solubility. Other factors to take into consideration include:

  • The ratio between active substance and phospholipid
  • The physical properties of each ingredient- pH, solubility (in water or fat)
Our experienced production and R&D experts can provide information on the best recipe, to give you with a well-balanced, stable and highly functional product. Contact us.



 
 

Our Liposome Contract Manufacturing Process

What are the differences between regular dietary supplements (powder, tablets, capsules) and liposomal formulations?

For practical reasons, we are administeredmost supplements orally. This means that the vitamins, minerals or botanicals must pass through the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, starting with the mouth, the stomach and finally in to the intestines for absorption. Unfortunately, unprotected substances are often damaged in this way due to the digestive enzymes in the mouth or the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach. Even if they manage to survive their journey to the intestine, it is possible that the intestinal wall can only absorb a part of the product. In our liquid liposomal formulations, active ingredients pass through the mouth and stomach, largely unharmed, thanks to the products' encapsulation by liposomes. Since PlantaCorp liposomes are composed of phospholipid bilayers, similar to our bodies' cell membranes, liposomes are ideal carrier structures that can be easily absorbed by the intestine. This allows for an almost complete absorption of the encapsulated active ingredients.​ As a consequence, the active ingredient is highly bioavailable and can achieve maximum efficiency.



What are the differences between powder and liquid liposomal formulations?

The basic principle of liposomal manufacturing is based on the hydrophilic-hydrophobic interactions between lipid and water molecules. The provision of energy in the form of homogenization or ultrasonication, allows the phospholipids to arrange into a bilayer sphere with the hydrophilic ends facing the aqueous environment and the inner core. The existence of the water inside and around a liposome creates a pressure that holds the membrane in place. If the water is eliminated, the liposome will be unable to stay in its three-dimensional shape, leading to a loss of the structural integrity of the liposome. Since drying results in the loss of water surrounding the liposomes, the powder produced upon drying a liquid liposomal formulation, usually consists only of dried phospholipids and the active ingredients, and no real liposome. Although such powders can still result in the proven higher bioavailability of the active ingredient compared to the pure ingredient, the bioavailability is much poorer compared to intact liquid-state liposomes. Our Business development Team will be happy to explain this process in detail. Contact us.



Do you have studies on liposome stability?

PlantaCorp ensures that our ingredients are all stable in the aqueous environment, our liposomes are nano-sized (Avg. diameter 100nm) and that we use preservatives to maintain the quality and efficiency of our products. Post-production, we make sure to package our formulations in an oxygen-free environment, protected from fluctuations in light and temperature. Therefore, if you make sure to follow our product handling instructions, we can be fairly confident of the stability and optimal shelf-life of our product.
Unfortunately, we do not conduct specific liposome stability studies at this time. Our R&D and Quality management departments are currently working hard on this. The long-term stability studies will, however, take up to several months of time.



Our Packaging Services

What are the packaging options that you offer?

We can assist you with your desired packaging option. Currently, we offer the following options:

  • Glass/PET bottles as seen on our homepage (100mL or 250mL)
  • Sachets or sticks, containing a daily dose of your product
Should you have other ideas, we can offer to use your desired packaging by
  • Shipping them to our facility, or
  • Ordering them directly
Whatever solution you have in mind, do talk to us about it.



Do you also provide paper packaging, like boxes, for my product?

Yes, our team can support you in creating paper packaging and leaflets for your products.



Do you provide daily dosage sachets?

Yes, we do. Our current daily dose package options include:

  • Sachets

  • Sticks

We are also open to discuss any other options that you may have in mind. Please contact us in order to discuss how you want to package your product.



Do you also print the labels?

We can print labels in cooperation with our print supplier. Our Marketing & Communications team can help you with designing your labels, as well. Please talk to your personal Business Developer to assist you in finding the best option.



 

Shipping

When is my product ready for shipping?

As mentioned earlier, we will take approximately 4 weeks from the order confirmation to the finished product. Your product is ready for shipping soon after. Please note however, that shipping times may vary depending on the order amount and the shipping destination.

Do contact us for order-specific information.



What are the freight costs?

The freight costs depend on the dimensions of the consignment and the shipping destination.

Please contact us for order-specific information.



 

Further Questions

Is it possible to produce liposomal capsules or pills?

It is possible to package our liquid formulations into capsule-form. Currently, however, we are unable to provide gel encapsulation services in our facility. We do not recommend drying the product and pressing it into pills because of the loss of formulation quality.



Is it possible to use your liposomal formulations as a raw material?

Yes, it is possible to use our liposomal formulations as a raw material. In theory, you could then encapsulate them in another lipid bilayer or into gel capsules, if you wish to. Since we produce liquid liposomal formulations, you could even mix them with water or other liquids, like juices.