Liposomal & Cyclodextrin Formulation
Turn a Hard-to-Absorb Active Into Your Strongest Product Claim
Two Liposome Pathways, Built Around Your Priority
Microfluidizer Processing
Our microfluidizer produces small, highly uniform liposomal droplets — typically around 150nm — using high-pressure mechanical shear to force the emulsion through microchannels at extremely high velocity. The result is a tight particle size distribution, high encapsulation efficiency, and excellent bioavailability. When a formulation needs pharmaceutical-grade uniformity, batch-to-batch consistency, and maximum absorption, this is our go-to method.
High-Volume Homogenizer
For projects where potency-per-dose matters more than droplet size, our high-capacity homogenizer processes actives into liposomal emulsions at real production scale. The droplets run larger than microfluidized output, but that tradeoff buys you something valuable: a substantially higher concentration of active ingredient per batch — a practical, cost-effective, and scalable path for actives that are difficult to load at ultra-fine droplet sizes.
Cyclodextrin Complexation — A Core Area of Expertise
This is where PureNSM genuinely stands apart. Using what we consider the best cyclodextrin available for this application, we convert oil-soluble liquid actives directly into a stable, free-flowing powder — while simultaneously achieving molecular-level encapsulation of individual active molecules within the cyclodextrin’s hydrophobic cavity. The result: complexed particles in the ultra-fine 1–2 nanometer range.
This isn’t emulsification. Instead of mechanically breaking oil into smaller droplets, cyclodextrin complexation works molecule by molecule — each cyclodextrin ring captures a single guest molecule inside its cone-shaped cavity, forming a true inclusion complex. That means dramatically increased surface area, significantly improved aqueous solubility for compounds that are otherwise oil-soluble, and — for many actives — meaningfully better absorbability than the uncomplexed material. Because this single process converts a liquid active directly into a dry powder and achieves molecular-scale encapsulation at the same time, it’s one of the most advanced tools in our formulation toolkit, and one that very few contract manufacturers can offer.
The Dual-Delivery Advantage: Liposomal + Cyclodextrin in One Formula
Our most differentiated capability is combining both technologies into a single finished product — not by complexing already-microfluidized droplets, but by running two independent, purpose-built process streams on separate portions of the same active, then uniting them.
Stream one runs a portion of the active through our microfluidizer, forming a true liposomal formulation — the active fully encapsulated inside a lipid bilayer, the delivery format consumers already recognize and trust.
Stream two takes a separate, non-microfluidized portion of the same active and reacts it directly with cyclodextrin, forming a true molecular inclusion complex at the 1–2 nanometer scale.
The two streams are then combined into one finished formula — genuinely liposomal, because a real liposomal formulation was manufactured and is present in the product, and simultaneously carrying molecularly-encapsulated actives from the cyclodextrin reaction. Neither process is modifying or “shrinking” the other’s output; each fraction is engineered through the technology best suited to it, then brought together into a single ingredient with two independent, complementary absorption pathways. This opens the door to premium, defensible label language such as:
“Dual-Delivery Liposomal Vitamin D featuring Molecular-Level Cyclodextrin Encapsulation (1–2nm).”
“Liposomal Vitamin D, Enhanced with Molecular Encapsulation Technology for Ultra-Fine 1–2nm Actives.”
Both claims are accurate because both processes genuinely happened — the liposomal fraction really went through microfluidization, and the cyclodextrin fraction really formed a molecular inclusion complex, each independently documented with analytical data. Most contract manufacturers offer liposomal formulation or cyclodextrin complexation as standalone services. Very few can run both in parallel on the same active and unite them into a single, dual-mechanism finished product — which is exactly the kind of differentiation that helps a brand stand out in a crowded liposomal supplement market.
Matched to Your Active's Chemistry
- Water-based / water-soluble actives: standard homogenization combined with high-speed mixing, then powder conversion using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a carrier within a highly porous absorption system — efficient, cost-effective, and well suited to actives that are already water-dispersible.
- Hydrophobic / oil-soluble actives: microfluidization, cyclodextrin complexation, or both, depending on your goals — microfluidization alone for a true liposomal delivery story, cyclodextrin alone for maximum molecular-level solubility enhancement without a liposomal claim, or both combined for a premium, dual-mechanism product.
Verified, Not Just Claimed
Every formulation can be backed by analytical testing matching your budget and the nanoscale range it was built for:
- Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and laser diffraction for liposomal emulsions and droplet-scale particles
- Phase solubility studies to confirm a genuine inclusion complex has formed, not just physical mixing
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR / ROESY) — the gold-standard method for confirming cyclodextrin complexation at the molecular level
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to detect the thermal shift that signals true molecular inclusion
- X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to confirm crystalline structure changes consistent with complexation
- Mass Spectrometry to confirm exact host-to-guest molecular ratio and finished complex weight
For anything beyond particle sizing — stability studies, nutritional verification, contaminant testing — we also work with accredited third-party labs, including ISO/IEC 17025-accredited facilities, so you have independently verified data behind your finished product.
Proving It on Yourself Before You Prove It to Anyone Else
What’s genuinely exciting about working with hydrophobic or semi-hydrophobic actives — the ones that normally fight absorption every step of the way — is that once particle size has been reduced through liposomal microfluidization and cyclodextrin molecular complexation, you’re no longer guessing whether the smaller particle size actually matters. You can test it directly. Take the same dose of the same active and produce it in two presentations: a regular encapsulated powder, and the liposomal-plus-cyclodextrin version. Then give both to a small group of volunteers — starting with yourself — and simply measure the effect in blood. Vitamin D is a great candidate for this because it’s easy and inexpensive to test: draw a baseline, take one version for a period, retest, switch to the other version, retest again. If the liposomal-plus-cyclodextrin formula is doing what the science says it should, you’ll see blood levels rise faster and higher on the same dose — real, personal, measurable proof that the formulation technology is actually working, not just a claim on a label.
Why Brands Choose PureNSM for This
- Two distinct liposome production methods, matched to your priority: smaller, more bioavailable particles via microfluidization, or higher active payload via high-volume homogenization
- Proprietary cyclodextrin complexation expertise, converting oil-soluble actives into stable, ultra-fine 1–2nm molecularly-encapsulated powders
- A unique dual-stage process combining microfluidization with cyclodextrin complexation for two independent, complementary absorption pathways in a single formula
- Tailored technology recommendations based on your active’s actual solubility profile, not a one-size-fits-all process
- Water-soluble powder conversion via Daniels homogenizer processing and MCC/porous carrier systems
- In-house wet granulation and fluid bed drying for consistent, scalable powder output
- Comprehensive analytical verification — DLS, laser diffraction, NMR, DSC, XRD, and mass spectrometry — with accredited third-party testing available
Ready to see which delivery technology fits your active? Get Your Free Zero-Delay Formulation Audit →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “liposomal” mean, and why does it matter for my product?
Liposomal delivery means the active ingredient is encapsulated inside a tiny lipid bilayer — a microscopic, fat-based bubble that protects the active and helps it absorb more efficiently in the body. It’s a delivery format consumers increasingly recognize and trust, especially for vitamins and nutrients that are otherwise poorly absorbed on their own.
What is cyclodextrin, and how is it different from a liposome?
Cyclodextrin is a ring-shaped molecule with a hydrophobic cavity at its center. Rather than forming a lipid bubble around the active the way a liposome does, cyclodextrin captures individual active molecules inside its own molecular cavity — a process called molecular inclusion complexation. It’s a fundamentally different mechanism, operating at an even smaller scale (1–2 nanometers), and it’s especially effective at converting oil-soluble actives into water-dispersible powders.
Can these two technologies be combined in a single product?
Yes. We create a true liposomal formulation through microfluidization, then separately complex a portion of the same active with cyclodextrin at the molecular level. The finished product is genuinely liposomal — because true liposome formation actually took place — while also carrying molecularly-encapsulated actives, giving you two independent, complementary absorption pathways in one formula.
Why would I want both technologies instead of just one?
Combining both gives you the best of two distinct worlds: the consumer-recognized liposomal format, plus a scientifically differentiated, molecular-level encapsulation technology most competitors don’t offer — a more advanced, defensible product story without giving up a delivery format your customers already understand.
Is this combination unique, or does everyone in the industry do this?
It’s a differentiated, higher-complexity capability. Most contract manufacturers offer either liposomal formulation or cyclodextrin complexation — not both combined in a single finished formula. It’s a genuine point of difference for brands looking to move beyond a standard liposomal claim.
How do you know the cyclodextrin reaction actually worked, rather than the active and cyclodextrin just sitting side-by-side in the same powder?
We use Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) — specifically ROESY — which directly detects when the active molecule is physically positioned inside the cyclodextrin cavity, not simply mixed nearby. We pair this with phase solubility studies and thermal analysis (DSC) so true molecular complexation is confirmed by more than one method.
Can you provide documentation of the particle size for regulatory or label-support purposes?
Yes. We can provide a testing package combining NMR-confirmed complexation, phase solubility data, and cyclodextrin cavity dimension references — giving you defensible, science-backed documentation rather than a single measurement method with known limitations at this scale.
What testing methods do you use to verify particle and droplet sizes across your different products?
It depends on what’s being measured. For liposomal emulsions, we use Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and laser diffraction. For cyclodextrin-complexed actives — true molecular structures rather than droplets — we use a more specialized toolkit: phase solubility studies, NMR (ROESY), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and mass spectrometry, each confirming a different aspect of the complex.
Does adding cyclodextrin change or compromise the “liposomal” claim on my label — could this be seen as misleading?
No, as long as both processes are described accurately. The product genuinely goes through microfluidization to form true liposomes, and separately incorporates cyclodextrin-complexed actives. We help make sure both mechanisms are described precisely as complementary, distinct technologies — which keeps the claim accurate, defensible, and compliant.
Do you provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for finished products?
Yes — batch-specific documentation as standard, plus coordination of additional third-party testing through accredited, ISO/IEC 17025-certified laboratories when independent verification is needed, including stability, nutritional, and contaminant testing.
Can you support label claims with data suitable for retailer or marketplace compliance review (e.g., Amazon, retail buyers)?
Yes. We can supply the underlying testing documentation used to support specific claims, which you can then use for your own compliance and substantiation files. We recommend working with your regulatory or legal advisor to make sure final label language matches the documentation provided.
How do you decide which technology to use for a given active ingredient?
It comes down to solubility. Water-soluble actives generally go through standard homogenization combined with high-speed mixing. Hydrophobic or oil-soluble actives are candidates for microfluidization, cyclodextrin complexation, or a combination of both, depending on your product goals.
What's the difference between using microfluidization alone versus cyclodextrin alone for an oil-soluble active?
Microfluidization alone is ideal when your priority is a true liposomal delivery format with strong bioavailability and a well-established, consumer-recognized story. Cyclodextrin alone is ideal when your priority is converting a liquid, oil-soluble active directly into a stable powder with maximum solubility enhancement, without necessarily needing a liposomal claim.
My active is oil-soluble — can it be turned into a powder?
Yes. Oil-soluble actives can be converted into stable, free-flowing powders through cyclodextrin complexation, which encapsulates the active at the molecular level while converting it from a liquid into a dry powder in a single step.
My active is water-soluble — can it still go through liposomal or cyclodextrin processing?
Water-soluble actives are typically better suited to homogenization and high-speed mixing, followed by powder conversion using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in a highly porous carrier system. Liposomal and cyclodextrin technologies are generally reserved for oil-soluble or hydrophobic actives, where they provide the most benefit.
What particle/droplet size can I expect from each process?
Microfluidized liposomes typically come out around 150nm. Our high-volume homogenizer produces relatively larger liposomal droplets, but allows for a higher active payload per batch. Cyclodextrin complexation achieves molecular-level encapsulation in the 1–2 nanometer range.
Can I get a higher concentration (payload) of active ingredient in my liposomal formula?
Yes — our high-volume homogenizer is built for exactly this. It produces relatively larger liposomal droplets compared to microfluidization, but allows significantly more active ingredient to be loaded into the emulsion, ideal when potency-per-dose is the priority.
Can you convert a liquid liposomal formula into a powder?
Yes. We convert finished liposomal formulas into stable powders in-house using wet granulation and fluid bed drying, producing a free-flowing, shelf-stable powder suitable for capsules, sachets, or other finished formats.
What finished formats can these technologies go into (capsules, powders, sachets, etc.)?
Both our liposomal and cyclodextrin-complexed products can be finished as powders suitable for capsule filling, sachets, or bulk powder blends, depending on your product’s intended format.
Do you work with proprietary or custom active ingredients?
Yes, we regularly formulate with a wide range of nutritional actives, including proprietary or novel ingredients. We evaluate solubility characteristics and recommend the appropriate delivery technology, or combination, for your specific active.
What information do you need from us to recommend the right process for our active?
Generally, we’ll want to know the active’s solubility profile (water- or oil-soluble), target dose, desired finished format, and any specific label or marketing claims you’re aiming to support — this helps us recommend the most appropriate technology or combination.
Is this technology suitable for vitamins, minerals, botanicals, or other categories of actives?
These technologies are broadly applicable across nutritional actives, including fat-soluble vitamins (such as Vitamin D), certain botanical extracts, and other oil-soluble compounds. Suitability depends on the specific active’s chemistry, so we evaluate this case by case.
Can you help us develop label and marketing language for these technologies?
We can provide accurate technical descriptions of our processes and the supporting documentation behind them. We recommend that final label and marketing claims be reviewed by your regulatory/legal team to ensure compliance with applicable labeling regulations in your target markets.