Nanoemulsion-based delivery systems for polyunsaturated (ω-3) oils: formation using a spontaneous emulsification method

J Agric Food Chem. 2014 Feb 19;62(7):1720-5. doi: 10.1021/jf4054808. Epub 2014 Feb 6.

Abstract

Nanoemulsion-based delivery systems are finding increasing utilization to encapsulate lipophilic bioactive components in food, personal care, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, a spontaneous emulsification method was used to fabricate nanoemulsions from polyunsaturated (ω-3) oils, that is, fish oil. This low-energy method relies on formation of fine oil droplets when an oil/surfactant mixture is added to an aqueous solution. The influence of surfactant-to-oil ratio (SOR), oil composition (lemon oil and MCT), and cosolvent composition (glycerol, ethanol, propylene glycol, and water) on the formation and stability of the systems was determined. Optically transparent nanoemulsions could be formed by controlling SOR, oil composition, and aqueous phase composition. The spontaneous emulsification method therefore has considerable potential for fabricating nanoemulsion-based delivery systems for incorporating polyunsatured oils into clear food, personal care, and pharmaceutical products.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / methods*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Emulsions / chemistry*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / chemistry*
  • Fish Oils / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry

Substances

  • Emulsions
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fish Oils
  • Surface-Active Agents