Comparison of surfactants at solubilizing, forming and stabilizing nanoemulsion of hesperidin

Abstract

In this study, a high shear-high pressure homogenization bonding technology, natural surfactant glycyrrhizic acid (GA), synthetic nonionic surfactant Tween 80 (T80) and synthetic ionic surfactant (SDS) were used to prepare the nanoemulsion of hesperidin (HDN-NE), and their solubilization, forming and stabilization mechanism were studied respectively. From the perspective of solubilization, the order of molar solublization ratio (MSR) was GA > T80 > SDS. From forming, there were a uniform appearance, smaller particle size (<300 nm), absolute value of zeta potential (about 30 mV) and suitable turbidity in GA-stabilized HDN-NE compared to T80 and SDS. From stabilization, T80-stabilized HDN-NE was stable under alkaline conditions (pH 2–10) and ionic strengths (0–500 mM NaCl), while the particle size increased across a range of temperatures (80–90 °C). HDN-NE stabilized by GA and SDS exhibited a relatively weak stability under pH 2–4 and high ionic strength conditions (400–500 mM), while maintained a stable state under heating conditions (30–90 °C). The difference in stability owing to the difference in stabilization mechanism of these surfactants. The results of this paper indicated that GA was an effective natural emulsifier that may have applications in nanoemulsion products.