Determination of Required Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance Value of Modified Coconut Oil

Abstract

Hydrophile–lipophile balance (HLB) is a key parameter for formulation of emulsions. Recently, modified coconut oil (MCO) was successfully developed as antimicrobial oil and was attempted to use as active ingredient in emulsions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the required HLB of MCO. The emulsions was produced with different ratios of emulsifier mixtures of Tween® 80 and Span® 80 , giving HLB from 4.3 to 15.0 and was investigated in respect of their emulsions stability. The result showed that an emulsion with HLB value of 12 demonstrated the most stable in terms of smallest droplet size and minimal size distribution. The stability was also later confirmed by centrifugation and temperature cycling. The emulsions which possessed HLB values closed to required HLB demonstrated minimal creaming and cracking upon accelerated stability study. In conclusion, this study could provide the guideline for formulation of the stable MCO emulsions which may be further developed into suitable dosage form.