Factors Affecting Formation of Emulsions Containing Soybean Oil

Abstract

The aim of study was to prepare a water compatible form of soybean oil through nanoemulsification. Factors affecting properties of nanoemulsions containing soybean oil such as types and amounts of surfactants (Tween 60, Cremophor RH-40, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Lutrol F-127) were investigated. The results demonstrated that types and amount of surfactants affected the formation and physical stability of nanoemulsions. The emulsions containing Cremophor RH-40 and Lutrol F-127 showed 100% creaming while those containing Tween 60 and SLS indicated the lower percentage of creaming suggesting the less physical stability. However, the formation of nanoemulsions was not observed in the formula containing Lutrol F-127. The average droplet size of emulsions was 1766 nm and 193 nm for emulsions containing 5% w/w Lutrol F-127 and Cremophor RH-40, respectively. The droplet size was also affected by the amount of Cremophor RH-40. The droplet size was decreased from 795 to 114 nm as increasing amount of Cremophor RH-40 from 2.5 to 10 %w/w. Additionally, the properties of nanoemulsions containing Cremophor RH-40, including physical appearance, droplet size and zeta potential, were not change even after temperature cycling. In conclusion, the more water compatible form of soybean oil was accomplished through incorporation into the nanoemulsions with specific type and amount of surfactant.