One-step preparation of double emulsions stabilized with amphiphilic and stimuli-responsive block copolymers and nanoparticles for nutraceuticals and drug delivery

Abstract

One-step emulsification approaches enable prevention of the loss of emulsion droplets associated with two-step emulsification approaches. Stimuli-responsive amphiphilic block copolymers, emulsifiers, and nanoparticles that are responsive to changes in the temperature, pH, presence of CO 2 , or presence of salts, can eliminate the requirement for two hydrophilic and lipophilic emulsifiers in the emulsion system. The amphiphilic block copolymers prepared from naturally occurring amino acids and proteins enable targeted delivery of drugs and nutraceuticals with high cellular uptake. Likewise, the presence of impurities, such as salts and redox reactions driven by the presence of iodine, can result in spontaneous emulsification and formation of double emulsions. This timely review focuses on the application of double emulsions for delivery of drugs and nutraceuticals and will provide insights to scientists in the pharmaceutical industry or food nutritionists who consider fortification of food products with micronutrients. • One-step preparation of double emulsions can prevent the loss of internal emulsion droplets during processing. • Stabilization of double emulsions with amphiphilic copolymers can prevent the need for two various emulsifiers. • The stimuli-responsive copolymers can enable encapsulation and controlled release of nutraceuticals and drugs. • Hydrophilicity or lipophilicity of block copolymers can be tuned by adjusting the length of blocks and oil composition.