Pickering emulsions constructed on the basis of nanostructured lipid carriers: Effect of carrier models and volume fractions

Abstract

Three types of curcumin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers with a single layer (S-NLCs), double layer (D-NLCs) and composite layer (C-NLCs) were used as stabilizers for the preparation of Pickering emulsions. Visual observations showed that the NLCs stabilized the Pickering emulsions at different addition volume fractions. The emulsions produced had approximate particle size and showed an inversion of the emulsions stabilized by D-NLCs and C-NLCs as the additional fraction of NLCs was increased to 50%. Contact angles and interfacial viscoelasticity showed a better wetting of D-NLCs with a superior ability to reduce surface tension at the oil–water interface. Pickering emulsions stabilized at a 50% volume ratio (PD5) showed the highest storage and centrifugal stability. Simulated in vitro digestion studies showed the presence of delayed lipid digestion of Pickering emulsions, resulting in the incomplete release of curcumin and lower bioavailability than NLCs under the same conditions.