Abstract
Background: Folic acid is essential in many metabolic processes and DNA synthesis. Nevertheless, folic acid is not stable, pH-sensitive, and deteriorated upon light exposure.Objective: This work was aimed to improve folic acid stability within vitamin E-based nanoemulsion.Methods: The nanoemulsion was prepared with self-nanoemulsification method by mixing vitamin E oil, Tween 20, and PEG 400. A pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed with aqueous titration to determine the optimum ratio for the mixture. The globule size, pH and entrapment efficiency were included in the nanoemulsion characterizations. In addition, the influence of centrifugation, storage, and pH on physical and chemical stabilities of folic acid nanoemulsion was evaluated.Results: Optimum formula was obtained from vitamin E, Tween 20, and PEG 400 with the ratio of 1:11:1, and the folic acid amount was 8 mg. The size of folic acid-loaded oil globule was 15.10 ± 1.51 nm, and the nanoemulsion pH was 6.24 ± 0.01. The nanoemulsion system was able to load the folic acid completely. Folic acid in nanoemulsion was stable after 14 days at room temperature, and it was more stable compared to folic acid in solution. In addition, the physical and chemical characteristics of folic acid in nanoemulsion was not affected by the simulated gastric condition.Conclusion: Hence, nanoemulsion is a promising strategy to enhance folic acid stability.
Highlights
Folic acid has a vital role in the cellular growth and development, mainly in its ionic form
Optimum formula was obtained from vitamin E, Tween 20, and PEG 400 with the ratio of 1:11:1, and the folic acid amount was 8 mg
Folic acid in nanoemulsion was stable after 14 days at room temperature, and it was more stable compared to folic acid in solution
Summary
Folic acid has a vital role in the cellular growth and development, mainly in its ionic form. Folate (the anionic form of folic acid) acts as a cofactor for many important cellular reactions including the transfer of single-carbon units, which is required for cell division in the DNA synthesis. Folate deficiency may cause abnormal cell division due to DNA synthesis interference. Supplementation of folic acid has been recommended for pregnant women since 1991 [3]. The recommendation was based on findings that folic acid consumption can prevent neural tube defects, which are among the most common severe congenital malformations [3]. Folic acid deficiency has been associated with neuro-. Folic acid is essential in many metabolic processes and DNA synthesis. Folic acid is not stable, pH-sensitive, and deteriorated upon light exposure
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