Hydrophilic-lipophilic Balance Research Articles

Sensitivity and quantitativeness of large-volume injection combined with liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry for target screening analysis of emerging contaminants

Solid phase extraction (SPE) has been widely used for pretreatment in target screening (TS) analysis. However, some compounds are difficult to recover by SPE or their recovery is unstable for environmental samples. In this study, we tested large-volume injection (LVI) without SPE for TS analysis of 103 compounds listed by the Ministry of the Environment (Japan)—so-called ‘items to be surveyed’—using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. We evaluated the limit of quantification (LOQ) by LVI and compared this LOQ with the LOQ by SPE pretreatment using a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) combined with activated carbon, which was found previously to afford the best SPE cartridges for target compounds recovery. The LOQ generally decreased as the injection volume increased, and the LOQ was at least 250 times lower for a 500-μL injection than for a 2-μL injection for half of the compounds. LVI provided LOQs lower than the predicted no effect concentration for more compounds than the SPE method. The average matrix effect (ME) by LVI was in the range 70%–130% for 69 out of 97 compounds. The ME was higher or lower for some of the remaining compounds, but the ME was in the range 10%–1000% for all 18 water samples for 84 of the 97 compounds. Comparing the ME by LVI and the recovery ratio by the SPE method showed that LVI achieved more accurate quantitation than the SPE method for a larger number of compounds. Therefore, LVI provides better sensitivity and quantitativeness than the SPE method using HLB and activated carbon for TS analysis of as many ‘items to be surveyed’ as possible.

The Response Surface Methodology for Assessment of HLB Values of Mixtures of Non-Ionic Surfactants Using Parameters from Their π-A Isotherms.

The aim of the work was to determine important parameters of the course of π-A isotherms, which can determine the HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) value of surfactant mixtures with selected structural features, such as a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain and a double bond, using RSM (response surface methodology) computational methods. Mixtures of surfactants derived from fatty acids and sorbitan with specific HLB values were evaluated by Langmuir trough. The resulting elasticity modules (ELM) and molecules surfaces (SAM) were evaluated via response surface methodology and respective equations were calculated. The π-A isotherm determined in a Langmuir trough and the ELM and SAM parameters determined on the basis of this isotherm may be useful for determining the HLB of a fixed surfactant mixture. The RSM method used, in which ELM and SAM were assumed as two independent variables, can be a useful technique for tracking the influence of individual molecular characteristics on the hydrophilic-lipophilic properties of mixtures of surfactant compounds. Changes in HLB as a dependent variable can be described as a function of ELM and SAM.

Characterization of Porous β-Type Tricalcium Phosphate Ceramics Formed via Physical Foaming with Freeze-Drying.

Porous β-tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2; β-TCP) was prepared via freeze-drying and the effects of this process on pore shapes and sizes were investigated. Various samples were prepared by freezing β-TCP slurries above a liquid nitrogen surface at -180 °C with subsequent immersion in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C. These materials were then dried under reduced pressure in a freeze-dryer, after which they were sintered with heating. Compared with conventional heat-based drying, the resulting pores were more spherical, which increased both the mechanical strength and porosity of the β-TCP. These materials had a wide range of pore sizes from 50 to 200 µm, with the mean and median values both approximately 100 µm regardless of the freeze-drying conditions. Mercury porosimetry data showed that the samples contained small, interconnected pores with sizes of 1.24 ± 0.25 µm and macroscopic, interconnected pores of 25.8 ± 4.7 µm in size. The effects of nonionic surfactants having different hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) values on foaming and pore size were also investigated. Materials made with surfactants having lower HLB values exhibited smaller pores and lower porosity, whereas higher HLB surfactants gave higher porosity and slightly larger macropores. Even so, the pore diameter could not be readily controlled solely by adjusting the HLB value. The findings of this work indicated that high porosity (>75%) and good compressive strength (>2 MPa) can both be obtained in the same porous material and that foaming agents with HLB values between 12.0 and 13.5 were optimal.

Size Control and Antioxidant Properties of Sulfur-Rich Polymer Colloids from Interfacial Polymerization.

High sulfur content polymeric materials, known for their intriguing properties such as high refractive indices and high electrochemical capacities, have garnered significant interest in recent years for their applications in optics, antifouling surfaces, triboelectrics, and electrochemistry. Despite the high interest, most high sulfur-content polymers reported to date are either bulk materials or thin films, and there is a general lack of research into sulfur-rich polymer colloids. Water-dispersed, sulfur-rich particles are anticipated to broaden the range of applications for sulfur-containing materials. In this study, the preparation and size control parameters are presented of an aqueous dispersion of sulfur-rich polymers with the sulfur content of dispersed particles exceeding 75wt%. Employing polymeric stabilizers with varying hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), along with changing the rank of inorganic polysulfides, allow for the control of particle size in the range of 360nm - 1.8µm. The sulfur-rich colloid demonstrates antioxidant properties in water, demonstrating the potential for the use of sulfur-rich polymeric materials readily removable, heterogeneous radical scavengers.

Utility of a modified o-DGT passive sampler for measurement of bisphenol analogues in freshwater and coastal waters

Bisphenol analogues (BPs) are commonly found in riverine and coastal waters. However, the lack of a reliable and robust passive sampling method has hindered our ability to monitor these compounds in aquatic systems. The study developed a novel organic-diffusive gradients in thin film (o-DGT) sampler based on stainless steel mesh membrane, polyacrylamide diffusive gel, and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) binding gel. This innovative design tackled issues of filter membrane sorption in traditional o-DGT devices and potential gel damage in membrane-less o-DGT devices, showing promising application prospects. The mass accumulation of 15 target BPs was linear over 10 days in both freshwater (r2 ≥ 0.92) and seawater (r2 ≥ 0.94), with no saturation observed. The diffusion coefficients (D) through polyacrylamide diffusive gels ranged from 4.04 × 10−6 to 5.77 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 in freshwater and from 1.74 × 10−6 to 4.69 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 in seawater for the target BPs (except for bisphenol PH) at 22 °C. The D values of the target BPs in seawater were lower than those in freshwater due to the high salinity in seawater (35 ‰). The o-DGT samplers demonstrated good integrity in field applications. The total concentrations of the eight detected BPs ranged from 9.2 to 323 ng L−1, which was consistent with the measurements obtained by grab sampling. Among all BPs, bisphenol S, bisphenol F, and bisphenol A were consistently detected at all sites using both sampling methods. The concentrations of some novel BPs in coastal water measured by grab sampling were comparable to those measured in rivers, suggesting the need to strengthen pollution control of BPs in coastal areas. These results indicate that the o-DGT passive sampling method developed in the present study can be effectively used for monitoring BPs in freshwater and coastal environments.

Enhancing hydrate formation for cold storage by isotridecanyl polyoxyethylene ether series surfactants in quiescent conditions

The promotion technology of hydrate formation is the key to the industrial application using hydrates. To study how nonionic surfactants affect hydrate formation, four isotridecanyl polyoxyethylene ether series surfactants with hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) values from 8 to 18 are selected to analyse nonionic surfactants influence on hydrate formation. All four surfactants can enhance 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) hydrate formation in quiescent conditions, and each surfactant has an ideal concentration regarding of hydrate formation induction time. E-1306 (HLB = 11.2) has the most effective on improving hydrate formation. The hydrate nucleation needs minimum time (61 min), and hydrate cooling storage capacity reaches 203.5 kJ·kg−1 with 1.0 wt% E-1306. Hydrate nucleation stability is also the best with 1.0 wt% E-1306. The hydrophobic effect and micelle effect of surfactants are the main methods for promoting hydrate formation. The effect of surfactants with large HLB values on promoting hydration is not obvious. The influence of surfactant on the stability of HCFC-141b emulsion is also an important factor affecting hydrate formation.

Physicochemical Properties and Functionalities of Food Emulsifiers

Purpose: This study sought to analyze the physiochemical properties and functionalities of food emulsifiers. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the physiochemical properties and functionalities of food emulsifiers. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the importance of considering emulsifier properties in food product development. The findings underscored the significance of optimizing emulsifier selection and formulation to meet consumer demands for healthier, more sustainable, and better-performing food products. Continued research in this area promises to drive further innovation and advancements in food technology. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Interfacial Tension theory, HLB (Hydrophilic- Lipophilic Balance) theory and Emulsion Phase Inversion theory may be used to anchor future studies on the physiochemical properties and functionalities of food emulsifiers. The study made significant contributions to theoretical understanding, practical application, and policy considerations in the field of food science and technology. It advanced theoretical knowledge by exploring molecular mechanisms and integrating principles from colloid and interface science. In practice, the study recommended systematic approaches for emulsifier selection and process optimization to enhance product quality and consistency. From a policy perspective, it emphasized the importance of regulatory guidelines and transparency in emulsifier usage. Additionally, the study advocated for sustainability, innovation, and consumer-centric approaches to promote environmental responsibility, drive technological advancements, and prioritize consumer well-being in emulsifier research and application.

Development and validation of an HILIC/MS/MS method for determination of nusinersen in rabbit plasma

A hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC/MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of the fully phosphorothioate modified oligonucleotide nusinersen. HILIC/MS/MS method is more robust and compatible with mass spectrometry than ion pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (IP-RP-LC/MS/MS). Various types and concentrations of additives and different pH of mobile phase affected the mass spectrometry response, chromatographic peak shape and retention of nusinersen. The optimized extraction method of nusinersen employs hydrophilic-lipophilic balance solid phase extraction, with a recovery of up to 80%. Chromatographic quantification was performed using a gradient system on an amide column and the mobile phase consisted of ammonium acetate, acetonitrile and water in a certain proportion. The fully phosphorothioate modified nusinersen can obtain a high mass spectrometry response by providing greater peak symmetry and high ionization efficiency in a high-pH mobile phase. Moreover, the significant carry over interference was observed at the pH 6.3 of the mobile phase. Adjusting the pH value up to 10, and the carry over interference disappeared. The lower limit of quantitation of this developed HILIC/MS/MS assay was 30.0 ng/mL and the method was systematic methodology validated. This HILIC/MS/MS method provides an attractive and robust alternative for the quantitative analysis of nusinersen and was applied in the pharmacokinetic study of nusinersen in rabbits.

Development and Microbiological Evaluation of Natural Diaper Rash (Diaper Dermatitis) Cream Formulations

Backround: Rosa damascena Mill, released into the environment as waste in rose products production facilities, contains antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiseptic phenolic components. It is the development of an effective natural cream formulation for baby diaper rash by taking advantage of the antimicrobial properties of rose pulp and adding natural ingredients (zinc oxide ZnO, natural oils, and beeswax). Material and Methods: The emulsification method was used to prepare diaper rash cream formulations. Rotational type viscosity determination was performed to examine the rheological behavior of the formulations. In selecting the optimum formulation, pH, viscosity, hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, and physical appearance of the product were considered. To examine its stability properties, its stability was examined in three different environments in line with ICH directives for 6months. The optimum DR-C-7 formulation was subjected to physicochemical and stability tests. Results: It was observed that the DR-C-7 formulation had a viscosity between 9,820 and 26,130 (Pa.s) in terms of rheological properties. As a result of the challenge test, no microbiological units were found. At the end of a 6-month stability study under different conditions, it was observed that it retained all its features. Conclusion: It was concluded that R. damascena pulp, which has important phenolic contents such as phenylethyl alcohol, flavonoids, and terpenoids, can be used for thick products such as diaper rash cream with its antioxidant antimicrobial properties.

Exploring the impact of surfactant types and formulation variables on the EACN of crude and model oils

Characterizing the hydrophobicity of oils remains a significant challenge for the academic and industrial scientific communities, striving to optimize the formulation of Surfactant/Oil/Water (SOW) systems. Various descriptors, including the required Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (required HLB) and the Equivalent Alkane Carbon Number (EACN), have been proposed to characterize oil hydrophobicity. Indeed, it is already known that the EACN of crude oils can be rapidly determined through dynamic Phase Inversion Temperature-induced (PIT) experiments. The study herein presents an alternative method to characterize the EACN of crude and model oils through dynamic Salinity-induced Phase Inversion (SPI) using two reference SOW systems, one with the ionic extended surfactant propyl heptyl propoxylated sodium sulfate (i-C3C7PO4SO4Na) and the other with the nonionic surfactant decyl tetraethylene glycol ether (C10EO4). Results reveal that the EACN of crude and model oils strongly depend not only on the chosen formulation variable but also on the nature of the surfactant. Discrepancies in EACN values for crude oils range between −0.2 and 3.3 units. These differences are justified by several factors: the segregation of the polar fraction for crude oils and its dependence with temperature, the high solubility of the nonionic surfactant in polar oils and the differing structures of both surfactants at the interface that changes the effective packing parameter of the system. When inversing a crude oil at high salinity conditions using temperature as formulation variable, a weighted average EACN value obtained with salinity from the two surfactants yields more realistic results than the EACN obtained from PIT. These findings found a direct application in the enhanced oil recovery field in which the attainment of ultra-low interfacial tension is essential to have an efficient crude oil desaturation.

Highly sensitive passive sampling of new pollutants in urban reclaimed water using hydrophilic-lipophilic balance sorbent-embedded cellulose acetate membrane

Urban reclaimed water is important water resource in China, while the residual new pollutants in the water largely challenge their safety for further use. China's action program for the management of new pollutants (also known as emerging contaminants) requires effective method for monitoring diverse new pollutants in water. This work proposed a highly sensitive passive sampling method for monitoring diverse new pollutants in urban reclaimed water. Hydrophilic–lipophilic balance sorbent-embedded cellulose acetate membranes (HECAMs) were dynamically deployed in self-developed continuous flow integrative sampling device (CFISD) for sampling four types of new pollutants with wide polarity ranges (1.11 < log Kow < 9.49) in a reclaimed water network for landscape irrigation in Beijing, China. The estimated equilibrium partition ratios of most chemicals between HECAM and water were over 104, which would provide low detection limits. In the 7-d high-efficiency deployment, thirty new pollutants were detected, which indicated incompletely removal of various new pollutants in wastewater treatment process. The dynamical accumulation data were successfully fitted by first-order kinetic model and different contaminants reached different accumulation phases in the HECAMs during 7 d. Acceptable and steady uptake rate constants and sampling rates were obtained with the use of CFISD in field sampling. The estimated time-weighted average concentrations for contaminants had wide concentration range and were from 0.03 ng L−1 (pendimethalin) to 3,394 ng L−1 (dibutyl phthalate) and this may lead to environmental risk for further use the reclaimed water. Dynamical deployment results also provided sensitive information of concentration fluctuations and twelve pollutants showed concentration fluctuations during the sampling period. In summary, HECAM showed high sensitivities and credible performance of monitoring diverse new pollutants in the urban reclaimed water.

Physico-Chemical Properties and Antioxidant Stability of Liquid and Powdered Red Ginger Aquaresin: Modification of Plating Method with Silicon Dioxide and γ-Cyclodextrin

Red ginger extract (RGE) boasts high antioxidant activity due to its bioactive compounds but suffers from poor water solubility and dispersibility. This study aimed to improve these properties by converting RGE into liquid and powdered aquaresins. Diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM) were used as emulsifiers due to their balanced hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB). Aquaresins were prepared using plating methods due to their practicability and vacuum methods for the powdered form. The optimal RGE:DATEM ratio and characteristics of the aquaresins were investigated. A 45% RGE and 5% DATEM formulation yielded the highest levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and 6-gingerol, while maintaining potent antioxidant activity over 60 days. The plating method significantly enhanced bioactive compound concentration compared to the vacuum method. Adding silicon dioxide and γ-cyclodextrin improved physical properties and antioxidant stability. The 45:5 RGE:DATEM ratio offered superior chemical properties and antioxidant activity in liquid aquaresin, while the plating method contributed to better chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity in powdered form. This study paves the way for incorporating RGE into various food and pharmaceutical applications.

Modification of High-Density Polyethylene with a Fibrillar-Porous Structure by Biocompatible Polyvinyl Alcohol via Environmental Crazing.

Polymer/polymer nanocomposites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and biocompatible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared by tensile drawing of HDPE in the PVA solutions via environmental crazing. The mechanism of this phenomenon was described. The HDPE/PVA nanocomposites were studied by the methods of scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, gravimetry, tensile tests, and their composition, properties, and performance were characterized. The content of PVA in the HDPE/PVA nanocomposites (up to 22 wt.%) was controlled by the tensile strain of HDPE and concentration of PVA in the solution. Depending on the content of PVA, the wettability of the HDPE/PVA nanocomposite (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) could be varied in a broad interval from 45 to 98°. The modification of HDPE by the biocompatible PVA offers a beneficial avenue for practical applications of the HDPE/PVA composites as biomedical materials, packaging and protective materials, modern textile articles, breathable materials, membranes and sorbents, etc.

Influence of the hydrophile–lipophile balance of perfluorinated surfactants on the emulsion stability

Influence of the hydrophile–lipophile balance of perfluorinated surfactants on the emulsion stability

Detergents with Scalable Properties Identify Noncanonical Lipopolysaccharide Binding to Bacterial Inner Membrane Proteins.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is vital for maintaining the outer membrane barrier in Gram-negative bacteria. LPS is also frequently obtained in complex with the inner membrane proteins after detergent purification. The question of whether or not LPS binding to inner membrane proteins not involved in outer membrane biogenesis reflects native lipid environments remains unclear. Here, we leverage the control of the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance and packing parameter concepts to chemically tune detergents that can be used to qualitatively differentiate the degree to which proteins copurify with phospholipids (PLs) and/or LPS. Given the scalable properties of these detergents, we demonstrate a detergent fine-tuning that enables the facile investigation of intact proteins and their complexes with lipids by native mass spectrometry (nMS). We conclude that LPS, a lipid that is believed to be important for outer membranes, can also affect the activity of membrane proteins that are currently not assigned to be involved in outer membrane biogenesis. Our results deliver a scalable detergent chemistry for a streamlined biophysical characterization of protein-lipid interactions, provide a rationale for the high affinity of LPS-protein binding, and identify noncanonical associations between LPS and inner membrane proteins with relevance for membrane biology and antibiotic research.

Developing Green Sorbents Derived from Natural Materials for Microextraction and Determination of Emerging Contaminants

Developing Green Sorbents Derived from Natural Materials for Microextraction and Determination of Emerging Contaminants

An improved method for determining the water number for surfactants

Surfactants have a significant role in everyday life and various industries. Their amphipathic nature significantly influences their properties, functions, and applicability. The ratio of water and oil solubility is characterized by the HLB value (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) or the closely related water number.A determination of the water number of surfactants represents the amount of water that a surfactant can incorporate into a microemulsion. The results of measuring the water number provide information about the hydrophilic properties of the surfactant in question. Understanding the water number helps determine the applicability of surfactants. From the water number of surfactants, conclusions can be drawn about the HLB value of the particular surfactant, providing further insights into its properties. Although a well-established method for determining water number has long been available, it has been revealed that many of the auxiliary substances and chemicals used in this process have severe health-damaging effects, leading to their discontinuation in routine laboratory use.Our goal was to find a solvent combination that would be suitable for the water number determination method. Additionally, we aimed to investigate solvents that are environmentally and human-biologically less harmful, easily and affordably obtainable.• The study presents a method for determining the water number of surfactants.• The method is straightforward to execute and free from harmful solvents.• By improving the method, we enhanced the reliability of the examination.

Development of artificial neural network models to predict the concentration range of formation of microemulsions containing babassu oil

Microemulsions have gained prominence in the research for biomolecules nanocarriers due to their thermodynamic stability and auto-organization. However, the formation of these systems requires a high experimental effort. To minimise it, an Artificial Neural Network to predict the concentration range of microemulsion formation was developed using weight fraction, hydrophilic-lipophilic balance as model input. We also evaluated the effect of including surfactant viscosity as input. Experimental data were generated using formulations with babassu oil, water, Tween® 80, and Labrasol®. After training, the proposed model presented accuracies up to 93%, with the addition of viscosity reducing the cross-validation variance.

Formulation and Stability of Microemulsion Preparations From Secang Wood Extract (Caesalpinia Sappan L) and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO)

Research has been conducted to make microemulsion preparations from virgin coconut oil (VCO) and secang wood extract. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of secang wood extract with ethanol solvent, determine the Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value of a mixture of three surfactants that can form the most stable microemulsion preparations, and determine the most optimal variation in the concentration of secang wood extract in secang microemulsion formulations.This study began with the manufacture of secang wood ethanol extract from secang wood powder and 96% ethanol, then tested for flavonoid levels. Furthermore, VCO microemulsions in a mixture of water with secang extract are made with variations in HLB values, namely 12, 13, 14, and 15. Microemulsions with HLB variations were tested for stability through organoleptical observations and turbidity values by storage treatment at room temperature, heating, and centrifugation. Microemulsions were also tested for free fatty acid (FFA) levels. After that, the preparation of microemulsions with the most stable HLB is carried out with variations in the concentration of secang wood extract in the formulation. Microemulsions with extract variations were tested for stability through organoleptical observation and turbidity values after 24 hours, heating, and centrifugation. Microemulsions with optimal concentrations of secang wood extract were tested for antioxidant activity. The secang extract produced from the extraction was reddish-brown in color and had total flavonoids equivalent to 230.6 mg QE/g samples. The most stable microemulsion from this study is a microemulsion with an HLB value of 15 with a ratio of water:extract:VCO:surfactant which is 65:2,5:2,5:30. The microemulsion features transparent red, 1 phase, and smells like Tween 80 with turbidity value below 1% during storage, heating, and centrifugation with microemulsion FFA value of 0.53%. Based on variations in the concentration of secang wood extract, the higher the concentration of the extract, the more unstable the microemulsion produced. The 3% secang extract microemulsion is the most optimal microemulsion with antioxidant activity (IC50) of 1.4573±0.2694 mg/mL.

Theoretical and Experimental Determinations of the Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance (HLB) of Representative Oils and Lecithins

The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) is a valuable parameter used to determine the relative hydrophobicity of a compound based on its chemical structure. This semi-empirical parameter has been instrumental in formulating oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions using well-characterized ingredients with known HLB values. However, recent trends toward the use of minimally processed “virgin” oils of therapeutic or nutritional value may render the reported “required HLB” values inaccurate. Minimally processed oils can contain numerous compounds at varying or unknown concentrations, rendering the HLB value incalculable. Factors such as regional source, growing season, and processing method contribute to the variability in oil composition. Furthermore, the solubilization of lipophilic bioactives in oils can significantly alter the HLB of the oil phase in a concentration-dependent manner. This complicates the formulation of emulsions, as the HLB values of both the oil phase and emulsifiers must be closely matched to achieve stable formulations. This study presents a simple and efficient experimental method to determine an HLB value of a complex ingredient without resorting to lengthy Design-of-Experiment (DoE) matrices and trial-and-error approaches. The optimal HLB of a formulation can be determined from a series of experiments in which two well-characterized surfactants of known HLB values are mixed at varying proportions with an unknown oil phase, where the HLB of the oil is considered to match the HLB value of the surfactants combined at the proportion at which nanoemulsions with the smallest, most stable oil droplets are formed. Similarly, when the HLB values of the oil phase and other contributing components are precisely known, the unknown HLB of a complex natural surfactant can be calculated. These calculations assist in formulating emulsions efficiently and effectively by ensuring optimal compatibility among all the components.