Mixed Emulsion Research Articles

Development of Multifunctional Cosmetic Products with Anti-Photoaging Effect

Background/Objectives: Ultraviolet rays induce erythema, allergy, and skin aging. We investigated the anti-photoaging effect of stem-cell culture media and Polygoni Multifori Radix extract (GMF).Methods/Statistical analysis: An emulsion containing natural GMF and a mixed emulsion containing stem-cell culture medium and Polygoni Multifori Radix emulsion (DMF) were prepared. Photoaging was induced in hairless mice (SKH-1) by irradiation of UVB rays thrice per week for 6 weeks. Pathological changes were examined following 5 or 10 days of emulsion application.Findings: These mice exhibited typical signs of photoaging including increased epithelial thickness, accumulation of abnormal elastic and collagen fibers, and dermal accumulation of inflammatory and mast cells. Photoaging was significantly inhibited in all experimental groups. The group treated with DMF for 10 days showed similar levels of improvement as those observed in the control group.Improvements/Applications: Thus, both natural GMF and DMF can reduce wrinkles caused by photoaging. In addition, our findings verify the potential of GMF and stem-cell culture media as ingredients for anti-photoaging cosmetic products

Mixed Oil-Based Lipid Emulsions vs Soybean Oil-Based Lipid Emulsions on Incidence and Severity of Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Neonates requiring long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) are at risk for developing intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence and severity of IFALD in a highly surgical neonatal population receiving mixed oil-based lipid emulsions (MOLEs) vs soybean oil-based lipid emulsions (SOLEs) for long-term PN. This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients admitted to a neonatal intensive care nursery that received PN for ≥14 days. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts; those who received SOLE and those who received MOLE. The primary outcome of this study was the occurrence of IFALD. Secondary outcomes included time to IFALD, peak bilirubin level during therapy, incidence of hypertriglyceridemia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and retinopathy of prematurity. A total of 107 patients were included in the study, IFALD occurred in 44.8% of patients receiving SOLE compared with 30% of patients receiving MOLE (relative risk, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.39-1.15). In the multivariable analysis, adjusting for the known confounders (prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, presence of ostomy, and duration of PN and lipids), the type of lipids was not a significant predictor for development of IFALD. Duration of PN and duration of lipids were determined to be significant risk factors for IFALD, regardless of type of lipid emulsion (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05). Use of MOLE resulted in no significant difference in the outcomes studied when compared with SOLE. Duration of PN and duration of lipids were significant risk factors for development of IFALD.

Formation and stability of emulsions stabilized by Quillaja saponin-egg lecithin mixtures.

Knowledge of binary emulsifiers' influence on the formation and stability of emulsion-based products is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the emulsifying properties of Quillaja saponin-egg lecithin mixtures at different concentration ratios (r = 5:0, 4:1, 3:2, 2:3, 1:4, and 0:5) with total emulsifier concentration set to 0.5% or 1.0% (w/w). For this, oil-in-water emulsions (10% oil, pH 7) were prepared via high-pressure homogenization. Furthermore, emulsion stability against different environmental stresses was tested. All the binary emulsifier mixtures formed submicron sized emulsions upon homogenization. The most stable emulsions among the mixed emulsifiers were obtained at low Quillaja saponin concentration at r = 1:4 that showed similar physical stability over time to emulsions stabilized by Quillaja saponins and egg lecithin alone. The data suggested that the mixtures of Quillaja saponins and egg lecithins built mixed interfacial layers that were prone to changes over time. Emulsions stabilized by the binary mixtures were in general less stable against changes in pH and ionic strength than the emulsions stabilized by the individual emulsifiers. An exception were the emulsions at r = 1:4 that showed improved stability at pH 2 over the phase separated Quillaja saponin-stabilized emulsions at the same pH. Moreover, all the emulsions were heat stable up to 90°C. On the other hand, none of the emulsions were stable upon freeze-thawing. These results increase our understanding of technofunctionality of binary emulsifier systems. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Food-grade and natural emulsifier mixtures composed of Quillaja saponins and egg lecithin may be used in selected emulsion-based food or personal care product applications to replace synthetic surfactants due to issues with consumer acceptance and regulatory restrictions.

Effect of Type of Explosive and Blast Hole Diameter on Boulder Count in Limestone Quarry Blasting

Rock fragmentation due to blasting depends upon many parameters. The properties of the explosive are one of them. In limestone quarries, ammonium nitrate–fuel oil (ANFO) or site mixed emulsion (SME) are generally used for rock fragmentation. Both these explosives cause substantial changes in the breakage mechanism of rockmass thereby affecting the fragmentation. This paper reports the effect of type of the explosive and blast hole diameter on the boulder count in limestone quarry blasting. In all, 264 blasts using ANFO or SME explosives have been conducted in nearby limestone quarries. The blasts have been conducted for 152 mm diameter and 115/100 mm blast holes. The analysis of the results indicates that the SME explosives are more suitable explosive in limestone quarries than ANFO for reducing the boulder count. SME has caused a reduction in generation of boulders for both 152 and 100 mm diameter blast holes when compared to ANFO. Moreover, the blasts with larger diameter blast holes charged with SME have resulted in less boulders than smaller diameter blast holes charged with the same explosive.

Recoverable magnetic nanoparticles as hydrate inhibitors

This work investigates a mixed emulsifier system composed of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and Span 20 for the development of reusable hydrate inhibitors. Hydrophobic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by adsorption of Span 20 on the particle surface, and this was confirmed through UV-absorbance and elemental analysis. Water-in-oil Pickering emulsion droplets with Span 20-adsorbed Fe3O4 nanoparticles were analyzed using a confocal microscope and observed through SEM and EDS mapping of solidified emulsion samples. Due to the physical hindrance of the Span 20-adsorbed Fe3O4 nanoparticles, they can act as both kinetic hydrate inhibitors and anti-agglomerants. The induction time is significantly increased by hindering the nucleation, and the torque is lowered by the anti-adhesive behaviors of the hydrophobic particles. The additional injection of the nanoparticles induces the formation of a capillary water bridge, which increases the contact area and hydrate former supersaturation and reduces the dispersion of the emulsion droplet. Therefore, there would be an optimal concentration of Span 20-adsorbed Fe3O4 nanoparticles which maximizes the inhibition performance. A boot drum separator with a magnetic field shows excellent recovery performance for magnetic hydrate inhibitors with the injection of acetone into the boot separator to break the Pickering emulsions. Overall, the Span 20-adsorbed Fe3O4 nanoparticles provide dual roles as kinetic hydrate inhibitors and anti-agglomerants, providing a new approach for the recovery of hydrate inhibitors with superparamagnetic properties.

Comparative studies on the stabilization of Flos Sophorae Immaturus beverages by various hydrocolloids

The effects of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), gellan gum (GG) and mixed emulsifiers on physical stability of cloudy Flos sophorae immaturus (FSI) beverages were studied. The physical stability of FSI beverages characterized by particle size, microstructure, rheological properties, suspension stability index and backscattered light intensity. It occurred an irreversible phase separation during thermal sterilization process in the original FSI beverage. The beverage adding MCC had large (the volume weighted mean diamete [d43]~36 μm) but non-coalesced particles after thermal sterilization step, showing MCC could protect the particles against the coalescence. Moreover, when MCC and GG were added to FSI beverage, the suspension stability index increased, and the particle size and the change of backscattered light intensity (△BS) decreased. Mixed emulsifiers not only enhance the viscosity of beverage but also influence the properties of beverage interface, leading to greater absolute value of zeta potential which rose to 45.5 mV. In the existence of MCC, GG, and mixed emulsifiers, the system displayed greater stability than others. This study provided some suggestions for the industrial production of cloudy beverages with low viscosity and good stability.

Effect of surfactants mixing of Tween 80 and Nonidet RK-18 in preparation of microspheres based on polyblend of poly(lactic acid) and polycaprolactone

In preparation of microspheres process with solvent evaporation method, microspheres are formed from the oil in water (O/W) emulsion droplets as a template in which the type and concentration of surfactant will affect the stability of the emulsion. This research aims to investigate the effect of composition and concentration of a mixture of Tween 80 and Nonidet RK-18 as a mixed emulsifier in the preparation of microspheres based on polyblend of PLA/PCL. The solvent evaporation method involves emulsification and dispersing the polyblend emulsion in water. The microspheres obtained were characterized using FTIR, stereomicroscopes, and PSA instrumentations. The result of this research shows that the mixed emulsifier produces smaller microspheres compared to the result of using Tween 80 or Nonidet RK-18 individually because of the presence of synergistic effect. When the surfactants mixture is used, the larger Tween 80 ratio in the mixture will increase the ratio of smaller microspheres obtained because of the high hydrophilicity of Tween 80 that can stabilize O/W emulsion. On the other hand, the addition of Nonidet RK-18 in an increasing manner of ratio or concentration may destabilize the emulsion droplets through Ostwald ripening that can occur because Nonidet RK-18 has a low cloud point (17 °C).

Effect of curcumin-lipiodol emulsion combined with absorbable anti-adhesion film through double embolic pathway on angiogenesis and overall survival (OS) time of VX2 liver cancer rabbits

BackgroundCurcumin is a promising anti-tumor drug in recent years. The main function of absorbable anti-adhesion film is to prevent adhesions after surgical operation. The effects of curcumin-lipiodol emulsion injected via the hepatic artery and portal vein catheter combined with using absorbable anti-adhesion film around the liver angiogenesis are unknown. This article mainly discusses the effects of these combined strategies on the inhibition or reduction of postoperative angiogenesis and prolonging survival time of rabbit model.MethodsForty model rabbits with VX2 liver cancer were divided into four groups. Group A is the control group and its intervention is a simple lipiodol emulsion group. The intervention in group B was a simple lipiodol emulsion combined with an anti-adhesion membrane. The intervention in group C was a mixture of curcumin and lipiodol. The intervention in group D was a mixed emulsion of curcumin and lipiodol combined with an anti-adhesion membrane. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and alanine aminotransferase (AST) in the model rabbits were compared to analyze the damage of liver cells 1 day before embolization and 3, 7, 14 days after the embolization. In addition, the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in residual cancer tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Finally, overall survival time (OS) of each group was recorded.ResultsThe results showed that the ALT and AST levels of venous blood before and after embolization in each group of rabbits were not changed significantly (P>0.05). The levels of VEGF and MVD in the group C and group D were lower than those in the group A (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between group B and group A (P>0.05). The decrease of VEGF and MVD in group D was most obvious, and group D had a significant difference compared with group C (P<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the protein expression of VEGF was consistent with immunohistochemical staining. The overall survival (OS) time of group B showed no significant difference compared with group A (P>0.05). The OS time of group C and group D was longer than that of group A (P<0.05). Group D showed significantly difference on prolongation of the survival time than group C (P<0.05).ConclusionsOverall, the curcumin-lipiodol emulsion injected into the portal vein and hepatic artery supplying the tumor can significantly inhibit angiogenesis and play a role in prolonging the OS time of model rabbits. The application of anti-adhesion film alone cannot inhibit tumor angiogenesis and play a role in prolonging the OS time of model rabbits. However, curcumin-lipiodol emulsion combined with anti-adhesion film can obviously promote these effects.

Combined stabilizers prepared from cellulose nanocrystals and styrene-maleic anhydride to microencapsulate phase change materials

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) combined with styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) as stabilizers were used to stabilize paraffin droplets for fabricating paraffin/melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) microcapsules. Effects of mixed emulsifier of CNCs and SMA on the morphologies, chemical structures, and properties of paraffin/MUF microcapsules were characterized by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and paraffin leakage rate test. The results showed that using CNCs alone as emulsifier did not work in manufacturing paraffin/MUF microcapsules, but mixed emulsifier of CNCs and SMA was suitable. When CNCs and SMA each account for 50 % of the mixed stabilizer, the phase change latent heat values of melting and crystallization of MicroC5S5 were about 123.6 J/g and 118.4 J/g, respectively. This demonstrates that CNCs can be mixed with SMA to stabilize paraffin droplets in situ polymerization and reduce the need for surfactants.

Forming textured hydrophobic surface coatings via mixed wax emulsion impregnation and drying of poplar wood

Hydrophilicity of fast-growing plantation wood is the major restriction for its outdoor applications. Herein, a novel method is reported for improving the hydrophobicity of Cathay poplar (Populus cathayana Rehd.) by using a paraffin/carnauba (5:5 and 7:3)-mixed wax emulsion system. The poplar samples were impregnated in the single or mixed wax O/W emulsions of 4% solid content with subsequent drying treatment at 70 °C, which was higher than the paraffin wax melting point but lower than that of carnauba wax. The images obtained by field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the mixed wax emulsion treatment developed textured surfaces in the inner lumen surface of wood cells and on the external surfaces of the samples comprising a continuous paraffin wax film with carnauba wax micropillars embedded in it. Contact angle analysis and water absorption tests show that the textured surface imparted the mixed wax emulsion-treated wood good hydrophobicity, rendering the initial contact angle greater than 140° and improving not only the surface property but also the long-term (120 or 192 h immersion) water repellency. In addition, free and bound water fractions in the treated wood were measured quantitatively using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance. The results show that the mixed wax emulsion treatment significantly decreased the free water content and delayed the bound water adsorption. In conclusion, this mixed wax emulsion treatment can be potentially utilized as a highly efficient wood hydrophobization method for expanding wood applications outdoors.

Flocculation behavior and gel properties of egg yolk/κ-carrageenan composite aqueous and emulsion systems: Effect of NaCl

In this study, the influence of NaCl on the flocculation behavior and gel properties of egg yolk/κ-carrageenan mixed dispersions or emulsions were studied. As a result of NaCl incorporation, there was a decrease in the mean droplet size, zeta potential, degree of flocculation and viscosity of the mixed dispersions/emulsions, and the onset point of gelation was also brought forward. Increasing the concentration of NaCl led to a significant increase in gel strength and decrease in gel cohesiveness. Results from low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) confirmed that the addition of NaCl could significantly reduce the hydration ability of gel molecules and increase the content of immobilized water of hydrogels as the gel strength increased, while the water holding capacity of emulsion gels was depressed with the incorporation of oil. These findings suggested the flocculation state and gel properties of egg yolk/κ-carrageenan mixed dispersions/emulsions can be tailored by adjusting NaCl for food formulations.

Vitamin D bioavailability from different lipid delivery systems

AbstractIntroductionData modelling studies confirm a role for food fortification to improve vitamin D intakes and status. However, there is very little research reporting the bioavailability of vitamin D from foods to inform food fortification strategies. There is some evidence to suggest that the lipid component of foods impacts vitamin D uptake in cells; however, no studies have examined the absorption kinetics of vitamin D from different lipid delivery systems in humans. The aim of this research is to compare changes in serum vitamin D concentrations using different vitamin D emulsions as delivery systems.MethodsA single blind, controlled, 4-way crossover postprandial study was conducted. Participants consumed 4 different 20μg vitamin D enriched emulsion drinks (olive oil emulsion, fish oil emulsion, mixed micelle emulsion and a non-fat control drink) with a low-fat breakfast on 4 occasions separated by a 1-week washout. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) concentrations and cardiometabolic risk markers were measured at baseline and 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after consuming the drink. Statistical analysis was performed in IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 24 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to assess the effects of the 4 treatments.ResultsSix males and six females aged between 22 and 65 years completed the study. All participants were healthy with a mean BMI of 24.7 ± 4.1kg/m2 for males and 25.1 ± 4.5kg/m2 for females. Each 100 ml drink contained 106 kcal, 4 g fat, 11.9 g carbohydrate and 5.5 g protein, apart from the control which contained 70kcal and 0 g fat. The breakfast contained 321 kcal, 0.7 g fat, 66 g carbohydrate and 10.3 g protein. There was an increase in 25(OH)D3 concentrations over the 8-hour assessment period following consumption of all 4 drinks. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant drink*time interaction. No participants experienced any negative side effects after consuming any of the drinks.DiscussionThe absorption kinetics of vitamin D is different depending on the lipid delivery system. This is the first human study demonstrating the bioavailability of vitamin D3 from various emulsions including a novel mixed micelle emulsion. All emulsions were palatable, effective and safe to consume.

Very low birth weight preterm infant complications where parenteral nutrition is soy or fish oil-based: A retrospective study in Shanghai.

To examine whether a parenteral mixed lipid emulsion containing fish oil reduces the incidence of cholestasis, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very low birth weight (VLBW, birth weight <1500 g) infants. This retrospective study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Children's Hospital of Fudan University. Patients received either a soybean and medium-chain oil (MCT)-based lipid emulsion (Lipofundin) or a mixed lipid emulsion consisting of soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, and fish oil (SMOF) as parenteral nutrition. The primary outcomes were cholestasis, ROP and BPD, and the secondary outcomes were necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis. A total of 149 premature infants (78 in the soybean oil group and 71 in the fish oil group) were included in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age was associated with the incidence of ROP [odds ratio: 0.446, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.332-0.576, p<0.001] and BPD [odds ratio: 0.428, 95% CI: 0.316-0.555, p<0.001]. The type of lipid emulsion had no statistically significant effect on any other neonatal morbidity. Both fish oil-containing and soybean oil-based parenteral lipid emulsions are safe and well-tolerated by preterm infants. However, the use of the SMOF lipid emulsion did not significantly reduce the incidence of cholestasis, ROP and BPD in VLBW infants.

Effects of Ultrasonic Operating Parameters and Emulsifier System on Sacha Inchi Oil Nanoemulsion Characteristics.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasonic operating conditions, i.e., ultrasonic mode, amplitude, total ultrasonic duration time, and emulsifier system in producing an optimum oil-in-water of sacha inchi oil nanoemulsions (SIO-NEs). Physicochemical characteristics (including average droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and viscosity) were the evaluated response variables. Smaller droplet size was obtained from SIO-NEs prepared by ultrasonic pulse application (15s ON and 10s OFF) with an ultrasonic amplitude level of 60%. In contrast, excess energy produced by ultrasonication amplitudes of more than 60% resulted in larger average droplet size and PDI. A decrease in the absolute value of zeta potential and a lower viscosity of SIO-NEs were also observed in conjunction with the high amplitude level of the ultrasonication process. An ultrasonication duration time of longer than 10 minutes did not significantly reduce the droplet size. Five emulsifier systems were evaluated in this study, including Pluronic®L-31, Brij®C-10, Tween®80, Tween®80/Pluronic®L-31, and Brij®C-10/Pluronic®L-31. The results revealed that the Brij®C-10/Pluronic®L-31 mixture produced the smallest droplet size (148 nm) with the lowest PDI (0.210), viscosity (3.35 cPs), and zeta potential (－31.09 mV). The concentration of the Brij®C-10/Pluronic®L-31 mixture, used as an emulsifier of SIO-NEs, varied from 1.5% to 9%. Based on the present findings, the most suitable concentration of mixed emulsifier used was deemed as 3% (w/v). The selected SIO-NEs were stored under room temperature to determine their droplet size stability, with the constant slightly increasing within 90 days of storage.

Experimental Study on the Performance of on-site Mixed Emulsion Explosives and Rock Impedance Matching

The proportion of on-site mixed emulsion explosives in mining is getting higher and higher, in order to better use the explosive performance of mixed explosives to improve energy utilization. Based on the wave impedance theory, the wave impedance of mixed explosives is changed to make rocks The wave impedances are matched to achieve the purpose of improving the blasting effect and reducing the bulk rate. After field test, increasing the sensitizer content within a certain range is beneficial to the improvement of explosive performance. When the explosive sensitizer content is 1.15%, the best matching coefficient of mixed explosive and rock impedance is 2.51, the rock after blasting is large. The block rate is reduced and the rock crushing effect is better. After this matching test, it is shown that it is feasible to improve the blasting performance by adjusting the explosive performance of the explosive by the optimal wave impedance coefficient according to the hardness of the rock, which can provide reference for the peers.

Modulation of Physicochemical Characteristics of Pickering Emulsions: Utilization of Nanocellulose- and Nanochitin-Coated Lipid Droplet Blends.

Mixed Pickering emulsions were prepared by blending anionic nanocellulose-stabilized lipid droplets with cationic nanochitin-stabilized lipid droplets. Changes in the surface potential, particle size, shear viscosity, and morphology of the mixed emulsions were characterized when the droplet mixing ratio was varied. Emulsion properties could be tailored by altering the pH and mixing ratio. Surface potential measurements suggested that the nanochitin-coated lipid droplets adsorbed to the surfaces of the nanocellulose-coated lipid droplets, thereby dominating the overall electrical characteristics of the mixed emulsions. As a result, the mixed emulsions had better stability to coalescence than the single emulsions containing only nanocellulose-coated lipid droplets. Our results suggest that the physicochemical properties, shelf life, and functional performance of Pickering emulsions may be modulated by blending different kinds of particle-stabilized lipid droplets together.

Formation of Pickering and mixed emulsifier systems stabilised O/W emulsions via Confined Impinging Jets processing

This study investigates for the first time the production of 10 and 40wt.% oil-in-water emulsions stabilised by an array of particles and mixed emulsifier (Tween20-silica) concentrations. CIJs performance was evaluated for a range of hydrodynamic conditions (energy dissipation rates, ε¯th) and multipassing through the CIJs geometry followed by a monitoring of the emulsion storage stability. Overall, it was demonstrated that droplet size reduction was promoted as higher energy levels of ε¯th were approached, regardless of the formulation. Following emulsion recirculation under fixed jet mass flow rate, the residence time associated with two passes was sufficient to ensure no further changes in terms of both average droplet size (d3,2) and span of the droplet size distribution. Only when Tween20 and silica were mixed at low concentrations (0.01 and 0.10wt.%, respectively), this emulsifier system could not promote any droplet size reduction upon both processing and multipassing. All systems showed excellent stability over 40 days of storage and it was possible to demonstrate that the combination of the emulsifiers aided in prolonging the emulsion stability. In conclusion, this investigation aims to extend the current range of emulsion microstructures that can be produced by CIJs to further enhance its industrial applicability.

Application of microsurfacing in repairing pavement surface rutting

Rutting that causes roughness on the surface of pavements is one of the pavements distresses that occurs mainly as a result of excessive loading on roads. The accumulation of water in rutted areas at rainy conditions results in reduced skid resistance, creating accident-risk conditions. One of the rapid and cost-effective practices in filling ruts is applying microsurfacing mixes in the rutted areas. In this research, a coarse size microsurfacing mix was designed and tested using a load wheel, a cohesiometer and wet track abrasion tests. The bitumen binders varied from 6.3% to 10% of the retained bitumen and various amounts of latex, ranging from 3 to 5%, were applied. Based on the above testing results, the optimum condition consisted of the addition of 5% SBR latex to emulsion mix containing 8.2% residual bitumen. With this formulation, the mix showed almost 50% increase in both abrasion and wheel load rutting resistance.

RGO/PDA/Bi12O17Cl2–TiO2 composite membranes based on Bi12O17Cl2–TiO2 heterojunctions with excellent photocatalytic activity for photocatalytic dyes degradation and oil–water separation

In the study, the reduced graphene oxide/graphitic Bi12O17Cl2–TiO2 heterojunctions sheet membrane(RGO/PDA/Bi12O17Cl2–TiO2) was fabricated by the dopamine modification and assembling the RGO/PDA/Bi12O17Cl2–TiO2 composites on the surface of commercial CA(cellulose acetate) membrane to degrade methylene blue (MB) and p-chlorophenol (4-CP) to harmless products. These membrane materials were comprehensively characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results showed that RGO/PDA/Bi12O17Cl2–TiO2 nanofiber membrane exhibited extremely high degradation performance with a good distribution of RGO/PDA/Bi12O17Cl2–TiO2 on the CA nanofiber membrane surface. Besides, the complete photodegradation of 100 mL MB (15 mg L−1) solution and 100 mL 4-CP (15 mg L−1) solution with artificial visible-light was achieved after 100 min and 160 min, respectively. The RGO/PDA/Bi12O17Cl2–TiO2-CA composite membrane revealed the ability of continuous and simultaneous flow-through separation of oil/water emulsion and degradation of soluble organic dye under visible-light irradiation in a short time. Moreover, the nanofiber membranes exhibited excellent stability and reusability for MB-containing oil–water mixed emulsion separation has great potential to be applied in industrial application.

Enhanced Curcumin Bioavailability through Nonionic Surfactant/Caseinate Mixed Nanoemulsions

The potential of heterogeneous systems like oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions is exploited as an oral delivery system for curcumin, a natural lipophilic compound with numerous health benefits. Two types of O/W nanoemulsions, one stabilized by sodium caseinate (Cas-O/W), a surface-active and emulsifying protein, and the other stabilized by a blend of caseinate and Tween 20 (Mix-O/W), were loaded with the bioactive compound and tested through a simulated gastrointestinal digestion process to evaluate their effects on delivering of curcumin. It was first demonstrated that the amount of curcumin solubilized through Mix-O/W nanoemulsion was higher than that in Cas-O/W nanoemulsion. Cas-O/W nanoemulsions, indeed, at their best, solubilized about 55 µg/mL of curcumin while Mix-O/W nanoemulsions reached a curcumin concentration around 180 µg/mL. Furthermore, for both the systems an increase of curcumin loading capacity was recorded with the rise of incubation temperature. Finally, after the in vitro simulated digestion process, the potential curcumin bioavailability was evaluated and the data suggested that Mix-O/W nanoemulsions provided more than twice the amount of curcumin compared to Cas-O/W nanoemulsions. On balance, the outcomes of this investigation demonstrated that the mixed emulsifier system offered a higher amount of lipophilic compound with a low fat intake compared to nanoemulsions stabilized by sodium caseinate. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The outcomes of this study allow the recognition of the protein/surfactant-stabilized nanoemulsions as a suitable solution to deliver curcumin. The nanoemulsions proposed here provide a high intake of curcumin, a lipophilic compound, with low fat content. The use of such delivery systems helps to overcome limits in oral bioavailability related with the scarce solubility of some compounds in food preparations and beverages.