Nanodroplet Size Research Articles

Concanavalin a Grafted Nanoemulsions for Nasal Delivery: Preliminary Studies with Fluorescently Labelled Formulations

Nasal delivery is a non-invasive strategy for effective drug delivery. Nevertheless, in order to promote drug uptake by the nasal mucosa, it is fundamental to increase its residence time in the administration site. To this aim, nano-sized drug delivery systems are widely exploited. Within this context, the commercially available nanoemulsion for parenteral nutrition is a biocompatible, safe and clinically approved vehicle for drug delivery. Furthermore, the nanodroplet surface can be modified via a well-established protocol to graft Concavalin A, a lectin capable of improving the mucosal adhesion, by binding to the α-mannose and α-glucose residues of the mucosal glycocalyx. The obtained targeted formulation is able to induce haemagglutination, as opposite to non-modified nanoemulsion. Furthermore, the ConA grafting maintains the physicochemical properties of the nanodroplets (size~230 nm, Z < −35 mV) and does not interfere with the loading of the Rose Bengal fluorescent probe. Fluorescently labelled ConA grafted nanodroplets showed enhanced permeation and accumulation in ex vivo bovine nasal mucosa. This study is a proof of concept that Concanavalin A can be used to decorate the surface of nanodroplets, acting as a permeation promoter.

Drug-Polymer Nanodroplet Formation and Morphology Drive Solubility Enhancement of GDC-0810.

Nanodroplet formation is important to achieve supersaturation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in an amorphous solid dispersion. The aim of the current study was to explore how polymer composition, architecture, molar mass, and surfactant concentration affect polymer-drug nanodroplet morphology with the breast cancer API, GDC-0810. The impact of nanodroplet size and morphology on dissolution efficacy and drug loading capacity was explored using polarized light microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-stat-N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PND) was synthesized as two linear derivatives and two bottlebrush derivatives with carboxylated or PEGylated end-groups. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate grade MF (HPMCAS-MF) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVPVA) were included as commercial polymer controls. We report the first copolymerization synthesis of a PVPVA bottlebrush copolymer, which was the highest performing excipient in this study, maintaining 688 μg/mL GDC-0810 concentration at 60 wt % drug loading. This is likely due to strong polymer-drug noncovalent interactions and the compaction of GDC-0810 along the PVPVA bottlebrush backbone. Overall, it was observed that the most effective formulations had a hydrodynamic radius less than 25 nm with tightly compacted nanodroplet morphologies.

Direct emulsification of liquid perfluorobutane: an improved method to formulate superheated perfluorocarbon nanodroplets

This talk will describe a simple and robust method to produce perfluorobutane (PFB) nanodroplets by direct sonication, and will compare the properties of the resultant emulsions with those obtained with the current advocated microbubble condensation method. We found that nearly 100% of particles produced by direct emulsification of PFB liquid at low temperature are liquid PFB-filled, whereas the emulsion produced by microbubble condensation if the microbubbles are not washed, contains 2000 times more non-PFB filled than PFB-filled particles. Consequently, when such suspensions are used to target receptors, the abundance of non-PFB particles will act as competitive inhibitors, and when used to extravasate to reach extravascular targets, the lower count of PFB-filled particles will require larger doses decreasing efficacy and increasing side effects. Adopting this direct formulation could be a game changer for all applications when experimental outcome is dependent on nanodroplet concentration, stability, purity and size. As a result, this method should accelerate the translation of these ultrasound activatable nanodroplets to both image and potentially treat diseased tissues.

Convergence of dissolving and melting at the nanoscale.

Phase transitions of water and its mixtures are of fundamental importance in physical chemistry, the pharmaceutical industry, materials sciences, and atmospheric sciences. However, current understanding remains elusive to explain relevant observations, especially at the nanoscale. Here, by using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the dissolution of sodium chloride (NaCl) nanocrystals with volume-equivalent diameters from 0.51 to 1.75 nm. Our results show that the dissolution of NaCl in aqueous nanodroplets show a strong size dependence, and its solubility can be predicted by the Ostwald-Freundlich equation and Gibbs-Duhem equation after considering a size-dependent solid-liquid surface tension. We find that the structure of dissolved ions in the saturated aqueous nanodropplet resembles the structure of a molten NaCl nanoparticle. With decreasing nanodroplet size, this similarity grows and the average potential energy of NaCl in solution, the molten phase and the crystal phase converges.

Synchronous Intravital Imaging and Cavitation Monitoring of Antivascular Focused Ultrasound in Tumor Microvasculature Using Monodisperse Low Boiling Point Nanodroplets.

Focused ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles can induce blood flow shutdown and ischemic necrosis at higher pressures in an approach termed antivascular ultrasound. Combined with conventional therapies of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy, this approach has demonstrated tumor growth inhibition and profound synergistic antitumor effects. However, the lower cavitation threshold of microbubbles can potentially yield off-target damage that the polydispersity of clinical agent may further exacerbate. Here we investigate the use of a monodisperse nanodroplet formulation for achieving antivascular effects in tumors. We first develop stable low boiling point monodisperse lipid nanodroplets and examine them as an alternative agent to mediate antivascular ultrasound. With synchronous intravital imaging and ultrasound monitoring of focused ultrasound-stimulated nanodroplets in tumor microvasculature, we show that nanodroplets can trigger blood flow shutdown and do so with a sharper pressure threshold and with fewer additional events than conventionally used microbubbles. We further leverage the smaller size and prolonged pharmacokinetic profile of nanodroplets to allow for potential passive accumulation in tumor tissue prior to antivascular ultrasound, which may be a means by which to promote selective tumor targeting. We find that vascular shutdown is accompanied by inertial cavitation and complex-order sub- and ultraharmonic acoustic signatures, presenting an opportunity for effective feedback control of antivascular ultrasound.

A Comprehensive Review of Nanoemulsion Applications and their Recent Advancements

Background: Nanoemulsions are submicron-sized suspensions that are being studied extensively as pharmacological vehicles for enhancing the outcomes of drug delivery. Nanoemulsions are isotropic thermodynamic systems in which two immiscible liquids [water and oil] are combined to form a single phase using pertinent surfactants. Nano-emulsions are resilient to sedimentation or creaming due to their nano-droplet size. Ostwald ripening represents the principal process accountable for the disintegration of nanoemulsion. Droplet diameters in nanoemulsions typically range from 20 to 500 nanometers. The diameter and surface parameters of nanoemulsion droplets play are of paramount significance in determining the bioactivity of the formulation. Nanoemulsion offers a promising future in various industries like cosmetology, diagnosis, pharmacological regimens, and biomedicine in the future. Methods: Pharmaceutical surfactants are utilized to synthesize nanoemulsions, which are generally regarded as safe [GRAS]. The stability of the NEs against coalescence mainly depends on the type and concentration of the surfactant employed. Nanoemulsions are formulated from a variety of oils, notably natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic oils. Results: Over the past decade, various patents and clinical research have exemplified the applications of the NE system. Their application as a drug delivery entity in the ophthalmic, topical, transdermal, intranasal, intravenous, and oral routes is widely appreciated. Also, they have gained remarkable importance in the cosmetic industry. Conclusion: This review presents the importance of various components of NE and their importance in droplet formation and provides a brief insight into various drug administration routes of NE.

Factors Influencing the Repeated Transient Optical Droplet Vaporization Threshold and Lifetimes of Phase Change, Perfluorocarbon Nanodroplets.

Perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (PFCnDs) are sub-micrometer emulsions composed of a surfactant-encased perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquid and can be formulated to transiently vaporize through optical stimulation. However, the factors governing repeated optical droplet vaporization (ODV) have not been investigated. In this study, we employ high-frame-rate ultrasound (US) to characterize the ODV thresholds of various formulations and imaging parameters and identify those that exhibit low vaporization thresholds and repeatable vaporization. We observe a phenomenon termed "preconditioning", where initial laser pulses generate reduced US contrast that appears linked with an increase in nanodroplet size. Variation in laser pulse repetition frequency is found not to change the vaporization threshold, suggesting that "preconditioning" is not related to residual heat. Surfactants (bovine serum albumin, lipids, and zonyl) impact the vaporization threshold and imaging lifetime, with lipid shells demonstrating the best performance with relatively low thresholds (21.6 ± 3.7 mJ/cm2) and long lifetimes (t1/2 = 104 ± 21.5 pulses at 75 mJ/cm2). Physiological stiffness does not affect the ODV threshold and may enhance nanodroplet stability. Furthermore, PFC critical temperatures are found to correlate with vaporization thresholds. These observations enhance our understanding of ODV behavior and pave the way for improved nanodroplet performance in biomedical applications.

Antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant competence of Cardiospermum halicacabum based nanoemulsion and characterized their physicochemical properties.

This research was designed to evaluate the pharmaceutical potentials of various proportions of nanoemulsions, Cardiospermum halicacabum Nanoemulsion A and Cardiospermum halicacabum Nanoemulsion B (CHE-NE-A & CHE-NE-B) prepared from the hydroalcoholic extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum through in vitro approach, and their physicochemical properties were characterized using standard scientific analytical techniques. The physicochemical and morphological properties of CHE-NE-A and CHE-NE-B were characterized by FTIR, SEM, TEM, zeta potential, and scattering light intensity analyses. The results revealed that the size, shape, and exterior conditions of nano-droplets of the CHE-NE-A nanoemulsion were suitable as a drug carrier. The reports obtained from in vitro drug releasing potential analysis support this as well. CHE-NE-A nanoemulsion constantly removes the drug from the dialysis bag than CHE-NE-B. Moreover, the CHE-NE-A showed considerable dose-dependent antioxidant activity on DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP free radicals. CHE-NE-A and CHE-NE-B were tested for their antibacterial activity with various bacterial strains. The results demonstrated that the CHE-NE-A nanoemulsion showed remarkable antibacterial activity (zone of inhibition) against test bacterial pathogens than CHE-NE-B. The antibacterial activity of CHE-NE-A at a concentration of 200µgmL-1was in the following order, P. aeruginosa > S. aureus > S. typhimurium > S. pneumoniae > E. coli. Furthermore, CHE-NE-A has the lowest MIC values against these test bacterial pathogens than CHE-NE-B. Moreover, the CHE-NE-A also demonstrated good antifungal activity against the test fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus niger, Candida pneumonia, and Penicillium expansum than CHE-NE-B. These results strongly suggest that the CHE-NE-A nanoemulsion possesses considerable pharmaceutical potential. Interestingly, the physicochemical properties also rope that the CHE-NE-A nanoemulsion may be considered a drug carrier and useful for drug formulation.

AN UPDATE ON RECENT ADVANCES IN NANOEMULSION BASED HYDROGELS: NANOEMULGELS

The newly developed lipophilic drug molecules encounter problems like availability of less amount of drug at the site of action, unpredictable absorption, etc. To overcome these disadvantages, enhancement of solubility and development of novel formulation is a continuous process. Recent advances in technology had helped in developing novel nanoparticulate topical delivery systems. Their characteristic properties such as nano droplet size i.e. 20-200nm, high interfacial area, transparent, translucent appearance, capability to freely solublise in water, high kinetic stability, sedimentation, flocculation and coalescence created a new era in the development nanoparticulate topical drug delivery systems with increased applications. The most advantageous thing about topical nanoemulsion is that it can penetrate and permeate the skin membrane without incorporation of a permeation enhancer. Various studies revealed that the activity of anti inflammatory and anti fungal drugs have been increased as topical nano preparations i.e. nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels with compared to conventional emulsions and emulgels. Nanoemulgels are nanoemulsion based hydrogels prepared by adding nanoemulsion to the hydrogel matrix. The inability of hydrogels led to the development of nanoemugels which solublises the lipophilic drug in the oily phase of the emulsion followed by the addition of this mixture into a gel base.

Superfluid helium droplet-mediated surface-deposition of neutral and charged silver atomic species.

Experimental and theoretical work has delivered evidence of the helium nanodroplet-mediated synthesis and soft-landing of metal nanoparticles, nanowires, clusters, and single atoms on solid supports. Recent experimental advances have allowed the formation of charged metal clusters into multiply charged helium nanodroplets. The impact of the charge of immersed metal species in helium nanodroplet-mediated surface deposition is proved by considering silver atoms and cations at zero-temperature graphene as the support. By combining high-level ab initio intermolecular interaction theory with a full quantum description of the superfluid helium nanodroplet motion, evidence is presented that the fundamental mechanism of soft-deposition is preserved in spite of the much stronger interaction of charged species with surfaces, with high-density fluctuations in the helium droplet playing an essential role in braking them. Corroboration is also presented that the soft-landing becomes favored as the helium nanodroplet size increases.

Perfluorocarbon nanodroplet size, acoustic vaporization, and inertial cavitation affected by lipid shell composition in vitro.

Perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (PFCnDs) are ultrasound contrast agents that phase-transition from liquid nanodroplets to gas microbubbles when activated by laser irradiation or insonated with an ultrasound pulse. The dynamics of PFCnDs can vary drastically depending on the nanodroplet composition, including the lipid shell properties. In this paper, we investigate the effect of varying the ratio of PEGylated to non-PEGylated phospholipids in the outer shell of PFCnDs on the acoustic nanodroplet vaporization (liquid to gas phase transition) and inertial cavitation (rapid collapse of the vaporized nanodroplets) dynamics in vitro when insonated with focused ultrasound. Nanodroplets with a high concentration of PEGylated lipids had larger diameters and exhibited greater variance in size distribution compared to nanodroplets with lower proportions of PEGylated lipids in the lipid shell. PFCnDs with a lipid shell composed of 50:50 PEGylated to non-PEGylated lipids yielded the highest B-mode image intensity and duration, as well as the greatest pressure difference between acoustic droplet vaporization onset and inertial cavitation onset. We demonstrate that slight changes in lipid shell composition of PFCnDs can significantly impact droplet phase transitioning and inertial cavitation dynamics. These findings can help guide researchers to fabricate PFCnDs with optimized compositions for their specific applications.

Analysis of the energy distribution of iron nano-spheres for bit-patterned media

Improved magnetic memory systems belong to the main research topics in spintronics. Here we show micromagnetic simulations used to analyze the energy density of nano-scaled iron spheres. Layers of different thickness, partly coated with iron oxide, were tested in terms of spatial uniformity of the physical system energy. For a single non-coated or iron-oxide coated droplet, the spatial distribution of the total energy is not uniform and depends on the nano-droplet size. Additionally, for systems consisting of four objects, the relation between relative distance and the resultant magnetization distribution was analyzed. The mutual relation between droplet size and the underlying magnetization distribution as well as the character of local energy extrema was investigated. The size changes for the four-droplet system were compared with the single object behavior to obtain a criterion for the minimum distance between spheres to behave as a single object. The calculations revealed that the oxidized spheres could be placed closer to each other in comparison to the non-coated system. For the proposed oxide coated system, the increase of this maximum packing density is equal to about 12%, as compared to the non-coated system.

Controlling size, shape, and charge of nanoparticles via low-energy miniemulsion and heterogeneous RAFT polymerization

Size, shape, and charge are key parameters of nanoparticles, and variations in these parameters can significantly impact their properties and applications. Among various nanoparticle synthesis methods, the combination of low-energy miniemulsions with reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization allows for the facile, rapid, and environmentally friendly preparation of uniform nanoparticles. However, this method cannot, yet, simultaneously control the size, shape, and charge of nanoparticles, thereby limiting its potential applications. Here we report the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles with concurrent control over particle size, shape, and charge via low-energy miniemulsion and heterogeneous RAFT polymerization. Key to our approach is the combination of (i) a macromolecular surface-active agent to facilitate the formation of nanodroplets, (ii) various small-molecule surfactants with different charges to control the size and charge of nanodroplets, and (iii) a molecular transformer to control the morphology of the final polymeric nanoparticles. In particular, negatively charged polystyrene nanoparticles of different sizes (from ∼100 to ∼500 nm) and shapes (sphere, worm, and vesicle) were obtained by simply tuning the amount of added sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and toluene. The nanoparticle charge was then switched from negative to positive by replacing SDS with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a positively charged surfactant. In addition, biocompatible and neutral surfactants (including Tweens and Span 80) were employed to tune the nanoparticle size yielding challenging-to-synthesize nanoworms. This work provides a simple but powerful approach to produce nanoparticles of different properties, thus expanding the scope of nanomaterials made by RAFT low-energy miniemulsion polymerization.

Development of an osmoprotective microemulsion as a therapeutic platform for ocular surface protection

Self-emulsified osmoprotective ophthalmic microemulsions (O/A) were prepared by combining betaine/leucine, clusterin/oleanolic acid, and hyaluronic acid or Dextran. The microemulsions contained an internal oily phase (1.2%), an external aqueous phase (96.3%), cosolvents (1%), and surfactants (1.5%). Physicochemical characterization and in vivo and in vitro tolerance were analyzed. The formulations’ osmoprotective in vitro activity was assayed in a hyperosmolar model in human corneal cells. Average internal phase sizes were 16–26 nm for the microemulsions including Dextran. Addition of hyaluronic acid increased the size range (25–39 nm). Addition of osmoprotectants did not change nanodroplet size. The formulations were isotonic (280–290 mOsm/L) with neutral pH (≈7) and zeta potential (−10 to 0 mV), low surface tension (≈35–40mN·m−1), and low viscosity (≈1 mPa·s), except for the microemulsions containing hyaluronic acid (≈4–5 mPa·s). SEM and cryo-TEM showed that all formulations exhibited sphere-shaped morphology with good cell tolerance (≈100%) and were stable at 8 °C for 9 months. Osmoprotective formulations were well tolerated in vitro and in vivo, protecting cells from hypertonic stress. We therefore developed stable microemulsions compatible with the ocular surface that could constitute a novel tool for treatment of ophthalmic diseases.

Nano Filling Effect of Nonmeat Protein Emulsion on the Rheological Property of Myofibrillar Protein Gel.

Incorporation of vegetable oils through pre-emulsification has received notable attention for delivering polyunsaturated fatty acids to emulsified-type meat products. The two important influencing factors of the rheological property of composite myofibrillar protein (MP) gel are emulsion droplet size and active or inactive interaction between interface and meat proteins. Incorporation of nonmeat protein emulsion (2% protein (w/w), egg-white protein isolate (EPI), porcine plasma protein (PPP), or sodium caseinate (SC)) with different droplet sizes (nano or macro) to a model of 2% MP gel was investigated in this research. The results of drop size measurement showed that 15,000 psi homogenizing could decrease the diameter of emulsion drop from macro- to nanoscale in the range of 324.4–734.5 nm. Active fillers (PPP and EPI emulsions) with nanodroplet size did not influence the viscosity of emulsion-filled composite cold sols but caused positive filling effects on the MP gel matrix after heating, as evidenced by the density microstructure. PPP and EPI nano-emulsion-filled composite MP had a significant high storage modulus enforcement effect, which reached nearly eight times those of other treatments (p < 0.05). Similarly, the results of thermal scanning rheology and a large-deformation mechanical test showed that PPP and EPI emulsions with nanoscale droplets, other than macroscale, had the highest gel strength of heat-induced emulsion-filled composite MP gel (p < 0.05). Overall, these findings will be helpful for selecting the correct pre-emulsified protein and designing the textural properties of foods.

Modulation of DNA conformation in electrolytic nanodroplets.

The behavior of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules in confinement is of profound importance in various bioengineering and medical applications. In the present study, all-atom molecular dynamics simulation is utilized to investigate the transition of the double-strand DNA (dsDNA) conformation in the electrolytic nanodroplet. Three typical conformations, i.e., C-shaped, folded S-shaped, and double C-shaped, are observed for different droplet sizes and ionic concentrations. To reveal the physics underlying this phenomenon, the characteristics of the dsDNA molecules, such as the overcharging intensity, the end-to-end distance, the radius of gyration, etc. are analyzed in detail based on the numerical results. It is found that the transition can be ascribed to the buckling of the polymer molecules under the compression due to the confinement of the nanodroplet, and it can be modulated by the ionic concentration in the electrolyte. Generally, nanoscale confinement dominates dsDNA behavior over the electrostatic effects in smaller nanodroplets, while the latter becomes more important for larger nanodroplets. This competition results in the persistence length increasing with the nanodroplet radii. Based on these discussions, a non-dimensional elasto-capillary number μ is proposed to classify the dsDNA conformations into three regions.

A nanofluidic system based on cylindrical polymer brushes: how to control the size of nanodroplets.

In molecular dynamics simulations we investigate the self-organized formation of droplets from a continuous flow of incoming nanoparticles. This transformation is facilitated by a cylindrical channel that is decorated with a polymer brush in a marginally poor solvent. We analyze droplet formation and propagation by means of simple scaling arguments which are tested in the simulations. Polymer brushes in marginally poor solvents serve as a pressure feedback system, exhibit a collapse transition under the moderate pressure of the incident flow, without the need for additional external stimuli, and finally close spontaneously after droplet passage. Our results qualitatively demonstrate the control of polymer brushes over continuous fluids and droplet formation, and its effectiveness as a means of fluid control can be used to design nanofluidic rectification devices that operate reliably under moderate pressure.

Low-density arrays of ultra-small InAs nanostructures obtained by two-stage arsenic exposure during droplet epitaxy

In order to consider quantum dots as single objects and to use them in modern electronic and photonic devices, they must be well-isolated from each other and have an appropriate size and structural quality. This is a big challenge that is difficult to achieve with traditional technological methods, such as the Stranski-Krastanov growth mechanism. In this paper, we present a novel droplet epitaxial technique for the fabrication of small-sized (∼25 nm) InAs/GaAs nanostructures with a low surface density (<1∙108cm−2). To achieve this result, we develop a growth method based on two-stage crystallization in the arsenic flux. At the first stage, the droplet size is reduced by spreading the droplet material over the surface due to the diffusion decay of droplets in an ultra-low arsenic flux. At the second stage, crystallization is carried out in a large arsenic flux while heating the substrate in order to fix the size and shape of nanodroplets and prevent them from further decaying. We demonstrate that the size dispersion of nanostructures is small and the process is well-reproducible. Thus, the presented approach makes it possible to obtain low-density quantum dots with an ultra-small size required for advanced optical applications.

Diffusion of water nanodroplets on graphene with double-vacancy: The constraining effects of defect

Diffusion of water across surfaces generally involves motion on an uneven or defective but otherwise stationary substrate. Studying the diffusion of water nanodroplets on the surface of such a substrate is useful for the development and progress of nano-fluidic systems. In this study, the diffusion of water nanodroplets on double-vacancy graphene is investigated based on molecular dynamics simulations. We find that defects have a constraining effect on water nanodroplets. According to the defect distribution in conjunction with the range of water nanodroplet diffusion, the constraining effects can be differentiated as fully constrained or partially constrained. Subsequently, the impact on the constraining effects from water nanodroplet size and defect distance is studied. Tensile deformation and temperature are considered as two possible ways to break the constraining effects. The results show that the constraining effects from defects on water nanodroplets can be broken when biaxial tensile strain reaches 0.6% for both cases, but temperature has no obvious effect for partially constrained conditions. The differently constrained behaviors of water nanodroplets are found to be related to the vibration amplitude of the carbon atoms. Our results reveal that tensile deformation of graphene is more helpful for controlling the diffusion of water nanodroplets on double-vacancy graphene. The phenomena reported here can enrich the knowledge of molecular mechanisms for nanofluidic systems, and may inspire more applications with structural design for graphene and other 2D materials.

Nonclassical Surface Nucleation of 6CB at the Air-Liquid Interface of a 6CB Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion.

The surface tension of a freshly extruded pendant drop of a nanoemulsion, 4-cyano-4'-hexylbiphenyl or 6CB (a liquid crystal) in water, exhibits an unusual surface nucleation phenomenon. Initially the surface tension is that of pure water; however, after a surface nucleation time, the surface tension decreases suddenly in magnitude. This nucleation time, of hundreds to thousands of seconds, depends strongly upon (i) the 6CB concentration in water, (ii) the 6CB nanodroplet size, and (iii) the temperature. Similar behavior is observed in both the isotropic and nematic phases of 6CB; thus, this surface nucleation phenomenon is unrelated to this system's liquid crystalline properties. The observed surface nucleation behavior can be explained via considerations of the nanoemulsion's bulk entropy together with the number of 6CB nanodroplets in the vicinity of the surface.