Stability Of Nanoemulsions Research Articles

Ultrasound-assisted fabrication of chitosan-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose nanoemulsions loaded with thymol and cinnamaldehyde: Physicochemical properties, stability, and antifungal activity

This study investigated the influence of chitosan (CH) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (H), along with ultrasound power, on the physicochemical properties, antifungal activity, and stability of oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions containing thymol and cinnamaldehyde in a 7:3 (v/v) ratio. Eight O/W formulations were prepared using CH, H, and a 1:1 (v/v) blend of CH and H, both with and without ultrasonication (U). Compared to untreated samples, U-treated nanoemulsions had lower droplet sizes (433–301 nm), polydispersity index (0.42–0.47), and zeta potential (−0.42–0.77 mV). The U treatment decreased L* and b* values, increased a* color attribute values, and increased apparent viscosity (0.26–2.17) at the same shear rate. After 28 days, microbiological testing of nanoemulsions treated with U showed counts below the detection limits (< 2 log CFU mL−1). The U-treated nanoemulsions exhibited stronger antifungal effects against R. stolonifer, with the NE/CH-U and NE/CH-H-U formulations demonstrating the lowest minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations, measured at 0.12 and 0.24 μL/mL, respectively. On day 28, U-treated nanoemulsions demonstrated higher ionic, thermal, and physical stability than untreated samples. These findings suggest that the stability and antifungal efficacy of polysaccharide-based nanoemulsions may be improved by ultrasonic treatment. This study paves the way for innovative, highly stable nanoemulsions.

Kinetic stability and bioavailability of curcumin nanoemulsions stabilized with krill oil phospholipids

Curcumin is a phenolic compound with widely reported bioactive properties. However, its low water solubility leads to low stability and bioavailability. Krill oil (KO) is a rich source of phospholipids naturally structured with omega-3 fatty acids (FA) that emerges as a suggested vehicle for curcumin. This study was aimed to prepare curcumin nanoemulsions (NE) using KO phospholipids as a surfactant to improve the absorption of curcumin after oral ingestion. NE were formulated with i) purified krill phospholipids (PCK), and ii) NE with crude KO without the addition of co-surfactants. As a reference, a NE was formulated using soy phosphatidylcholine (PC). Using 8 % of PCK and 4 cycles of ultrasound, NE with unimodal particle size dispersion were formed. The physicochemical analysis of the NE was monitored for 70 days at 4 and 30 °C; the nanoemulsified curcumin followed first-order degradation kinetics with a half-life (t1/2) for PC, KO, and PCK of 396, 328, and 162 days, respectively. TBARS values reached a maximum of 30 μM for KO and PCK NE, but according to the ABTS method, they had better antioxidant activities (>4.9 μM Trolox). Concerning pharmacokinetics, KO NE displayed the best bioavailability data with an AUC of 684.54 ± 72.62 ng h/mL, increasing five times more its absorption with respect to non-nanoemulsified curcumin. According to our data, NEs can guarantee the stability of curcumin during storage at 4 °C and improve its absorption after oral intake. Indeed, self-emulsified KO NEs enhance the bioavailability of curcumin to the same or better extent than soy PC conventional, but with the advantage of providing functional ingredients (omega-3 FA and astaxanthin).

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-pectin fabricated nanoemulsion for ethylhexyl triazone topical delivery

This study aimed to investigate the stability of nanoemulsions for the UVB filter, ethylhexyl triazone (EHT) encapsulation followed by fabrication with chitosan and pectin. Four formulations were developed to assess the influence of hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) values on nanoemulsion stability for EHT encapsulation, targeting high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values. The selected nanoemulsion was then subjected to fabrication with chitosan and pectin, followed by physical characterization and rheological behaviour study. Results indicated that all nanoemulsions exhibited particle sizes ranging from 137.7 nm to 206.0 nm and high entrapment efficiency from 88.76 % to 91.98 %. Sample N3, containing 1 % Tween 20 and 2 % polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 with HLB of 12, demonstrated the highest stability, yielding a significantly elevated SPF value (10.33). Moreover, polymer-coated nanoemulsions with a low concentration of chitosan (0.1 %) showed enhanced stability when combined with different percentages of pectin. Polymer-coated nanoemulsions indicated shear-thinning behaviour at lower shear rates to Newtonian flow at higher shear rate. Furthermore, both polymer-coated and uncoated nanoemulsions exhibited decreased viscosity with increasing temperature. Also, polymer-coated nanoemulsions was found to enhance the sustainable release of EHT. These findings demonstrated the potential of polymer-coated nanoemulsions for skin application, offering enhanced stability and improved flow behaviour. The design of polymer-coated nanoemulsions could potentially minimize the risks of accumulation and toxicity of UV filters by providing a sustainable release behaviour.

Preparation, process optimisation, stability and bacteriostatic assessment of composite nanoemulsion containing corosolic acid

Corosolic acid (CA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, exhibits remarkably low hydrophilicity, restricting its application in aqueous systems. To enhance its hydrophilicity, we optimised nanoemulsion preparation conditions, resulting in a stable corosolic acid nanoemulsion system. By screening the oil phase, surfactant, and cosurfactant, along with investigating the mass ratio of surfactant and cosurfactant and the preparation temperature, we achieved an optimal corosolic acid nanoemulsion. We measured the particle size, polydispersity coefficient, and Zeta potential of the optimised formulation. The nanoemulsion's sustained-release effect, stability, and antibacterial activity were subsequently examined. The optimised formulation comprised ethyl oleate, cremophor EL, and Tween 80 (1.5:1), combined with ethanol in a ratio of 1:9:2.25 (w/w/w), and was prepared at 30 °C. This optimised corosolic acid nanoemulsion exhibited uniform particle size distribution, favourable dispersion, and notable slow-release capabilities. Importantly, the nanoemulsion demonstrated exceptional stability. In comparison to the positive control's bacteriostatic zone diameter, it was evident that the CA nanoemulsion (1.06 ± 0.11 mm) and blank nanoemulsion (1.03 ± 0.05 mm) both displayed notable inhibitory activity against S. aureus. Our findings established a solid foundation for the potential application of CA nanoemulsion in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the application of CA nanoemulsion in real food or drug systems has not been explored yet.

Development and characterization of sodium alginate and β-cyclodextrin nanoemulsions encapsulating betel leaf (Piper betle L.) extract for enhanced antimicrobial efficacy against foodborne pathogen

This study aims to investigate the physical stability, droplet size, zeta potential, and antimicrobial properties of nanoemulsions formulated with betel leaf extract using β-cyclodextrin (CD) and sodium alginate (SA) biopolymers. Nanoemulsions with β-cyclodextrin exhibit superior stability at lower temperatures, with limited droplet size, and strong electrostatic repulsion. Morphological images demonstrate the successful encapsulation of betel leaf extract within both biopolymers, highlighting their potential for antimicrobial applications. Both CD and SA nanoemulsions display inhibitory effects on bacterial strains (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, and B. cereus) and fungal growth (A. brasiliensis, R. stolonifer, F. oxysporum, and C. albicans). SA nanoemulsions show higher antimicrobial activity due to H+ ion release, particularly against A. brasiliensis and C. albicans. These findings underscore the potential of betel leaf extract nanoemulsions, especially those with SA, for various antimicrobial applications for sustainable food packaging, highlighting their significance in addressing microbial challenges.

Optimization of the Encapsulation of Vitamin D3 in Oil in Water Nanoemulsions: Preliminary Application in a Functional Meat Model System.

Meat products containing Vitamin D3 (VD3) are an innovative option that could contribute to reducing deficiencies in this micronutrient. Designing nanoemulsions that carry VD3 is the first step in developing functional meat products. Thereby, this study investigated the impact of food components on the nanoemulsion properties. A central composite design was used to study the effects of pea protein (PP, 0.5-2.5%), safflower oil (SO, 5-15%), and salt (0-0.5%) on the nanoemulsion stability (ζ-potential and particle size) and the VD3 retention. Also, the optimized nanoemulsion carrying VD3 was incorporated into a meat matrix to study its retention after cooking. The combination of food components in the optimized nanoemulsion were SO = 9.12%, PP = 1.54%, and salt content = 0.4%, resulting in the predicted values of ζ-potential, particle size, and VD3 retention of -37.76 mV, 485 nm, and 55.1%, respectively. The VD3 that was nanoencapsulated and included in a meat product remained more stable after cooking than the VD3 that was not encapsulated. If a meat product is formulated with 5 or 10% safflower oil, the stability of the nanoencapsulated VD3 is reduced. This research contributes to developing functional meat products carrying nanoencapsulated vitamin D3 in natural food-grade components.

Formulation, characterization, and stability of morin hydrate-loaded nanoemulsion

Morin hydrate (MH) is a bioflavonoid belonging to flavonol class. Despite its pharmacological activities, MH has inherent low aqueous solubility and chemical instability hindering biological applications of this flavonol. In this regard, this study aimed to develop and characterize nanoemulsion containing MH. Nanoemulsion formulations were prepared using phase inversion temperature method and characterized by size, polydispersity index (PdI), physical stability, AFM analysis, incorporation efficiency (IE), and in vitro release. Following the formulation design, F10 formulation was chosen to incorporate MH. Nanoemulsion containing MH (MH-NE) showed droplet size in nanometric scale (< 100 nm) with homogeneous size distribution (PdI < 0.1). In addition, good physical stability of MH-NE was demonstrated using analytical photocentrifugation method where the light transmission profiles did not change throughout the emulsions. According to AFM analysis, oil droplets were mostly spherical or semi-spherical having sizes uniformly distributed. The IE of MH into nanoemulsion was approximately 100%, and in vitro release profile of this flavonol from formulation was gradual throughout the experiment. Therefore, using a reproducible method of low energy emulsification we developed a stable colloidal dispersion of nanoemulsion containing MH.

Evaluating the Stability and Digestibility of Long-Chain Omega-3 Algal Oil Nanoemulsions Prepared with Lecithin and Tween 40 Emulsifiers Using an In Vitro Digestion Model.

The health benefits of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCn-3PUFA) intake have been well documented. However, currently, the consumption of oily fish (the richest dietary source of LCn-3PUFA) in the UK is far below the recommended level, and the low digestibility of LCn-3PUFA bulk oil-based supplements from triglyceride-based sources significantly impacts their bioavailability. LCn-3PUFA-rich microalgal oil offers a potential alternative for populations who do not consume oily fish, and nanoemulsions have the potential to increase LCn-3PUFA digestibility and bioavailability. The aims of this study were to produce stable algal oil-in-water nanoemulsions with ultrasonic technology to increase DHA digestibility, measured using an in vitro digestion model. A nanoemulsion of LCn-3PUFA algal oil was developed with 6% w/w emulsifiers: lecithin (LE) or an equal ratio of Tween 40 (3%) and lecithin (LTN) (3%), 50% w/w, algal oil and 44% w/w water using rotor-stator and ultrasound homogenization. The in vitro digestion experiments were conducted with a gastric and duodenal digestion model. The results showed the creation of nanoemulsions of LCn-3PUFA algal oils offers potentially significant increases in the bioavailability of DHA in the human body. The increase in digestibility can be attributed to the smaller particle size of the nanoemulsions, which allows for higher absorption in the digestive system. This showed that the creation of nanoemulsions of LCn-3PUFA algal oils offers a potentially significant increase in the bioavailability of DHA in the human body. The LE and LTN nanoemulsions had average droplet sizes of 0.340 ± 0.00 µm and 0.267 ± 0.00 µm, respectively, but the algal oil mix (sample created with same the components as the LTN nanoemulsion, hand mixed, not processed by rotor-stator and ultrasound homogenization) had an average droplet size of 73.6 ± 6.98 µm. The LTN algal oil nanoemulsion was stable in the gastric and duodenal phases without detectable destabilization; however, the LE nanoemulsion showed signs of oil phase separation in the gastric phase. Under the same conditions, the amount of DHA digested from the LTN nanoemulsion was 47.34 ± 3.14 mg/g, compared to 16.53 ± 0.45 mg/g from the algal oil mix, showing DHA digestibility from the LTN nanoemulsion was 2.86 times higher. The findings of this study contribute to the insight of in vitro DHA digestion under different conditions. The stability of the LTN nanoemulsion throughout digestion suggests it could be a promising delivery system for LCn-3PUFAs, such as DHA, in various food and pharmaceutical applications.

Effects of compound emulsifiers on the characteristics and stability of nano-emulsions from pollock bones

To improve the stability of pollock bone broth, compound emulsifiers were employed and evaluated in nano-emulsions from pollock bones (PBNs). The microstructure, creaming index, particle size, zeta potential, and viscosity of PBNs were characterized and the stability of PBNs was investigated. It revealed that the concentration of compound emulsifiers is one of the principal factors for particle size, zeta potential, and viscosity of PBNs, and 0.9% of sodium caseinate and sucrose fatty acid ester (CS-SE) can make the PBN display good stability. Its particle size changed from 81.17 ± 1.33 nm to 19.62 ± 0.21 nm when the temperature ranged from 40 °C to 80 °C, and its creaming index could reach a maximum (90.83%) among all PBNs in 4 months of freeze-thaw assays. PBN stability could be improved by the compound emulsifier (CS-SE), which offers a theoretical basis for the application of pollock bone broth.

Insight into low methoxyl pectin enhancing thermal stability and intestinal delivery efficiency of algal oil nanoemulsions.

Algae oil has garnered widespread acclaim due as a result of its high purity of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and excellent safety profile. The present study aimed to develop stable nanoemulsions (NEs) systems containing DHA from algae oil through thermal sterilization by combining modified whey protein concentrate (WPC) with low methoxyl pectin (LMP), as well as to investigate the impact of LMP concentration on the thermal stability and the gastrointestinal delivery efficiency of DHA NEs. The addition of LMP enhanced the stability of the emulsion after sterilization, at the same time as improving the protective and sustained release effects of DHA in the gastrointestinal tract. Optimal effect was achieved at a LMP concentration of 1% (10 g kg-1 sample), the stability of the emulsion after centrifugation increased by 17.21 ± 5.65% compared to the group without LMP, and the loss of DHA after sterilization decreased by only 0.92 ± 0.09%. Furthermore, the addition of 1% LMP resulted in a substantial reduction in the release of fatty acids from the NEs after gastrointestinal digestion simulation, achieving the desired sustained-release effect. However, excessive addition of 2% (20 g kg-1 sample) LMP negatively impacted all aspects of the NEs system, primarily because of the occurrence of depletion effects. The construction of the LMP/WPC-NEs system is conducive to the protection of DHA in algae oil and its sustained-release in the gastrointestinal tract. The results of the present study can provide reference guidance for the application of algae oil NEs in the food field. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Kojic Acid Containing Novel Drug Delivery System on Facial Dyschromia: Characterization and Their Evaluation

Stubborn skin pigmentation issues like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and melasma are the primary reasons people seek cosmetic consultations. Treating these conditions topically is challenging, as it involves inhibiting various stages of production of the pigment process. A powerful tyrosinase inhibitor like, kojic acid (KA) is employed as a formulation to regulate pigmentation production by suppressing the melanogenesis process. It’s important to note that the application of KA has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US, for dermatological treatments. The goal of this investigation was to formulate a nanoemulsion containing kojic acid for skin delivery using an emulsification method. The characteristics of the KA nanoemulsion were thoroughly examined through techniques like fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, (FTIR) particle size analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TME). In addition, the formulation’s performance was evaluated through both ex-vivo permeation study and in-vitro release study. Analysis of the FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results revealed that kojic acid with other ingredients in the formulation did not exhibit any chemical interactions. The kojic acid nanoparticles that were produced exhibited a spherical shape and were uniformly distributed, with an average size diameter of 184 nm. In in-vitro tests, it was observed that 87.67% of the drug was released within 12 hours. Moreover, ex-vivo permeation evaluation demonstrated that 81.24% of the drug permeated the skin within 8 hours of application. The thermal stability studies confirmed the stability of the kojic acid nanoemulsion, with no signs of creaming, cracking, or phase separation in the formulation. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that the kojic acid nanoemulsion holds great promise as an effective means for delivering kojic acid within the upper layers of the skin for treating of facial dyschromia.

Revolutionizing nanomedicine: Expanding horizons of nanoemulsions in drug delivery and beyond

Nanoemulsions are nano-sized particles, typically ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers. These nanoemulsions possess various appealing properties, making them highly promising for various applications in pharmaceutics, foods, and cosmetics. These properties include their small size, which allows for a high surface area per unit volume, and their ability to disperse hydrophobic components and enhance absorption effectively. In the pharmaceutical industry, nanoemulsions have been developed to enhance the delivery of hydrophobic active ingredients. Macromolecular surfactants offer enhanced emulsion stability compared to conventional low-molecular surfactants. Enhanced stability is due to their slower desorption kinetics at the droplet interface, which reduces the risk of toxicity and skin irritation associated with the latter. This article presents a comprehensive investigation into the role of nanoemulsions in drug delivery. It commences by delineating various emulsion types and subsequently explores techniques for nanoemulsion preparation. Surfactants serve as pivotal components in both the production and stabilization of nanoemulsions. The review provides an encompassing overview of diverse surfactant types, encompassing small molecule variants, particle surfactants, phospholipids, peptides, and protein-based surfactants tailored for nanoemulsions. Additionally, it addresses nanoemulsion instability, elucidating strategies to mitigate instability challenges, and highlights the utilization of nanoemulsions in nanomedicine for effective drug delivery. This comprehensive overview aims to offer insights for researchers engaged in nanoemulsion-related studies and associated interdisciplinary fields.

Comparison of sea buckthorn fruit oil nanoemulsions stabilized by protein-polysaccharide conjugates prepared using β-glucan from various sources

To understand the influence of β-glucans structure on the emulsifying properties of protein-polysaccharide conjugates, sodium caseinate (NaCas) was utilized to form glycosylation conjugates with varying degrees of glycosylation (10.68–17.50%) using three β-glucans from bacteria, yeast, and oats. This process induced alterations in the secondary structure of protein. The nanoemulsions prepared with the glycosylated conjugates exhibited superior stability compared to those formulated solely with NaCas, particularly under conditions of drastic pH fluctuations and extended storage periods. The nanoemulsion prepared with the NaCas-Salecan conjugate demonstrated exceptional stability at pH 4 and 6, or storage for 20 days. Additionally, it significantly attenuated the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and exhibited the lowest levels of aggregation, flocculation, and free fatty acid release rate during in vitro digestion. This study suggested the potential of the NaCas-Salecan conjugates in enhancing the stability of nanoemulsions and facilitating the colorectal-targeted delivery of sea buckthorn fruit oil.

Fabrication of cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions with high antibacterial activities via microfluidization

The high volatility and hydrophobicity of cinnamon essential oils (CiEO) limited their practical application. To enhance their stability and antibacterial activity, nanoemulsions encapsulating CiEO were prepared using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin/lauroyl arginate (HPCD/LAE) inclusion complexes through high-pressure microfluidization (HPM). Effects of HPM parameters on the stability and antibacterial properties of nanoemulsion were investigated. Results revealed that increased processing pressure and cycle numbers were associated with reduced droplet size and greater homogeneity in CiEO distribution. Storage and thermal stability were optimized at 100 MPa and seven cycles. Moreover, the nanoemulsions showed strong synergistic antibacterial against E. coli (19.79 mm) and S. aureus (23.61 mm) compared with LAE (11.52 mm and 12.82 mm, respectively) and CiEO alone (13.26 mm and 17.68 mm, respectively). This study provided new information for constructing CiEO nanoemulsion, which is suitable for use in the food industry.

Unveiling the Molecular Dynamics, Anticancer Activity, and Stability of Spearmint Oil Nanoemulsions with Triglycerides.

Although spearmint oil (SMO) has various pharmacological properties, especially for cancer treatment, its low water solubility results in poor bioavailability. This limits its application as a medicine. One possible solution is to the use of SMO in the form of nanoemulsion, which has already been shown to have anticancer effects. However, the mechanism of SMO nanoemulsion formation remains unclear. The objective of this study was to use molecular dynamics (MD) for clarifying the formation of SMO nanoemulsion with triglycerides (trilaurin, tripalmitin, and triolein) and Cremophor RH40 (PCO40). Nanoemulsions with different SMO:triglyceride ratios and triglyceride types were prepared and analyzed for anticancer activity, droplet size, droplet morphology, and stability. Despite switching the type of carrier oil, SMO nanoemulsions retained strong anticancer effects. A ratio of 80SMO:20triglycerides produced the smallest droplets (<100 nm) and exhibited excellent physical stability after a temperature cycling test. MD simulations showed that polyoxyethylenes of PCO40 are located at the water interface, stabilizing the emulsion structure in an egglike layer. Droplet size correlated with triglyceride concentration, which was consistent with the experimental findings. Decreasing triglyceride content, except for the 90SMO:10triglyceride ratio, led to a decrease in droplet sizes. Hydrogen bond analysis identified interactions between triglyceride-PCO40 and carvone-PCO40. Geometry analysis showed PCO40 had an "L-like" shape, which maximizes the hydrophilic interfaces. These findings highlight the value of MD simulations in understanding the formation mechanism of SMO and triglyceride nanoemulsions. In addition, it might also be beneficial to use MD simulations before the experiment to select the potential composition for nanoemulsions, especially essential oil nanoemulsions.

Formation, stability, and antimicrobial efficacy of eutectic nanoemulsions containing thymol and glycerin monolaurate

In this study, based on the discovery of thymol/glycerol monolaurate (GML) eutectic solvent, we studied the effect of GML as a multi-functional component (ripening inhibitor and antibacterial agent) on the formation, stability and antibacterial activity of eutectic nanoemulsions, and investigated the preservation of nanoemulsion in fresh pork. These results indicated that the formation of eutectic solvent was due to the hydrogen bonding between thymol and GML in the molten state. And eutectic nanoemulsions prepared with medium GML concentrations (20%, 40%, and 60%) of eutectic solvents as oil phases had small droplet diameters (<150 nm), exhibited sustained-release characteristics, and had excellent physicochemical stability. Moreover, the addition of GML enhanced the antibacterial activity of thymol nanoemulsion against S. aureus. as seen by their ability to inhibit affect formation more effectively. Treatment of fresh pork with optimized eutectic nanoemulsions (40% thymol/60% GML) extended its shelf life during refrigeration, which was mainly attributed to the ability of the encapsulated essential oil to inhibit microbial growth and lipid oxidation. These results provide a novel strategy to control Ostwald ripening and maintain the high antibacterial activity of thymol in nanoemulsion-based delivery systems.

A novel antifungal nanoemulsion based on reuterin-assisted synergistic essential oils: Preparation and in vitro/in vivo characterization

This research aimed to develop, optimize, and evaluate a new antifungal nanoemulsion system based on the crude reuterin-synergistic essential oils (EOs) hybrid to overcome the EOs application limits. At first, the antifungal effects of the Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus reuteri cell-free extracts (CFE) were tested against the Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Alternaria alternata as indicator fungus using broth microdilution method. The L. reuteri CFE with the MIC of 125 μL/mL for B. cinerea and 250 μL/mL for P. expansum and A. alternata showed more inhibitory effects than L. plantarum. Next, reuterin as a significant antibacterial compound in the L. reuteri CFE was induced in glycerol-containing culture media. To reach a nanoemulsion with maximum antifungal activity and stability, the reuterin concentration, Tween 80 %, and ultrasound time were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a volumetric constant ratio of 5 % v/v oil phase including triple synergistic EOs (thyme, cinnamon, and rosemary) at MIC concentrations. Based on the Box-Behnken Design, the maximum antifungal effect was observed in the treatment with 40 mM reuterin, 1 % Tween 80, and 3 min of ultrasound. The growth inhibitory diameter zones of B. cinerea, P. expansum, and A. alternata were estimated 6.15, 4.25, and 4.35 cm in optimum nanoemulsion, respectively. Also, the minimum average particle size diameter (16.3 nm) was observed in nanoemulsion with reuterin 40 mM, Tween 80 5 %, and 3 min of ultrasound treatment. Zeta potential was relatively high within −30 mV range in all designed nanoemulsions which indicates the nanoemulsion's stability. Also, the prepared nanoemulsions, despite initial particle size showed good stability in a 90-d storage period at 25 °C. In vivo assay, showed a significant improvement in the protection of apple fruit treated with reuterin-EOs nanoemulsions against fungal spoilage compared to free reuterin nanoemulsion. Treatment of apples with nanoemulsion containing 40 mM reuterin showed a maximum inhibitory effect on B. cinerea (5.1 mm lesion diameter compared to 29.2 mm for control fruit) within 7 d at 25 °C. In summary, the present study demonstrated that reuterin-synergistic EOs hybrid with boosted antifungal activities can be considered as a biopreservative for food applications.

Ultrasonic-assisted green extraction and incorporation of Spirulina platensis bioactive components into turmeric essential oil-in-water nanoemulsion for enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

The utilization of essential oils as natural antioxidants and preservatives is limited by high volatility, poor water solubility, and long-term instability. To address this, a novel ultrasonic-assisted method was used to prepare and stabilize a nanoemulsion of turmeric essential oil-in-water, incorporating bioactive components extracted from Spirulina platensis. Ultrasonic treatment enhanced the extraction efficacy and nanoemulsion stability. Algal biomass subjected to ultrasonic treatment (30 min at 80% amplitude) yielded a dry extract of 73.66 ± 3.05%, with the highest protein, phenolic, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin content, as well as maximum emulsifying activity. The resulting nanoemulsion (5% oil, 0.3% extract, 10 min ultrasonic treatment) showed reduced particle size (173.31 ± 2.24 nm), zeta potential (−36.33 ± 1.10 mV), low polydispersity index, and enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Rheology analysis indicated shear-thinning behavior, while microscopy and spectroscopy confirmed structural changes induced by ultrasonic treatment and extract concentration. This initiative developed a novel ultrasonic-assisted algal-based nanoemulsion with antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Hesperidin nanoparticles for prostate cancer therapy: preparation, characterization and cytotoxic activity

Hesperidin, a phytochemical renowned for its therapeutic effects including anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, encounters a significant limitation in its application due to its low bioavailability and restricted solubility in water. To surmount these challenges, we employed a spontaneous emulsification method to produce hesperidin nanoparticles. These nanoparticles, averaging 197.2 ± 2.8 nm, exhibited uniform dispersion (polydispersity index: 0.13), a zeta potential (ZP) of −28 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 84.04 ± 1.3%, and demonstrated stable and controlled release across various environments. Assessment of the nanoemulsions stability revealed remarkably high stability levels. Cytotoxicity evaluations (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide, neutral red, trypan blue, and lactate dehydrogenase) indicated that cancer cell viability following treatment with hesperidin nanoemulsion was concentration and time-dependent, significantly lower compared to cells treated with free hesperidin. The colony formation assay and cell morphology evaluation further corroborated the heightened efficacy of hesperidin in its nano form compared to the free form. In summary, hesperidin nanoparticles not only exhibited more potent anticancer activity than free hesperidin but also demonstrated high biocompatibility with minimal cytotoxic effects on healthy cells. These findings underscore the potential for further exploration of hesperidin nanoparticles as an adjunctive therapy in prostate cancer therapy.

Optimization and characterization of pyraclostrobin nanoemulsion for pesticide delivery: Improving activity, reducing toxicity, and protecting ecological environment

Nanoemulsion provides an effective way for the efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly use of pesticides. In this study, the influence of different type emulsifiers on the formation and stability of nanoemulsion were tested and an optimal pyraclostrobin nanoemulsion with long-term stability was obtained. Pyraclostrobin (2.5 %), #602 (phenylethyl phenol polyoxyethylene ether, 6 %), and #600 P (tristyryl- phenol polyoxyethylene ether phosphate, 2 %) were dissolved in methyl benzoate (2.5 %) and co-emulsifier ethanol (20 %) with deionized water replenished to 100 %. Compared with microemulsion (ME), the nanoemulsion using a lower dosage of emulsifier kept the system stable for a long time, reducing pollution of the environment. Compared with the commercial ME and suspension concentrate (SC), the nanoemulsion had a lower contact angle and surface tension, and higher maximum retention. In addition, adding 0.01 % AEO-3 (dodecyl alcohol polyol ethylene ether) to the dilution of nanoemulsion can significantly improve the target deposition of the nanoemulsion and improve the utilization rate of the pesticide. Besides, the use of methyl benzoate, an environmentally friendly solvent, resulted in the nanoemulsion with high bactericidal activity and low acute toxicity to zebrafish, thus reducing the environmental pollution of such chemicals.