Surfactant Phase Research Articles

Insertion of anionic synthetic clay in lamellar surfactant phases.

We describe the different mixed colloidal solutions that can be obtained when mixing equivalent quantities of a synthetic anionic clay to surfactants forming lamellar phases in the absence of added salt. The important quantity driving toward insertion or depletion is the osmotic pressure, of the lamellar phase and of the clay alone. Competition for water is the main driving force toward dispersion, inclusion or exclusion (phase separation). In the case of a nonionic surfactant ( ) mixed with Laponite, undulations quenched by the surfactant-decorated clay lead to swelling; inclusion is not observed due to differences in rigidity. Long-range order is weakened leading eventually to the exclusion of surfactant in excess. In the case of a double anionic system (AOT-Laponite), electrostatic is dominant and the three regimes are encountered. In the catanionic case, admixing the double chain cationic lipid DDAB to the clay (in large charge excess), the platelets are coated by a positively charged bilayer. Long-range order is very efficiently dampened. From a low threshold (2% by weight), there is exclusion of a clay-poor collapsed lamellar phase, detected by the swelling of the main phase. The cationized clay does not interfere with the molecular force balance: the location of the critical point is unchanged. At high Laponite concentration, a very puzzling microstructure is observed. Some phase diagrams as well as representative SANS and SAXS data are extracted from the complete results concerning the lyotropic lamellar phase mixing problem available with all measures and evaluations of osmotic pressures in the PhD of the late Isabelle Grillo.

Offsetting Dense Particle Sedimentation in Microfluidic Systems.

Sedimentation is an undesirable phenomenon that complicates the design of microsystems that exploit dense microparticles as delivery tools, especially in biotechnological applications. It often informs the integration of continuous mixing modules, consequently impacting the system footprint, cost, and complexity. The impact of sedimentation is significantly worse in systems designed with the intent of particle metering or binary encapsulation in droplets. Circumventing this problem involves the unsatisfactory adoption of gel microparticles as an alternative. This paper presents two solutions-a hydrodynamic solution that changes the particle sedimentation trajectory relative to a flow-rate dependent resultant force, and induced hindered settling (i-HS), which exploits Richardson-Zaki (RZ) corrections of Stokes' law. The hydrodynamic solution was validated using a multi-well fluidic multiplexing and particle metering manifold. Computational image analysis of multiplex metering efficiency using this method showed an average reduction in well-to-well variation in particle concentration from 45% (Q = 1 mL/min, n = 32 total wells) to 17% (Q = 10 mL/min, n = 48 total wells). By exploiting a physical property (cloud point) of surfactants in the bead suspension in vials, the i-HS achieved a 58% reduction in the sedimentation rate. This effect results from the surfactant phase change, which increases the turbidity (transient increase in particle concentration), thereby exploiting the RZ theories. Both methods can be used independently or synergistically to eliminate bead settling in microsystems or to minimize particle sedimentation.

Lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus) Oil Nanoemulsions Loaded with Levofloxacin: Phytochemical Profiles and Antibiofilm Activity against Staphylococcus spp.

Most clinical isolates of both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis show the capacity to adhere to abiotic surfaces and to develop biofilms resulting in a contribution to chronic human skin infections. Antibiotic resistance and poor biofilm penetration are the main causes of ineffective therapeutic treatment in killing bacteria within biofilms. A possible strategy could be represented by drug delivery systems, such as nanoemulsions (composed of bioactive oil, surfactant and water phase), which are useful for enhancing the drug permeation of a loaded drug inside the biofilm and its activity. Phytochemical characterization of Pistacia lentiscus oil (LO) by direct infusion Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) allowed the identification of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties, including fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Several monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes have been also detected and confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis, together providing a complete metabolomic profiling of LO. In the present study, a nanoemulsion composed of LO has been employed for improving Levofloxacin water solubility. A deep physical-chemical characterization of the nanoemulsion including hydrodynamic diameter, ζ-potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency, stability release and permeation studies was performed. Additionally, the antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity of these preparations was evaluated against reference and clinical Staphylococcus spp. strains. In comparison to the free-form antibiotic, the loaded NE nanocarriers exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against the sessile forms of Staphylococcus spp. strains.

Sequence dependence of critical properties for two-letter chains.

Histogram-reweighting grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations are used to obtain the critical properties of lattice chains composed of solvophilic and solvophobic monomers. The model is a modification of one proposed by Larson et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 83, 2411 (1985)], lowering the "contrast" between beads of different types to prevent aggregation into finite-size micelles that would mask true phase separation between bulk high- and low-density phases. Oligomeric chains of lengths between 5 and 24 beads are studied. Mixed-field finite-size scaling methods are used to obtain the critical properties with typical relative accuracies of better than 10-4 for the critical temperature and 10-3 for the critical volume fraction. Diblock chains are found to have lower critical temperatures and volume fractions relative to the corresponding homopolymers. The addition of solvophilic blocks of increasing length to a fixed-length solvophobic segment results in a decrease of both the critical temperature and the critical volume fraction, with an eventual slow asymptotic approach to the long-chain limiting behavior. Moving a single solvophobic or solvophilic bead along a chain leads to a minimum or maximum in the critical temperature, with no change in the critical volume fraction. Chains of identical length and composition have a significant spread in their critical properties, depending on their precise sequence. The present study has implications for understanding biomolecular phase separation and for developing design rules for synthetic polymers with specific phase separation properties. It also provides data potentially useful for the further development of theoretical models for polymer and surfactant phase behavior.

Topical Delivery of Voriconazole Loaded on Lyotropic Liquid Crystal Gel for Management of Fungal Infections

Topical antifungal therapy is recommended for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin. Due to its benefits, including the ability to direct drugs to the infection site and a lower chance of systemic adverse effects. The nano size and structure of LLC with the skin enhance the permeation and deposition of drugs within deep parts of skin. In this a novel formulation of voriconazole LLC gel was planned. Surfactant, co-surfactant, oil, and water pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were created in order to determine the LLC gel and microemulsion zones. The formulations were evaluated using polarizing microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy. For each formulation, the polydispersity index, zeta potential, and mean droplet size were determined. The release patterns revealed that the prepared LLC gel provide sustained release profile up to 24 hr. Ex-vivo permeation of selected formulations exhibited higher permeability values for voriconazole. The drug skin deposition results from selected formulations showed that, in comparison to other studied formulations, a much larger amount of the drug was deposited in the skin after 24 hours. The confocal pictures appeared that the LLC gel was able to provide fluorescent color to all skin layers. The skin irritation study data of LLC gel formulations could be announced as safe and non- irritant for human skin. The selected formulations underwent a six-month stability testing at room temperature and 4–8 °C. The results showed that the pH, drug content, and viscosity values did not change significantly during this time. Keywords: Lyotropic liquid crystal, Release and diffusion, Skin permeability, Skin deposition, Pathohistology

Design and evaluation of nanostructured lipid carrier of Bergenin isolated from Pentaclethra macrophylla for anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages

Herein, we report the properties of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) prepared with a gradient concentration of Bergenin (BGN) isolated from Pentaclethra macrophylla stem bark powder. A gradient concentration of BGN (BGN 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg) was prepared in a 5 % lipid matrix consisting of Transcutol HP (75 %), Phospholipon 90H (15 %), and Gelucire 43/01 (10 %) to which a surfactant aqueous phase consisting of Tween 80, sorbitol, and sorbic acid was dissolved. The NLCs were evaluated by size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release. The result shows polydispersed nanoparticles with high drug encapsulation (94.26–99.50 %). The nanoparticles were mostly spherical, but those from the 50 mg BGN batch were more cuboidal than spherical. The drug release was highest from the latter to the tune of 40 % compared to the pure BGN solution, which released about 15 % BGN. The anti-inflammatory activity of the BGN-NLC and total plant extract was studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inflamed macrophages. The cell study showed that BGN and plant extract had low cytotoxicity on macrophages and exhibited a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect on the LPS-induced inflammatory process in macrophages.

Dynamic diffusive interfacial transport (D-DIT): A novel quantitative swelling technique for developing binary phase diagrams of aqueous surfactant systems.

Current methods to develop surfactant phase diagrams are time-intensive and fail to capture the kinetics of phase evolution. Here, the design and performance of a quantitative swelling technique to study the dynamic phase behavior of surfactants are described. The instrument combines cross-polarized optical and short-wave infrared imaging to enable high-resolution, high-throughput, and in situ identification of phases and water compositions. Data across the entire composition spectrum for the dynamics and phase evolution of a binary aqueous non-ionic surfactant solution at two isotherms are presented. This instrument provides pathways to develop non-equilibrium phase diagrams of surfactant systems-critical to predicting the outcomes of formulation and processing. It can be applied to study time-dependent material relationships across a diverse range of materials and processes, including the dissolution of surfactant droplets and the drying of aqueous polymer films.

Effect of equilibration time on the structural gradient in the vertical direction for bicontinuous microemulsions in Winsor-III and -IV systems.

Bicontinuous microemulsions (BMEs), self-assembly systems consisting of oil and water nanodomains separated by surfactant monolayers, have many applications. However, changes in structure and properties of BMEs in the vertical direction can affect BMEs' utility. This study's objective was to determine the effect of equilibration time (τeq) on structural changes in the vertical direction for bicontinuous phases of Winsor-III (WIII) systems in situ or after being isolated, for D2O + H2O/1-dodecane/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/1-pentanol/NaCl at 22 °C. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements were performed using a vertical stage sample environment that precisely aligned samples in the neutron beam. SANS data were fitted by the Teubner-Strey (TS) model and changes in TS-derived parameter values were observed. For 10 min ≤ τeq ≤ 4 h, the effective activity of the bicontinuous phase's surfactant monolayers increased with time at all vertical positions. At short equilibration (τeq = 10 min), small but significant amounts of water and oil were transiently emulsified near the WIII upper liquid-liquid interface. WIII systems underwent a relaxation process after being transferred to narrow 1 mm pathlength cells, resulting in a decrease of surfactant activity for the top half of the bicontinuous phase. For isolated bicontinuous phases, results suggest that SDS was desorbed from the BMEs by quartz near the bottom, while near the top, the water concentration near was relatively high. The results suggest that WIII systems should equilibrate for at least 4 hours after being prepared and transferred to a container that differs in cross sectional area and surfactant behavior in BMEs can change near interfaces.

Simultaneously HPLC Analysis of B1, B9 and B12 Vitamins at Trace Levels via Cloud Point Extraction

An enrichment and determination method based on liquid chromatographically analysis and cloud point extraction (CPE) has been developed for trace levels of B vitamins (B1, B9 and B12) in the proposed study. Vitamin molecules were drawn into the non-ionic surfactant phase of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG-6000) in the presence of pH 9.0 medium. The surfactant-rich phase separated by centrifugation and then dissolved with 700 µL of ethanol. The obtained ethanol phase was filtered by 0.45-micron filter prior to the HPLC analysis. All parameters affecting the CPE method such as pH, buffer volume, incubation time, surfactant and electrolyte concentration, solvent for the surfactant-rich phase and its amount have been individually studied and optimized step by step. After the optimization of all parameters of the CPE process, the detection limits of the developed method for B1, B9 and B12 vitamins were calculated as 1.42 ng mL-1, 7.14 ng mL-1 and 14.28 ng mL-1 , respectively. The linear working ranges for three vitamin molecules was obtained in the range of 5.0-500.0 ng mL-1. After CPE procedure, determination of vitamin molecules was carried out by using HPLC system with diode array detector(DAD) at 244 nm for vitamin B1, 285 nm for vitamin B9, and 361 nm for vitamin B12, respectively

Unraveling the potential of sonochemically achieved DyMnO3/Dy2O3 nanocomposites as highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalysts in decolorization of organic contamination

In the present day, the widespread presence of lingering contaminants in ecosystems has prompted scientists to develop novel semiconductor nanoarchitectures that assist in photocatalytic reactions mediated by visible light. As a result, we propose to prepare a series of Dy-Mn-O based nano-catalysts using a sonochemical approach utilizing various ionic phases of surfactants as structure-directing agents. In this study, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement techniques were used to explore the fundamental effects of surfactants on the compositional-structural features of the materials. In terms of morphological profiles, DyMnO3/Dy2O3 (DM) nanostructures fabricated with Triton X-80 as a structure-directing agent showed the best uniformity with an acceptable size range between 14.14 and 52.35 nm. In the visible-light-driven photocatalytic domain, these nanocomposites provide high responsiveness based on their optical band gap value of 2.0 eV. According to our findings, two individual factors affect dye activity, namely dye type and concentration, which is why a high decomposition efficiency of 78.8% was obtained for 10 ppm Acid violet (AV) using DyMnO3/Dy2O3 nanocomposites after 120 min of exposure to visible light. Furthermore, radical quenching test confirmation confirmed the mechanistic behind the degradation process. This indicates that active species of O2•− and •OH may play a significant role in photocatalysis. As a result of repeated processes over three consecutive cycles, binary DyMnO3/Dy2O3 nanocomposites had an efficiency of 64.4% in removing dyes from the environment, indicating their high stability.

Evaluating the effects of surfactant types on the properties and stability of oil-in-water Rhodiola rosea nanoemulsion

Different types and ratios of surfactant, co-surfactant, and oil phase, have a greater impact on nanoemulsion preparation. The presence of surfactants in the nanoemulsion can reduce surface tension and characteristic stability. In this study, four groups of oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions (NEs) with different ratios of surfactant and co-surfactant, and two oils were formulated as carriers of Rhodiola rosea. The variable optimization was investigated and then indicated as optimization group A (Opt A) with the formula of 10% of transcutol, 16.63% of tween 80, Opt B with 10% of tween 80, 29.87% of span 80, Opt C with 28.42% of transcutol, 30% of labrasol, and Opt D with 30% of transcutol, 30% of tween 80. Labrafac and soybean oil were used as the oil phase. The optimized formula using the response surface method (RSM) by design expert software showed the ideal conditions with a higher desirability score. Desirability score are 0.72% (Opt A), 0.81% (Opt B), 0.76% (Opt C) and 0.98% (Opt D), the desirability rating close to 1 indicates a high possibility that the projected values would closely match the experimental results for the optimum formula. All of the optimized formulation were also checked for the characteristics of nanoemulsion including particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, viscosity, encapsulation efficiency, transmission electron microscope (TEM), antioxidant activity, skin irritation test and stability studies. Our study provides a promising combination of surfactant-co-surfactant and oil phases to produce a stable nanoemulsion that can be used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in the future.

Stable nanoemulsions for poorly soluble curcumin: From production to digestion response in vitro

Curcumin, a polyphenol, can induce anticancer activity depending on dose. However, oral curcumin administration is limited by its low bioavailability due to aqueous insolubility and instability against physiological conditions. This study aims at formulating nanoemulsions by phase inversion temperature to enhance curcumin loading, stability, antioxidant performance, bioaccessibility, and in vitro absorption. The selection mechanisms for oil phase (coconut oil), surfactant (polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil), co-surfactant (soy phospholipid), and aqueous phase (2 % wt citrate buffer at pH 4.5) are established. The nanoemulsions show tunable mean droplet size (26–129 nm), high curcumin loading (9.53 ± 0.49 mg/mL), polydispersity < 0.3, and ζ-potential < -26 mV. Nanoencapsulation increases curcumin photostability by 36–42 % and the antioxidant activity after 24-hour UV radiation is unchanged (P > 0.05). The curcumin nanoemulsions show ∼ 11 %, 24 %, and 57 % higher retention and ∼ 10 %, 12 %, and 17 % higher antioxidant activity than raw curcumin after 3-hour simulated gastric, intestinal, and physiological incubations, respectively. During in vitro digestion and absorption, the encapsulated curcumin shows higher bioaccessibility and absorption than free curcumin (P < 0.05). The samples are stable during 4-week storage at 4˚C and room temperature without preservatives. These findings suggest the potential to develop a nanoencapsulation strategy, particularly for an oral delivery system of oil-soluble drugs.

The role of synbiotics in Alzheimer`s management

AbstractBackgroundQuercetin and Lactobacillus Brevis were used in the development of S‐SNEDDS for their antiinflammaging effect in Alzheimer`s diseaseMethodThe isotropic mixture was prepared by incorporating Capmul MCM, Tween 80 and Transcutol P as oil, surfactant and co surfactant phases respectively. Quercetin was then added. The probiotic mixture was selected as a solid carrier and drug loading was calculated. The droplet size and zeta potential was also determined. The formulation was also assessed for differential scanning colorimetry (DSC), powder x ray diffraction studies (PXRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy studies (FESEM). Stability studies of the developed formulation was also carried out. Alzheimer’s disease was induced in rats by the use of aluminum chloride (100mg/kg) after taking necessary permission from the institution animal ethical committee. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to assess the animals 48 hours following the last treatment. Utilizing marketed ELISA kits, the concentrations of TNF, IL‐1, and IL‐6 were determined.ResultQuercetin was solubilized in the isotropic mixture. The drug loading was found to be 93.4±0.75% for the liquid SNEDDS (QUE‐L‐SNEDDS) formulation. The droplet size of QUE‐L‐SNEDDS was found to be 73.24±1.45nm and had a zeta potential of ‐23.21±1.34 mV. Whereas, the solid SNEDDS (QUE‐LB‐S‐SNEDDS) was found to be 74.56±1.23 nm and had a zeta potential of ‐21.43 mV, respectively. This indicated that there was no change in the L‐SNEDDS and S‐SNEDDS formulation. Further, the amorphous nature of quercetin was confirmed by the DSC, PXRD and FESEM studies. Aluminum chloride was successful in inducing Alzheimer`s disease in the rats. Impaired learning and memory impairments, increased short‐term memory loss, and decreased locomotor activity were all observed in the negative controls. The developed formulation was successful in reversing the inflammatory effects of Alzheimer’s disease.ConclusionThe present study reveals that Quercetin and Lactobacillus Brevis can be used as a symbiotic combination as well as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of inflammation related to Alzheimer’s disease. The results reveal an interesting outcome at the preclinical level and warrants future studies aimed at other plant based polyphenolic compounds especially in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Experimental investigation on the effect of nanoparticles on surfactant flooding performance in resin-based 3D printed porous media

Adding nanoparticles (NPs) into surfactant solutions represents a promising strategy for enhancing oil displacement in porous media, with significant implications for various engineering and environmental applications, including soil remediation and enhanced oil recovery from underground reservoirs. Recent investigations have focused on the integration of silica and alumina NPs into anionic surfactant solutions to mitigate interfacial tension (IFT) and reduce the contact angle between the surfactant and oil phases. However, the utilization of these injection scenarios in fractured porous media has received limited attention. In this experimental study, we employed a 3D printer to design and fabricate three distinct porous media types: single permeability (S), fractured (F), and dual permeability (D). Subsequently, we prepared the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution by adding SDS powder into a brine solution containing 2% NaCl. Nanofluids were then produced through the dispersion of SiO2 and Al2O3 NPs in the SDS solution using a sonicator. The prepared solutions were subsequently injected into each porous medium, while the recovery process was recorded using a camera. Recovery rates for each scenario were calculated utilizing a developed Python image processing code. Furthermore, analysis of the images enabled us to demonstrate the behavior and growth of the displacing phase’s fingers within the oil phase. Findings from this study showed that SDS injection into the S medium resulted in an approximate 60% oil recovery. Adding silica and alumina NPs into the SDS solution led to enhanced total recovery rates of up to 70% and 78%, respectively. The recovery results obtained from tests conducted within the F medium exhibited a pronounced decrease, with the SDS solution sweeping a mere 25% of the medium, while the silica and alumina nanofluids recovered 43% and 47%, of the oil respectively. Notably, the silica nanofluid displayed superior performance to the alumina nanofluid during the breakthrough stage in the F medium. In the D medium, the injection of SDS, silica, and alumina nanofluids achieved total recovery rates of 49%, 53%, and 56%, respectively. These outcomes highlight the diminished effectiveness of nanofluids within the dual permeable medium.

Design of Silica@Au Hybrid Nanostars for Enhanced SERS and Photothermal Effect.

Core-shell nanostructures of silicon oxide@noble metal have drawn a lot of interest due to their distinctive characteristics and minimal toxicity with remarkable biocompatibility. Due to the unique property of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), plasmonic nanoparticles are being used as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based detection of pollutants and photothermal (PT) agents in cancer therapy. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of multifunctional silica core - Au nanostars shell (SiO2 @Au NSs) nanostructures using surfactant free aqueous phase method. The SERS performance of the as-synthesized anisotropic core-shell NSs was examined using Rhodamine B (RhB) dye as a Raman probe and resulted in strong enhancement factor of 1.37×106 . Furthermore, SiO2 @Au NSs were also employed for PT killing of breast cancer cells and they exhibited a concentration-dependent increase in the photothermal effect. The SiO2 @Au NSs show remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 72 % which is unprecedented. As an outcome, our synthesized NIR active SiO2 @Au NSs are of pivotal importance to have their dual applications in SERS enhancement and PT effect.

OPTIMIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ESSENTIAL OILS FORMULATION FOR ENHANCED STABILITY AND DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM OF MEFLOQUINE

Objective: This work aims to choose suitable essential oil formulations to improve the bioavailability and long-term aqueous stability of mefloquine in drug delivery systems. Methods: Oil phases of pomegranate oil, black cumin seed oil, and garlic oil. To choose the proper oil and surfactant for creating pseudo-ternary phase diagrams, cremophore EL, tween®20 and tween®80 (surfactants), and brij 35 (co-surfactants) were used in a variety of concentrations and combinations (Smix). Mefloquine was estimated to be soluble in a variety of oils, surfactants, and co-surfactants. Drug solubility, drug release research, thermodynamic stability, mean hydrodynamic size and zeta potential. Results: Garlic with smix of cremophore EL and brij 35, Pomegranate with Tween 2.0, and Black cumin seed oil with Tween 80 showed the highest solubilization and emulsification capabilities and were further investigated using ternary phase diagrams. When combined with the co-surfactants under investigation, cremophore EL demonstrated a greater self-emulsification zone than tween® 80 and tween 20. Garlic oil, cremophore EL, and brij 35 nanoemulsion showed smaller size, greater zeta potential, less emulsification time, high transmittance, and better drug solubility than microemulsion formulations on especially those made with tween®20 and tween 80. Mefloquine loaded garlic oil nanoemulsion showed considerably low release in body fluid (32.48%) and a good release in intestinal fluid (82.78%) by 12 h in a drug release study. Conclusion: Garlic oil as the oil phase and a mixture of cremophore EL and brij 35 as the surfactant phase are ideal surfactants and co-surfactant for mefloquine loaded garlic oil nanoemulsion with greater drug release in release kinetics investigation.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL EVALUATIONS OF TOPICAL RADIANCE SERUM CONTAINING NANOEMULSION COMBINATION OF ASTAXANTHIN AND ZEAXANTHIN: DESIGNED AS ANTI-WRINKLE AND SKIN-BRIGHTENING SERUM

Objective: The present study was conducted to formulate and evaluate the radiance serum containing the combination of astaxanthin and zeaxanthin nanoemulsion designed for anti-wrinkle and skin brightening serum by topical route of administration. Methods: The nanoemulsion containing astaxanthin and zeaxanthin was prepared using the self-nano emulsifying method, followed by incorporation into the radiance serum by the conventional mixing method. The quantity and ratio of surfactant, co-surfactant, and oil phase have been optimized in the previous study, as well as the radiance serum formula. The evaluation of the nanoemulsion and radiance serum was carried out by physical and chemical characterization. At the end of the study, an antioxidant activity of the serum containing nanoemulsion of astaxanthin and zeaxanthin was performed by DPPH method and the antioxidant activity was compared to its pure forms. The evaluation of the ex vivo permeation study was carried out to evaluate its possibility as an anti-wrinkle and skin brightener. Results: An astaxanthin and zeaxanthin nanoemulsion had a good physical properties with a globule size around of 20 nm (narrow particle size distribution), an entrapment efficiency range greater than 85%, and had a spherical morphology. The radiance serum had a good organoleptic and spreadability with the semifluid characteristic. Based on the result of antioxidant activity, the radiance serum had a highly active antioxidant activity. The radiance serum contained of astaxanthin and zeaxanthin nanoemulsion of 1% concentration, astaxanthin had a 2-6 times cumulative released compared than zeaxanthin (p&lt;0.05) and all of the formulations exhibited a high skin permeation significantly. Conclusion: A formulation of nanoemulsion-based serum containing astaxanthin and zeaxanthin for topical delivery has been successfully developed. Based on the results of physical evaluation and especially from the permeation study, it seems that radiance serum containing astaxanthin and zeaxanthin nanoemulsion was potential to be used as an anti-wrinkle and skin brightening, however this function must be proven in further research.

THE DEVELOPMENT FORMULATION OF ELEUTHERINE PALMIFOLIA EXTRACT-LOADED SELF NANOEMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM (SNEDDS) USING D-OPTIMAL MIXTURE DESIGN APPROACH

Objective: The develop a delivery system for extracting E. palmifolia as a model of medicinal ingredients in SNEDDS using a D-optimal design approach. Methods: D-optimal mixture design optimizes E. palmifolia loaded SNEDDS by selecting SNEDDS composition as an independent factor (X) and characterizing SNEDDS as a response (Y). SNEDDS characterization in the optimal formula includes transmittance, emulsification time, pH, viscosity, particle size, and particle morphology. After obtaining one optimal formula, stability testing compares the initial characteristics (day one) with those of E. palmifolia-loaded SNEDDS. Results: The SNEDDS was after storage for three months, namely day 30, day 60, and day 90. Miglyol 812, Tween 80, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 were selected as oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant phases because they had the highest ability to dissolve E. palmifolia extract. The formula design with the D-optimal mixture design approach formulated E. palmifolia loaded SNEDDS with Miglyol 812, Tween 80, and PEG 400 components at an oil concentration of 2.13%, surfactant 5.81%, and co-surfactant 2.06% with stable characteristics in the storage period of 3 mo. Transmittance results in 96.75-98.74%, emulsification time 19.21-22.77 seconds, pH 6.69–7.71, viscosity 43.97-45.99 (cP), particle size 19.14-22.19 nm, spherical particle morphology. Conclusion: The optimal formula for SNEDDS extract of E. palmifolia using the D-optimal design approach has physical and chemical characteristics that follow the SNEDDS specifications that have been determined.

Design and evaluation of adapalene microemulsion for transfollicular drug delivery through guinea pig skin.

Acne vulgaris can be treated topically with adapalene, a synthetic derivative of naphthoic acid with retinoid activity. Adapalene has a very low rate of percutaneous absorption and is almost completely insoluble in water. To obviate this problem, microemulsion (ME) carrier is used. The study's goals were to create and characterize adapalene-loaded ME and assess the drug's transfollicular route of penetration to see if hair follicles can serve as a conduit for the drug to enter the skin. Adapalene microemulsions (MEs) are made by combining the right amounts of the cosurfactant (propylene glycol), surfactant (Tween 80 and Span 20), and oil phase (oleic acid-Transcutol P (10:1)). Physical and chemical characteristics of MEs, including droplet size, stability, viscosity, drug release, and in vitro skin permeability via guinea pigs' hairy and non-hairy skin, were assessed. The range of 13.86-56.16 nm was found to be the average droplet size of ME formulations. The range of viscosities was 117-240 cps. The drug release profile reveals that 95.374 percent of the drug was released within the experiment's first 24 h. Compared to the adapalene control (aqueous suspension), all MEs enhanced the adapalene flow through both hairy and non-hairy skin. The surfactant/cosurfactant ratio had an impact on the amount of drug that passed through both skins because a larger ratio enhanced the adapalene affinity in the follicular route. Furthermore, the proportions of the water and oil phases in formulations, as well as the S/C ratio, have a significant impact on the physicochemical characteristics and adapalene permeability across both pathways.

An efficient dimension splitting p-adaptive method for the binary fluid surfactant phase field model

An efficient dimension splitting p-adaptive method for the binary fluid surfactant phase field model