Emulsion Type Research Articles

Modification techno-functional properties of spirulina protein concentrates (Arthrospira Platensis) as O/W emulsifier by conjugation and electrostatic complexations

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is an intriguing but underutilized protein source in the food industry. This study aims to investigate the effect of electrostatic complexation and conjugation on the techno-functional properties of the protein spirulina and its benefits as an emulsifier in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion in order to broaden its application as food ingridients. The Spirulina protein concentrate (SPC) interacted with carrageenan via electrostatic and conjugation (Maillard reactions). The properties of the complexes and conjugates were then evaluated. The results showed that the turbidity, browning index, and thermal stability of the solution were influenced by the protein: polysaccharides ratios and pH conditions. The best conjugates (MR) were obtained at a ratio of 2:1 with a pH of 7.0 based on confirmation of the degree of glycation, browning index value, emulsion activity index (EAI) value, and emulsion stability index (ESI). The best electrostatic complexes (EI) were obtained at a ratio of 2:1 with a pH of 2. SPC-carrageenan conjugates and complexes exhibited different functional properties based on conformation structure by FTIR and thermal properties by DSC. Conjugation and Electrostatic Interaction increased the denaturation temperature of SPC, which were reflected in the emulsions stabilized by maillard reaction (MR), electrostatic interaction (EI), and simple mixed (SM) SPC-carrageenan. The emulsion stabilized by MR had smaller droplet sizes, was more evenly distributed, and had better stability towards heating than those stabilized by Native SPC, SM, and EI. This study provides valuable basic information for the development of spirulina protein as a green emulsifier and other type of novel food.

Application of Sacha Inchi Oil and Deterpenated Nutmeg Oil as Natural Antiaging in Facial Cream Formulation

Abstract Sacha inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid), omega-6 (linoleic acid), omega-9 (oleic acid) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol and δ -tocopherol) which acts as a good skin barrier and reduces skin inflammation due to UV exposure. On the other hand, deterpenated nutmeg oil was reported to have antioxidant activity (IC50) stronger than native nutmeg oil. This study aims to utilize sacha inchi oil and deterpenated nutmeg oil as natural antiaging in facial cream formulations. Before used, sacha inchi oil is subjected to chemical glycerolysis to improve consumer acceptance. The physic-chemical properties between sacha inchi native oil and after pre-treatment were not significantly different. However, the hedonic test showed that the glycerolysis pre-treatment at 80°C had a better acceptance than native sacha inchi oil. The facial cream formulation used 5% sacha inchi oil and 1% deterpenated nutmeg oil with 1 – 5% niacinamide. All formulations showed oil in water (o/w) emulsion type. Facial cream with 5% niacinamide was the best formulation based on the hedonic test. It has a pH of 7.58, spreadability of 5.51 cm, and globule size of 7.11 μm

Utilization of Emulgel Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Flesh Extract as a Topical Antioxidant

The flesh of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) contains carotenoid compounds that act as antioxidants. The purpose of this study was to determine the variation in the concentration of carbopol 940 on physical properties, irritation tests, and the stability of emulgel antioxidants against temperature and storage time. Evaluation of the physical properties of C. lanatus pulp extract emulgel includes organoleptic, homogeneity, dosage pH, dispersion, adhesion, emulsion type, viscosity as well as hedonic test and irritation test. Antioxidant stability testing of emulgel was carried out for 28 days at three temperature conditions: 4, 25, and 40°C and tested on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 with the DPPH method. The results of the physical properties evaluation meet the requirements with pH values of 5.50–5.57, dispersion 5–6 cm, adhesion <4 seconds, viscosity 5624–15443 cPs, F2 and F3 hedonic tests are preferred by researchers, and irritation tests of all formulas show no irritation symptoms to all refiners. The results of antioxidant stability of emulgel after storage on the 28th day showed an average result of IC50 temperature of 4°C (112.4547 ± 0.1432 mg/L), 25°C (119.3170 ± 0.1966 mg/L), and 40°C (124.1554 ± 0.1317 mg/L). The results of stability analysis show that temperature and storage duration affect antioxidant stability. The higher the temperature and duration of storage, the antioxidant stability of emulgel decreases. Storage of C. lanatus flesh extract emulgel at 4°C was able to maintain antioxidant activity for 28 days of storage.

Unlocking the Potential of Hazelnut oil: Formulation and Characterization of a Novel Microemulsion for Enhanced Applications

This study embarked on a quest to develop and characterize a microemulsion, harnessing the potent properties of (Corylus avellana) hazelnut oil. The microemulsions were meticulously prepared through the drop-wise titration, where water was introduced into a harmonious blend of surfactants (castor oil ethoxylate 20, 30, 40 moles) and oil. All transparent ternary mixtures born from this union were subjected to scrutiny, their viscosity, type of emulsion, conductivity, and droplet size carefully characterized. To assess their resilience, the microemulsions were subjected to a stressful trial under the centrifugal force of 3000 RPM for 30 minutes. Based on the symphony of results, a phase diagram was meticulously constructed, orchestrating the corresponding volumes of these three components. Oil, surfactant, and water mixtures, ranging from different ratios that yielded stable emulsions at HLB 9.7, 11.7, and 13.1, produced transparent liquid masterpieces. The constructed phase diagram unveiled regions of diverse microemulsion and emulsion types, each with its unique narrative. Intriguingly, the droplet size of freshly prepared mixtures danced within a wider range (67 to 367 nm) before centrifugation stability testing. The major region of the microemulsion was found at HLB 11.7 with the lowest particle size of 67 nm. It was concluded that hazelnut oil could be formulated into a microemulsion at a specific HLB value of the surfactant, unlocking a myriad of possibilities.

Controlling the formation of ionic complex vesicles through double-tailed surfactants.

Liposomes are often used in cosmetics since they are naturally derived and have excellent texture enhancing capabilities. However, when preparing them by using phospholipids with unsaturated acyl groups, they easily suffer from oxidative degradation. Accordingly, hydrogenated phospholipids are preferred, however, it is difficult to prepare stable liposomes due to its high gel-liquid crystalline phase transition temperature. On the other hand, although dialkyl dimethyl ammonium type cationic surfactants are widely known to form vesicles, they have rarely been used for skincare products except for water-in-oil type emulsion creams stabilized by organically modified clay minerals. We decided to overcome all of the problems above through ionic complex vesicles formed by double-tailed cationic and anionic surfactants. Distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DSAC) and sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine (DLGL) were selected as cationic and anionic surfactants, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SWAXS) measurements were performed to confirm the DSAC/DLGL/water ternary phase diagram. Newly developed ionic complex vesicle formation was confirmed by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The adsorbed cosmetic film structure on the skin invivo was evaluated through the polarized infrared external reflection (PIR-ER). Finally, a cosmetic lotion formula was developed and the vesicle size was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). DSC and SWAXS data indicated that stable vesicles could be obtained at a molar ratio of DLGL to DSAC = 6:4. At this molar ratio, multi lamellar vesicles with diameters less than 100 nm were observed through cryo-TEM. PIR-ER data revealed that the developed vesicles formed a highly perpendicular orientation to the human skin surface. We have succeeded in formulating a cosmetic lotion containing developed vesicles with a mean diameter of 63.2 nm, which was stable over 1 month at 0, 37, and 50°C. Our newly developed vesicles can be easily obtained through a coagulation process. Also, the adsorbed film structure supported by PIR-ER experiments implies that the developed lotion has an excellent texture that is the same as cosmetic lotions containing liposomes. Therefore, it's possible that this ionic complex vesicle could take the place of liposomes.

Performance of β-carotene-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers under dynamic in vitro digestion system: Influence of the emulsifier type.

A better understanding of how emulsifier type could differently influence the behavior of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) under the gastrointestinal digestion process, as well as at the cellular level, is of utmost importance for the NLC-based formulations' optimization and risk assessment in the food field. In this study, NLC composed by fully hydrogenated soybean and high-oleic sunflower oils were prepared using soy lecithin (NLC Lβ) or Tween 80 (NLC Tβ) as an emulsifier. β-Carotene was entrapped within NLC developed as a promising strategy to overcome β-carotene's low bioavailability and stability. The effect of emulsifier type on the digestibility of β-carotene-loaded NLC was evaluated using an in vitro dynamic digestion model mimicking peristalsis motion. The influence of β-carotene-loaded NLC on cell viability was assessed using Caco-2 cells in vitro. NLC Tβ remained stable in the gastric compartment, presenting particle size (PS) similar to the initial NLC (PS: 245.68 and 218.18nm, respectively), while NLC Lβ showed lower stability (PS>1000nm) in stomach and duodenum phases. NLC Tβ also provided high β-carotene protection and delivery capacity (i.e., β-carotene bioaccessibility increased 10-fold). Based on the results of digestion studies, NLC Tβ has shown better physical stability during the passage through the in vitro dynamic gastrointestinal system than NLC Lβ. Moreover, the developed NLC did not compromise cell viability up to 25µg/mL of β-carotene. Thus, the NLC developed proved to be a biocompatible structure and able to incorporate and protect β-carotene for further food applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The findings of this study hold significant implications for industrial applications in terms of developing nanostructured lipid carriers from natural raw materials widely available and used to produce other lipid-based products in the food industry, as an alternative to synthetic ones. In this respect, the β-carotene-loaded NLC developed in this study would find a great industrial application in the food industry, which is in constant search to develop functional foods capable of increasing the bioavailability of bioactive compounds.

Herbal small molecule-based low/medium internal phase supramolecular gel emulsion for diabetic wound healing

It remains a big challenge to fabricate low / medium internal phase gel emulsion for the safe wound dressing with low stimulation to the skin. Herein, utilizing the self-assembly and gelation of amphiphilic herbal small molecule-glycyrrhizic acid (GA) derived from traditional Chinese medicine, a new type of supramolecular gel emulsion (SGE) with antibacterial activity and low / medium internal phase was proposed. In the SGE, the oil droplets were stabilized by the nanofibers self-assembled from GA, and the SGE was formed by the supramolecular assembly of GA nanofibers in the presence of Pickering emulsions. As a result, under low / medium internal phase (φ = 30–50 %), SGEs could be readily prepared. Antibacterial tests demonstrated that the growth of gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) could be effectively inhibited by the SGE. Additionally, compared to high internal phase SGE, SGE with φ = 50 % displayed lower cytotoxicity and a positive impact on the healing process of infectious diabetic wounds. This work provided a novel approach for constructing low / medium internal phase gel emulsion via herbal small molecule-based supramolecular assembly.

High internal phase double emulsions stabilized by modified pea protein-alginate complexes: Application for co-encapsulation of riboflavin and β-carotene

The application of many hydrophilic and hydrophobic nutraceuticals is limited by their poor solubility, chemical stability, and/or bioaccessibility. In this study, a novel Pickering high internal phase double emulsion co-stabilized by modified pea protein isolate (PPI) and sodium alginate (SA) was developed for the co-encapsulation of model hydrophilic (riboflavin) and hydrophobic (β-carotene) nutraceuticals. Initially, the effect of emulsifier type in the external water phase on emulsion formation and stability was examined, including commercial PPI (C-PPI), C-PPI-SA complex, homogenized and ultrasonicated PPI (HU-PPI), and HU-PPI-SA complex. The encapsulation and protective effects of these double emulsions on hydrophilic riboflavin and hydrophobic β-carotene were then evaluated. The results demonstrated that the thermal and storage stabilities of the double emulsion formulated from HU-PPI-SA were high, which was attributed to the formation of a thick biopolymer coating around the oil droplets, as well as thickening of the aqueous phase. Encapsulation significantly improved the photostability of the two nutraceuticals. The double emulsion formulated from HU-PPI-SA significantly improved the in vitro bioaccessibility of β-carotene, which was mainly attributed to inhibition of its chemical degradation under simulated acidic gastric conditions. The novel delivery system may therefore be used for the development of functional foods containing multiple nutraceuticals.

Pickering Emulsions Biocatalysis: Recent Developments and Emerging Trends.

Biocatalysis within biphasic systems is gaining significant attention in the field of synthetic chemistry, primarily for its ability to solve the problem of incompatible solubilities between biocatalysts and organic compounds. By forming an emulsion from these two-phase systems, a larger surface area is created, which greatly improves the mass transfer of substrates to the biocatalysts. Among the various types of emulsions, Pickering emulsions stand out due to their excellent stability, compatibility with biological substances, and the ease with which they can be formed and separated. This makes them ideal for reusing both the emulsifiers and the biocatalysts. This review explores the latest developments in biocatalysis using Pickering emulsions. It covers the structural features, methods of creation, innovations in flow biocatalysis, and the role of interfaces in these processes. Additionally, the challenges and future directions are discussed in combining chemical and biological catalysts within Pickering emulsion frameworks to advance synthetic methodologies.

Polymeric surfactants with high acid values for emulsion type pressure-sensitive adhesives

Low molecular weight polymers with hydrophobic-carboxyl groups have been usually used as anionic surfactants in emulsion polymerization for coatings. However, such polymeric surfactants usually have low acid values below 200, because it is difficult to make high acid-value polymeric surfactants using a normal batch reactor. In this work, we polymerized high acid value polymeric surfactant having high acid values successfully up to 380 using CSTR (continuous stirring tank reactor). The synthesized polymeric surfactant was a random copolymer of P(BA-AA) and we applied them as anionic surfactants in making emulsion-type acrylic PSAs (Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives) to investigate the effects of high acid values on the adhesive properties. This CSTR can effectively control the composition and molecular weight of polymeric surfactants through varying monomer ratios, retention time, and initiator concentrations. The surface tension analysis and emulsion stability test indicated that the synthesized polymeric surfactants exhibited a similar levels of critical micelle concentration (CMC) and emulsion stability with other conventional anionic surfactants. Also, the adhesion property analysis showed that the PSA used high acid value polymeric surfactant resulting in superior adhesive properties and heat resistance than the PSAs used low acid value polymeric surfactant or conventional low molecular weight surfactant. It was very notable that polymeric surfactants having unusually high acid values above 300 because of their high contents of carboxylic acid groups could result in superior adhesive properties and heat resistance.

A Coalescing Filter for Liquid-Liquid Separation and Multistage Extraction in Continuous-Flow Chemistry.

Presented here is the design and performance of a coalescing liquid-liquid filter, based on low-cost and readily available meltblown nonwoven substrates for separation of immiscible phases. The performance of the coalescer was determined across three broad classes of fluid mixtures: (i) immiscible organic/aqueous systems, (ii) a surfactant laden organic/aqueous system with modification of the type of emulsion and interfacial surface tension through the addition of sodium chloride, and (iii) a water-acetone/toluene system. The first two classes demonstrated good performance of the equipment in effecting separation, including the separation of a complex emulsion system for which a membrane separator, operating through transport of a preferentially wetting fluid through the membrane, failed entirely. The third system was used to demonstrate the performance of the separator within a multistage liquid-liquid counterflow extraction system. The performance, robust nature, and scalability of coalescing filters should mean that this approach is routinely considered for liquid-liquid separations and extractions within the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industry.

A FORMULATION OF HAND BODY LOTIO FORMULATION OF HAND BODY LOTION EXTRACT ethanol from lily leaves (Crinum asiaticum L.) AS A SKIN MOISTURIZER

Lily leaves (Crinum asiaticum L.) have bioactivity as antioxidants and contain chemical compounds such as glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and triterpenoids. This study aims to formulate daffodil leaf extract into a hand body lotion dosage form and observe the effectiveness on volunteer skin for 4 weeks. This research was conducted experimentally. Samples were taken from daffodil leaves (Crinum asiaticum L.), then extracted by maceration with 96% ethanol and concentrated using a rotary evaporator. The ethanol extract of daffodil leaves was formulated with concentrations of 5%, 8% and 11%. The preparation evaluation test includes homogeneity, organoleptic, pH, emulsion type, irritation test, and effectiveness test of the preparation to moisturize the skin. The results showed that the ethanol extract of daffodil leaves could be used to make homogeneous grated emulsion preparations which were stable during 4 weeks of storage, pH 7.52-7.25, oil-in-water emulsion type and did not disappear. Any hand cream product that contains narcissus leaf ethanol can increase skin moisture. The composition of the most effective hand and body cream in the treatment of dry skin is a preparation with a concentration of 11% ethanol extract of lily leaves, which increases skin healing by 40.35% and is applied to the skin within 1 month.

Using Color Measurements to Quantify Aggregate and Asphalt Emulsion Compatibility

The compatibility of asphalt emulsion and aggregate plays a significant role in the aggregate retention performance of chip seals. There are several, similar standardized test methods available for assessing the compatibility of emulsion–aggregate blends, including AASHTO T 59, ASTM D244, and North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) A-24. In all methods, a sample of aggregate and emulsion is mixed and rinsed. Subsequently, the compatibility of the rinsed sample is reported as “good,”“fair,” or “poor” based on visual inspection of asphalt coating the aggregate surface area. These visual inferences are subjective, making them susceptible to potential operator bias. The aim of this study is to develop an objective means to quantify emulsion–aggregate compatibility by using the Asphalt Compatibility Tester to obtain color-based measures in lieu of the visual assessment procedures. Multiple aggregate sources (granite, limestone, and lightweight), emulsion types (CRS-2L, CRS-2, and SS-1h), and sources were evaluated. In total, 25 emulsion–aggregate blends were analyzed. The results were used to establish color index thresholds to capture good- versus fair- or poor-performance emulsions. Additionally, chip seal samples from five construction projects were subjected to the Vialit test to measure aggregate retention performance. The Vialit test results were compared with the compatibility test results as a preliminary evaluation of the color-based criteria proposed here. The results indicated that the NCDOT A-24 procedure coupled with color measurements is effective at capturing the compatibility of emulsion–aggregate blends, providing a potential means to remove the subjectivity of the current visual rating procedures.

One-step preparation of magnet-responsive amphiphilic nanoparticles for efficient oil collection

Waste oil collection is crucial for environmental protection. However, the preparation of magnet-responsive amphiphilic nanoparticles (NPs) for oil emulsification and collection generally involves multiple steps, greatly limiting their widespread applications. Here, magnet-responsive amphiphilic NPs are designed and prepared in a single step via co-precipitation and self-assembly. Upon rapid solvent exchange, shellac, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) co-precipitate around Fe3O4 NPs, which serve as nuclei for the nucleation and growth of the magnet-responsive amphiphilic NPs. Each Fe3O4@PLA-PEG/shellac NP is consisted of two distinct bulbs, one hydrophobic shellac bulb and the other hydrophilic PLA bulb with PLA-PEG on the surface. The NPs show excellent amphiphilicity and performances in stabilizing oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions. By tuning the NP shape, the control of the oil/water interfacial curvature and thus the emulsion type has also been demonstrated. Once the oil phase is emulsified and stabilized by Fe3O4@PLA-PEG/shellac NPs, waste oil could effectively be collected by applying a magnetic field, showing good performances in waste oil removal. The method using magnet-responsive amphiphilic NPs presents a simple and green way for rapid and efficient oil collection and removal. In addition, the developed one-step strategy also provides a facile platform to prepare functional amphiphilic NPs for diverse applications, such as oil collection, drug delivery and bioimaging.

Influence of emulsifier on lipid oxidation in spray-dried microencapsulated O/W emulsions

Lipid oxidation limits the shelf-life of dried microencapsulated oils (DMOs), such as infant formula. However, it is poorly understood how lipid oxidation is affected by different types of emulsifiers. To improve our understanding, we prepared DMOs with different emulsifiers (whey protein isolate (WPI), pea protein isolate (PPI), and non-proteinaceous CITREM) and studied lipid oxidation in both the free and encapsulated fat. Only a small difference in oxidation rate was observed between these fat fractions for all formulations. We ascribed this to a non-discrete distribution of the fractions and the subsequent low fractionation selectivity as shown by Raman microscopy. The DMO with PPI showed hardly any oxidation during a 7-week incubation at 40 °C, whereas the DMOs with WPI and CITREM both reached significantly higher contents of oxidation products (lipid hydroperoxides, aldehydes, and epoxides). The enhanced stability of DMO-PPI could not be ascribed to the presence of phytic acid. In conclusion, we demonstrate the potential of using PPI to produce oxidatively stable DMOs.

Konjac glucomannan-based highly antibacterial active films loaded with thyme essential oil through bacterial cellulose nanofibers/Ag nanoparticles stabilized Pickering emulsions

The aim of this study was to develop novel konjac glucomannan (KGM)-based highly antibacterial active films, where five types of films were prepared and compared. The microstructure results showed that KGM-based films loaded with thyme essential oil (TEO) through bacterial cellulose nanofibers/Ag nanoparticles (BCNs/Ag nanoparticles) stabilized Pickering emulsions (Type V films) displayed the smoothest surface and the most evenly dispersed TEO droplets as compared with the other four types of films. Moreover, Type V films showed the highest contact angle value (86.28°), the best thermal stability and mechanical properties. Furthermore, Type V films presented the highest total phenol content (13.23 mg gallic acid equivalent/g film) and the best antioxidant activity (33.96 %) as well as the best sustained-release property, thus showing the best antibacterial activity, which was probably due to that BCNs/Ag nanoparticles and TEO displayed a synergistic effect to some extent. Consequently, Type V film-forming solutions were used as coatings for tangerines. The results showed that the tangerines treated with Type V coatings displayed excellent fresh-keeping properties. Therefore, the coatings, KGM-based film-forming solutions loaded with TEO through BCNs/Ag nanoparticles stabilized Pickering emulsions, have great potential for the preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Encapsulation of antioxidants with colloidal lipid particles for enhancing the photooxidation stability of phytosterol in Pickering emulsions

In order to prevent the photooxidation of phytosterols, a new type of Pickering emulsion was developed by regulating the oriented distribution of antioxidants in colloidal lipid particles (CLPs) at the oil-water interface. High-melting-point and low-melting-point lipids were tested to modulate their protective effect against phytosterols photooxidation. Results showed that CLPs could stabilize Pickering emulsion and encapsulate antioxidants, providing a dual functional delivery system for phytosterols protection. The Pickering emulsion formed had a particle size of around 350–820 nm, and the crystallization and melting temperatures of tripalmitin particles were approximately 32 °C and 63.8 °C, respectively. The addition of tributyrin or tricaprylin reduced the crystallization and melting temperatures of Pal CLPs and improved the photooxidation emulsion stability. The prepared Pickering emulsion remained stable for a maximum of 12 days under accelerated light-induced oxidation. Among all formulations, the emulsion primarily composed of tripalmitin CLPs, with added tributyrin and resveratrol, exhibited the highest photooxidation stability.

Metathetic degradation of waste vulcanized emulsion type butadiene-based rubber

Metathetic degradation has been recognized as promising strategy for the treatment of waste vulcanized rubbers as a Waste-to-Resources approach, not only eliminating the pollution but also recycling as resources. However, it was mainly used for the treatment of the waste vulcanized natural rubber, which contains plentiful cis-1,4- structure. Despite of a much higher consumption of the emulsion type butadiene-based rubbers than natural rubber, there was no report on the metathetic degradation of the waste vulcanized emulsion type butadiene-based rubbers due to their less cis-1,4- unit, although the metathetic functionalization of the nonvulcanized emulsion type butadiene-based rubbers have been well reported. Here, the metathetic degradation of waste vulcanized emulsion type butadiene-based rubber was explored with nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) glove as a model. Different from the metathetic degradation of waste vulcanized natural rubber via only cross metathesis between cis-1,4-structure and the chain transfer agent (CTA), the ring closing metathesis between the adjacent cis-1,4-structure and 1,2-structure also occurred in the metathetic degradation of waste vulcanized NBR. It is expected to open the door for the Waste-to-Resources approach of all waste vulcanized emulsion type diene-based rubbers.

Comparison of two formulations of intravenous lipid emulsions in pediatric intestinal failure.

The effect of different types of lipid emulsion may guide therapy of patients with intestinal failure (IF) to limit morbidity such as intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with IF who received soybean oil lipid emulsion (SL) or mixed oil lipid emulsion (ML) was performed. Data over 1 year were collected. Forty-five patients received SL and 34 received ML. There were no differences in the incidence (82 versus 74%, P = 0.35) or resolution (86 versus 92%, P = 0.5) of IFALD between the cohorts. The median dose of ML was higher compared to SL (2 versus 1g/kg/day, P < 0.001). If resolved, IFALD resolved rapidly in the ML cohort compared to the SL cohort (67 versus 37days, P = 0.01). Weight gain was higher in the ML compared to the SL cohort at resolution of IFALD or 1 year from diagnosis of IF (P = 0.009). The administration of ML did not alter the incidence or resolution of IFALD compared to SL in pediatric IF. There was rapid resolution of IFALD and enhanced weight gain in the ML cohort compared to SL in pediatric IF.

Influence of physico-chemical properties of two lipoxin emulsion-loaded hydrogels on pre-polarized macrophages: a comparative analysis.

Inflammation, a crucial defense mechanism, must be rigorously regulated to prevent the onset of chronic inflammation and subsequent tissue damage. Specialized pro resolving mediators (SPMs) such as lipoxin A4 (LXA4) have demonstrated their ability to facilitate the resolution of inflammation by orchestrating a transition of M1 pro-inflammatory macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. However, the hydrophobic and chemically labile nature of LXA4 necessitates the development of a delivery system capable of preserving its integrity for clinical applications. In this study, two types of emulsion were formulated using different homogenization processes:mechanical overhead stirrer (MEB for blank Emulsion and MELX for LXA4 loaded-Emulsion) or Luer-lock syringes (SEB for blank Emulsion and SELX for LXA4 loaded-Emulsion)). Following characterization, including size and droplet morphology assessment by microscopy, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) was determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). To exert control over LXA4 release, these emulsions were embedded within silanized hyaluronic acid hydrogels. A comprehensive evaluation, encompassing gel time, swelling, and degradation profiles under acidic, basic, and neutral conditions, preceded the assessment of LXA4 cumulative release using LC-MS/MS. Physicochemical results indicate that H-MELX (Mechanical overhead stirrer LXA4 Emulsion loaded-Hydrogel) exhibits superior efficiency over H-SELX (Luer-lock syringes LXA4 Emulsion loaded-Hydrogel). While both formulations stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and promoted a pro-inflammatory macrophage phenotype, LXA4 emulsion-loaded hydrogels displayed a diminished pro-inflammatory activity compared to blank emulsion-loaded hydrogels. These findings highlight the biological efficacy of LXA4 within both systems, with H-SELX outperforming H-MELX in terms of efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful demonstration of the biological efficacy of LXA4 emulsion-loaded hydrogel systems on macrophage polarization. These versatile H-MELX and H-SELX formulations can be customized to enhance their biological activity making them promising tools to promote the resolution of inflammation in diverse clinical applications.