Water Nanoemulsion Research Articles

Development and Evaluation of Nanoemulsions for Phenytoin Drug Loading

Aims: To understand about the nanoemulsion types and the process formation of spontaneous emulsification method by phase inversion. Then to test the different combinations of Oil, Surfactants and Co-surfactants for formation of suitable nanoemulsions for phenytoin drug loading.
 Study Design: Spontaneous emulsification method by phase inversion used to form the nanoemulsions.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.
 Methodology: Phenytoin is a widely used drug in anticonvulsants class for epilepsy which comes under BCS Class II of drug category. Phenytoin has high permeability property but it also shows low solubility property which makes it difficult to absorb from GI tract hence make a poor penetration into the brain to target disease in the CNS. To overcome the situation of poor delivery of phenytoin, the requirement of nanoparticulate drug delivery as an innovative and effective drug delivery system from nose to brain raised. The objective of our study was to find the best combination of oil and Smix (surfactant and co-surfactant mixture) to form o/w (Oil in Water) nanoemulsions suitable for loading phenytoin drug using spontaneous emulsification method for brain targeting.
 Results: Based on different compositions of oil (sunflower), surfactants (Tween-20), and co-surfactants (Transcutol P), forty-five test mixtures were made, water titration technique was employed for preparing the pseudo-ternary-phase diagrams. On the basis of these phase diagrams twenty-five phenytoin loaded nanoemulsions were formulated and further examined. After physicochemical characterization of these formulations the viscosity, pH, RI and % transmittance was found (6.149 ± 0.084 to 9.114 ± 0.027), (6.546 ± 0.018 to 6.656 ± 0.017), (1.395 ± 0.003 to 1.41 ± 0.005) and (94.53 ± 1.4% to 95.58 ± 1.2%) respectively. The release rate of phenytoin was found very satisfactory i.e., 98.51 ± 0.25 % to 99.82 ± 0.28 % after 24 hrs. The four formulations showed best release rate had further taken for particle size analysis. The particle size analysis showed that all the properties were in the desired range i.e., droplet size (18.9 to 21.9), zeta potential (-12.4 to -28.8), PDI (0.334 to 0.363). The study shows that the phenytoin loaded nanoemulsion is possible to make by water titration method and shall have a good drug release rate.
 Conclusion: The nanoemulsion formulations passed through stress testing had also showed good release rate of phenytoin. Also, the other parameters like viscosity, pH, RI and percentage transmittance were in a quit satisfactory range to proceed further with these formulations. The particle size analysis confirms the formation of nanoemultions which had very good drug release rates.

Nanoemulsion: A Green initiative for pest management

Brinjal or eggplant is a very important crop (vegetable) of sub-tropics and tropics of India. This plant is highly infested by, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). It is a polyphagous pest in nature, the adult and grub stages cause severe damage to the plants by feeding on its leaves, flowers and vegetables and create a heavy economic loss. Though the beetles could be controlled using synthetic pesticides, indiscriminate use of pesticide in the field causes problems such as pest resistance, environmental and health hazards etc. These pave way for the development of effective ecofriendly pest control measures. Plant based essential oils are used against these insect pests, as they constitute a rich source of bioactive components and reported to have many biological properties. Recently, essential oils were formulated as nanoemulsion and was developed for their effectiveness and eco-friendly nature. In this study, the oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsion of Mentha piperita were prepared by ultrasonication method at different concentrations and examined for the stability study. The stable nanoemulsion was characterized by DLS and was reported to consist with a mean droplet size of 10.84 nm, PDI was 0.1 and zeta potential was -45 mv which proved the good stability of the nanoemulsion. To assess the efficacy of the formulated nanoemulsion, and bulkemulsion, it was screened against the adult beetles, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata at different concentrations for 96 hours and the resulted LC50 value of nanoemulsion was 15.84 % which was found to be very effective than the LC50 value of bulkemulsion, which was 60.25 %. Hence from the results obtained, Mentha piperita nanoemulsion may be used as an organic pesticide because of its higher efficacy against the adult beetles, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata.

Intensification process in thyme essential oil nanoemulsion preparation based on subcritical water as green solvent and six different emulsifiers

Abstract In order to alter the solubility and bioavailability of various functional lipids and plant essential oils (EOs), it is possible to prepare their oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsions. Thyme O/W nanoemulsions were prepared under subcritical water conditions (at 120°C and pressure of 1.5 atm for 2 h), using Tween 20, Tween 80, saponin, Arabic gum, xanthan gum, and sodium caseinate as emulsifiers. Results indicated that nanoemulsions with minimum mean droplet size of 11.5 and 12.6 nm were produced using Tween 20 and 80, respectively. Moreover, nanoemulsions with minimum polydispersity index (0.139) and maximum mean value of zeta potential (−24.5 mV) were provided utilizing xanthan gum and saponin, respectively. Results also revealed that the prepared nanoemulsions using saponin had maximum antioxidant activity based on percentage of scavenging ability (40.6%) and bactericidal effects against Streptococcus mutans as manifested in the formed clear zone (diameter of 21 mm). Morphological assessment of all the prepared nanoemulsions demonstrated that spherical thyme nanodroplets were formed in the colloidal solutions which revealed that all the prepared nanoemulsions had high thermodynamic stability due to the minimum surface energy level of the formed nanodroplets. This can increase applications of the prepared thyme O/W nanoemulsions in the aqueous food and pharmaceutical formulations.

Cell Membrane-Coated Oil in Water Nano-Emulsions as Biomimetic Nanocarriers for Lipophilic Compounds Conveyance.

Recently, we developed ultra-stable oil in water nano-emulsions (O/W NEs), able to carry both internal and external cargos (Somes), such as lipophilic compounds and hydrophilic coatings, respectively, that we call here NEsoSomes. O/W NEs are an excellent bioengineering tool for drug and molecules delivery, due to their ability to dissolve a large number of hydrophobic compounds and protect them from hydrolysis and degradation under biological conditions. At present, no report is available on the combination of cell membrane coatings with such nanocarriers, probably due to their typical instability feature. Since then, we have reported, for the first time, a new cell membrane (CM)-coated nanomaterial composed of membranes extracted from glioblastoma cancer cells (U87-MG) deposited on NEsoSomes, through a liquid–liquid interface method, to produce highly controllable membrane caked nano-capsules, namely CM-NEsoSomes. CM-NEsoSomes were physically characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) over time and their correct morphology was analyzed by confocal and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) microscopy. Moreover, CM-NEsoSomes biocompatibility was tested on the healthy model cell line, performing cell cytotoxicity and uptake assay, showing nanocarriers uptake by cells with no induced cytotoxicity.

Development and optimization of drug-loaded nanoemulsion system by phase inversion temperature (PIT) method using Box–Behnken design

Objective The objective of the present investigation was to develop a stable and optimized drug-loaded nanoemulsion system using the phase inversion temperature (PIT) method. Significance The PIT method has been widely used for the development of food-grade nanoemulsion systems. For the first time, a simple and cost-effective, PIT method was used for the development of a stable drug-loaded nanoemulsion system. Methods Box–Behnken experimental design was used for the development of an optimized drug-loaded nanoemulsion system by the PIT method. The independent variables were optimized for responses by using the desirability function. The hydrophobic drug, benidipine was used as a modal drug. Optimized oil phase (blend of long-chain triglycerides oil, medium-chain triglycerides oil and essential oil) was used for the development of oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsion system. Results Optimum nanoemulsion formulation was stable, transparent and contained 50% of oil to surfactant percentage with a droplet size of 96.57 ± 1.61 nm. The optimum formulation also showed higher in-vitro drug diffusion from dialysis membrane as compared to the marketed formulation. Nanoemulsion droplets were observed as spherical in the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Box-Behnken statistical analysis revealed that all the independent variables had a significant impact on characteristics of nanoemulsion and the predicated value of independent variables was found to be valid. Conclusion It was concluded that the PIT method produces a stable and efficient drug-loaded nanoemulsion system. Further, the optimized oil phase can be used as an alternative to costly, commercial medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) oils, for the development of a stable nanoemulsion system.

Nanoemulsion of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil: A propitious striver against weeds of Triticum aestivum

Essential oil based bioherbicides are topic of interest for the new era agriculture because of growing concern worldwide to develop herbicide with low environmental impact. In the present study, oil in water nanoemulsions of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) essential oil were formulated by ultrasonic emulsification method and evaluated for herbicidal potential against Phalaris minor Retz., Avena ludoviciana Durieu, Rumex dentatus L. and Medicago denticulata Willd through Petri dish bioassay. The germination of P. minor, A. ludoviciana, R. dentatus and M. denticulata was totally inhibited at concentrations 0.4, 0.3, 0.3 and 0.05 wt%. Major constituents of F. vulgare essential oil, estragole, anethole and binary mixture did not completely inhibit the germination of the tested weed species even at highest concentrations. Nanoemulsions having 0.05 and 0.01 wt% F. vulgare essential oil were spherical in nature with average size below 130 nm and have good stability to centrifugation and dilution. The formulated nanoemulsions were clear and transparent even after 30 days of storage at ambient temperature. Nanoemulsions were more effective and completely inhibited the germination of P. minor, A. ludoviciana, R. dentatus and M. denticulata even at low dose of 0.05 wt% by adversely affecting the physiological processes like membrane leakage and reactive oxygen species mediated cellular damage. Nanoemulsions of F. vulgare essential oil have bioherbicidal properties and can contribute to the development of alternative tool for sustainable management of weeds.

New approach in process intensification based on subcritical water, as green solvent, in propolis oil in water nanoemulsion preparation

Abstract Subcritical water was used to provide propolis oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsions. To monitor and detect the main bioactive compounds of the prepared propolis extract, gas chromatography demonstrated that there were 47 bioactive materials in the propolis extract, among which pinostrobin chalcone and pinocembrin were the two key components. Effectiveness of two processing parameters such as the amount of saponin (0.5–2.0 g) and propolis extract (0.1–0.6 g), on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and antioxidant activity of the provided nanoemulsions, was evaluated. Results demonstrated that more desirable propolis O/W nanoemulsion, with minimum particle size (144.06 nm) and PDI (0.286), and maximum zeta potential (−21.71 mV) and antioxidant activity (90.86%) were made using 0.50 g of saponin and 0.53 g of propolis extract. Further analysis revealed that the prepared nanoemulsion based on optimum processing conditions had spherical shaped propolis nanodroplets in the colloidal solution with turbidity and maximum broad absorption peak of 0.08 a.u. and 292 nm, respectively. The prepared nanoemulsion had high antibacterial activity against both selected bacteria strains namely, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Ameliorating quercetin constraints in cancer therapy with pH-responsive agarose-polyvinylpyrrolidone -hydroxyapatite nanocomposite encapsulated in double nanoemulsion

Despite quercetin (QC) promising features for cancer therapy, low solubility, poor permeability, and short biological half-life time significantly confine its application in cancer therapy. In this study, a novel approach is developed to improve loading efficiency and attain quercetin sustained-release concurrently. In this direction, hydrogel nanocomposite of agarose (AG)-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-hydroxyapatite (HAp) was loaded with QC. Incorporating HAp nanoparticles in the AG-PVP hydrogel improved the loading efficiency up to 61%. Also, the interactions between nanoparticle, drug, and hydrogel polymers rendered the nanocomposite pH-responsive at acidic conditions and controlled the burst release at neutral conditions. Then, QC-loaded hydrogel was encapsulated into the water in oil in water nanoemulsions to further sustain the drug release. As a result, the pH-responsive release of QC with prolonged-release over 96 h was observed. In more detail, according to the Korsmeyer-Peppas mathematical model, the mechanism of release was anomalous (diffusion-controlled) at pH 7.4 and anomalous transport (dissolution-controlled) at pH 5.4. The presence of all nanocomposite components was confirmed with FTIR analysis, and XRD results approved the incorporation of QC in the fabricated nanocomposite. The homogeneous surface of the nanocomposite in FESEM images showed good compatibility between components. The zeta potential analysis confirmed the good stability of the nanocarriers. Besides, the fabricated AG-PVP-HAp-QC platform showed significant cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells compared to QC as a free drug (p < 0.001) and to quercetin-loaded AG-PVP (AG-PVP-QC) (p < 0.001) with enhanced apoptosis induction after the addition of HAp. Accordingly, this delivery platform ameliorated loading and sustained-release of QC, as well as its anticancer activity by releasing the drug at an effective therapeutic level over a long period to induce apoptosis. Thus, turning this drug delivery system into a potential candidate for further biomedical applications.

Correction to: investigation on the mitigation of environmental harmful emissions by incorporating nanoparticles to biofuel water nano emulsion in low heat rejection engine

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00231-021-03048-3

Physicochemical characterization of a DMPC-based nanoemulsion for dry eye and compatibility test with soft contact lenses in vitro

IntroductionThe use of contact lenses (CL) is often associated with hallmark symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) such as red eye and dryness. Even though lipid-based artificial tears are already marketed for DED, there is little evidence that supports their use while wearing soft CL. MethodsAn oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsion was formulated with a highly-stable oily phase composed of castor oil and 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC). Physicochemical characterization of the DMPC-based nanoemulsion (DMPC-NE) was performed using the Zetasizer Nano ZSP, and its long-term stability was evaluated over 24 months; in addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity of DMPC-NE was determined by Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Finally, the physical compatibility of the DMPC-NE with soft CL was tested by measuring the power, diameter, thickness and UV transmittance of two different types of CL. ResultsDMPC-NE had a mean particle size of 86.48 ± 4.22 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.22 ± 0.01 and a zeta potential of -33.23 ± 0.93 mV that remained with no changes after 24 months. DMPC-NE formulation, free of preservatives, showed no cytotoxicity and it was compatible with the physical properties of FDA-class II and -class IV CL. ConclusionDMPC-NE is a highly stable formulation for dry eye that is safe to be used while wearing soft CL.

Synthesis of Hierarchical Porous Silica by Sol‐Gel of Sodium Silicate and Nanoemulsion Templating: Effective Combination Conditions

AbstractHierarchical porous materials have attracted a considerable attention owing to the increased interest in their applications. Hierarchical Porous Silica (HPS) was synthesized by combining the sol‐gel of sodium silicate (SS) and oil in water nanoemulsion (O/W‐NE) templating. The oil droplets of NE acted as pore forming agent and the sol‐gel built the silica framework. The O/W‐NE was prepared by a low energy method, i. e., the phase inversion composition (PIC) method. The influence of pH of SS and NE on HPS was studied. The volume of ammonia, used to induce gelling, was studied as a factor influencing the HPS. The calcined samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), FTIR, N2 adsorption and small‐angel X‐ray scattering (SAXS). The results show that the microstructure is highly affected by pH and can be; macropores inserted in a dense matrix; a blend of a dense and a porous structure; or fully hierarchical porous silica. HPS has a specific surface area of 240 m2/g and a large pore volume (1.5 cm3/g) and a surface roughness of 2.95.

Investigation on the mitigation of environmental harmful emissions by incorporating nanoparticles to biofuel water nano emulsion in low heat rejection engine

The quantity of energy consumers in the country is extensive in the current quick-moving situation; the whole car industry puts a significant part in energy utilization. Biofuels have lured consideration among other alternative fuels as indicated by their natural element and synthetic creation.In this test, the aluminum nanoparticles are prepared by three various proportions (50, 100 and 150 ppm) being used in the base engine. To introduced thermal barrier coated engine in piston top face and the desired thickness is 500 μm with the assistance ofmethods using plasma spray and coated with PSZ material. A diesel engine is tested with 100% Borassus flabellifer, 20% Borassus flabellifer +75% mineral fuel +5% content of water and 20% Borassus flabellifer+75% mineral fuel+5% content of water + Al2O3 (50 ppm), 20% Borassus flabellifer +75% mineral fuel +5% content of water + Al2O3 (100 ppm) and 20% Borassus flabellifer+75% mineral fuel+5% content of water + Al2O3 (150 ppm),. The blend BFNP 150 shows an higher in break thermal efficiency by 5.12% when correlated with diesel fuel. The hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and opacity of the blend BFNP150 decreased by 22.42%, 31.98%, and 25.12% compared with the diesel fuel. Oxides of nitrogen are increased by 11.24% in the BFNP 150 blends when compared to basefuel.To use the biofuel, the oxides of nitrogen are increased to reduce the NOx the water content is adopted into the fuel with the surfactant’s help. Most of the research the Span 80 and Tween 80 was used as surfactant due to the high HLB value, and stability of the emission is withstanding for long times.

Formulation of highly stable PCM nano-emulsions with reduced supercooling for thermal energy storage using surfactant mixtures

This study was to develop stable phase change material (PCM)-water nano-emulsions with low supercooling and low viscosity using two-surfactant mixtures by the phase inversion temperature (PIT) method. The PCM agent n-hexadecane was mixed with Brij L4 as the primary surfactant and polyethylene-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PE-b-PEG), Tween 60 or Tween 80 as a co-surfactant to form stable nano-emulsions. The results showed that the droplet size, viscosity and PIT point as well as the stability of PCM nano-emulsions were strongly dependent on the combination, mass ratio and total concentration of the two surfactants. In 25% (w/w) PCM nano-emulsions, an optimum formulation was the surfactant combination of Brij L4 and Tween 60 at 6:4 mass ratio, mixed with PCM at 11:20 mass ratio. The corresponding nano-emulsion had a high stability, a small droplet size of 60 nm and desirable Newtonian fluid behaviour with a relatively low viscosity of 50 mPa s. The addition of n-octacosane as a nucleating agent was effective to reduce the emulsion supercooling, though the supercooling degree was notably increased after multiple thermal cycles. The optimized 25% PCM nano-emulsion with 2% (w/w) n-octadecane showed an excellent stability over 120 days and 300 thermal cycles with a droplet size below 80 nm, a supercooling degree of ~5 °C and a latent heat of ~50 J/g, which was very promising for further development and application as a cooling storage medium.

Nanoemulsions of Satureja montana Essential Oil: Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity against Avian Escherichia coli Strains.

Satureja montana essential oil (SEO) presents a wide range of biological activities due to its high content of active phytochemicals. In order to improve the essential oil’s (EO) properties, oil in water nanoemulsions (NEs) composed of SEO and Tween-80 were prepared, characterized, and their antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties assayed against Escherichia coli strains isolated from healthy chicken. Since surfactant and oil composition can strongly influence NE features and their application field, a ternary phase diagram was constructed and evaluated to select a suitable surfactant/oil/water ratio. Minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration of NEs, evaluated by the microdilution method, showed that the SEO NE formulation exhibited higher inhibitory effects against planktonic E. coli than SEO alone. The quantification of biofilm production in the presence of NEs, assessed by crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy, evidenced that sub-MIC concentrations of SEO NEs enable an efficient reduction of biofilm production by the strong producer strains. The optimized nanoemulsion formulation could ensure food safety quality, and counteract the antibiotic resistance of poultry associated E. coli, if applied/aerosolized in poultry farms.

Antifungal effect of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and carvacrol nanoemulsion against Penicillium digitatum and application in postharvest preservation of citrus fruit

Current study used high pressure microfludizer to encapsulate eugenol (EUG), carvacrol (CAR) and cinnamaldehyde (CA) in oil-in water nanoemulsion. The prime objective of this study was to explore the antifungal effect of these prepared nanoemulsion against Penicillium digitatum, and nanoemulsion coating effects on the shelf life of postharvest citrus fruits. The results showed that nanoemulsion has uniform particle size along with good centrifugal stability that has significant antifungal effect with MIC (0.125 mg/mL) and MFC (0.25 mg/mL) values. P. digitatum spore germination was significantly inhibited, and mycelial morphology was changed in a dose dependent manner and membrane permeability changed following nanoemulsion treatment. Furthermore, nanoemulsion coating could potentially reduce the citrus fruit decay rate, weight loss rate and respiratory rate. The soluble solids, vitamin C, and titratable acid contents degradation was delayed, while antioxidant enzyme activities were also significantly increased and maintained during postharvest storage. This study revealed that the nanoemulsion had better antifungal effect and great potential in prolonging the storage period of citrus fruits.

Comparing microfluidics and ultrasonication as formulation methods for developing hempseed oil nanoemulsions for oral delivery applications

Emerging formulation technologies aimed to produce nanoemulsions with improved characteristics, such as stability are attractive endeavors; however, comparisons between competing technologies are lacking. In this study, two formulation techniques that employed ultrasound and microfluidic approaches, respectively, were examined for relative capacity to produce serviceable oil in water nanoemulsions, based on hempseed oil (HSO). The ultrasound method reached > 99.5% entrapment efficiency with nanoemulsions that had an average droplet size (Z-Ave) < 180 nm and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.15 ± 0.04. Surfactant concentration (% w/v) was found to be a significant factor (p < 0.05) controlling the Z-Ave, PDI and zeta potential of these nanoparticles. On the other hand, the microfluidic approach produced smaller particles compared to ultrasonication, with good stability observed during storage at room temperature. The Z-Ave of < 62.0 nm was achieved for microfluidic nanoemulsions by adjusting the aqueous : organic flow rate ratio and total flow rate at 4:1 and 12 mL/min, respectively. Further analyses including a morphology examination, a simulated gastrointestinal release behavior study, transepithelial transport evaluations and a toxicity test, using a Caco2-cell model, were performed to assess the functionality of the prepared formulations. The results of this study conclude that both approaches of ultrasound and microfluidics have the capability to prepare an HSO-nanoemulsion formulation, with acceptable characteristics and stability for oral delivery applications.

Nanoemulsions: Increasing possibilities in oral drug delivery

The objective of our work was to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of Atrovastatin by developing oil in water (o/w) nanoemulsion to increase its poor solubility and consequently enhance the oral bioavailability. The aim of investigation was to rectify the first-pass metabolism of Atorvastatin, using preparation of nanoemulsion as a prominent delivery system. Olive oil, surfactant (tween 80, tween 40, tween 20) and co-surfctants including polyethylene glycol was selected after solubility studies. Then pseudo-ternary phase diagram with surfactant/ cosurfactant ratio of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1 were constructed and spontaneous emulsification method. Titration method was used to optimize the Atorvastatin loaded nanoemulsions. The prepared nanoemulsion was characterized by globule size, refractive index, partition coefficient, viscosity, drug entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release studies. Optimised nanoemulsion obtained was composed of olive oil (8.5 %w/w), tween 80 (11.5 %w/w) and water (80 %w/w). The results obtained showed an average globule size. The Optimized formulation showed an improvement in solubility of Atorvastatin. The use of pseudo-ternary phase diagram allows obtaining an optimal nanoemulsion with perfect stability for three months and a better solubilization capacity of Atorvastatin.

Efficacy of some pyrethroid nanopesticides against cotton leaf worm Spodoptera littoralis: Toxicity, biochemical and molecular docking studies

Although pesticides are favorable for controlling the pests because more than 30– 40 % of the Although pesticides are favorable for pest controlling because more than 30– 40 % of the food production is lost due to pests, however, the extensive use of pesticides has harmful effects on the environment and health. Recently, nanotechnology techniques are used in developing agrochemical formulations, nanoemulsions as new approach have attracted great attention in delivery of many poorly soluble in water active compounds. In this study some most widely used pyrethroid insecticides (cypermethrin, deltamethrin and lambdacyhalothrin) were formulated as nanoemulsions by high energy method (ultrasonication). The droplet sizes of prepared nanoemulsions have been investigated by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), characterization result reveals the size of particles in the range 24.42-84.99 nm. Formulated nanoemulsions in comparative with the active ingredient (ai) and emulsifier concentrate (EC) were evaluated against 4th instar larvae of S. littoralis, and the in vivo activity levels of targeted enzymes, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and adenosine triphosphate (ATPase) were studied in two bioassay methods (leaf dipping and topical application). Our finding showed that cypermethrin nanoemulsion has the highest activity with LC50 = 19.92 mg/l and LD50= 2.11 ng/lavra. Furthermore, the developed nano-formulation showed good toxicity levels on AChE and ATPase compared to the active ingredient and EC formulations. The protein-ligands docking were also studied and the docking poses showed that the insecticides had a good binding affinity to the active site of the target enzymes. On this basis, these results suggest that oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsions would be very useful and can be applied for delivery insecticide formulations.

Fabrication of zein/alginate delivery system for nanofood model based on pumpkin

Gastrectomy is among the most crucial types of surgeries proposed to treat gastric cancer and obesity. Gastrectomy patients experience difficulties such as energy deficit, anorexia, and malnutrition. The objective of the present study was to introduce nanofood as a fruitful strategy to supply the needed energy and nutrients for these patients and particularly control the release of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates on the simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Cooked pumpkin puree (CPP), sodium caseinate, sesame oil, rice bran oil, rice starch, sugar and pectin were applied to prepare oil in water nanoemulsion. Six delivery systems were prepared including various concentrations of zein (0.02–0.15% w/v) and alginate (0.01–0.16% w/v) in acidic (2.45–2.81) and alkaline (11.45–11.82) pH ranges. The particle size (83.5–207.0 nm) and calorific values (467.2–498.4 Cal/100 g) of samples were measured. Encapsulated food matrix nanoemulsion with zein/alginate's biopolymers delivery system (0.15:0.16 w/v, pH = 8.30) with 489.9 Cal/100 g exhibited the least digestible nutrients in the mouth (0.10%>) and gastric phase (6.91%>). It has high release nutrients in the small intestine phase (72.14%>). Therefore, it is introduced as the optimal formulation. The use of CPP in nanoemulsion formulation besides other ingredients is a good strategy to prepare nanofood for gastrectomy patients.

Astaxanthin–garlic oil nanoemulsions preparation using spontaneous microemulsification technique: optimization and their physico–chemical properties

Abstract Garlic oil in water nanoemulsion was resulted through subcritical water method (temperature of 120 °C and pressure of 1.5 bar, for 2 h), using aponin, as emulsifier. Based on the prepared garlic oil nanoemulsion, astaxanthin–garlic oil nanoemulsions were prepared using spontaneous microemulsification technique. Response surface methodology was employed to evaluate the effects of independent variables namely, amount of garlic oil nanoemulsion (1–9 mL) and amount of provided astaxanthin powder (1–9 g) on particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) of the resulted nanoemulsions. Results of optimization indicated that well dispersed and spherical nanodroplets were formed in the nanoemulsions with minimum particle size (76 nm) and polydispersity index (PDI, 0.358) and maximum zeta potential value (−8.01 mV), using garlic oil nanoemulsion amount of 8.27 mL and 4.15 g of astaxanthin powder. Strong antioxidant activity (&gt;100%) of the prepared astaxanthin–garlic oil nanoemulsion, using obtained optimum amounts of the components, could be related to the highest antioxidant activity of the colloidal astaxanthin (&gt;100%) as compared to that of the garlic oil nanoemulsion (16.4%). However, higher bactericidal activity of the resulted nanoemulsion against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, were related to the main sulfur bioactive components of the garlic oil in which their main functional groups were detected by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy.