Introduction Nanoemulsions (NEs) are promising systems to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble compounds. They consist of two immiscible liquids, typically oil and water, stabilized by surfactants and characterized by high kinetic stability. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize three nanoemulsion formulations, with particular focus on one containing the bioactive compound curcumin. Methodology Three formulations were prepared using a high-energy ultrasonication method: (1) a nanoemulsion containing curcumin, annatto oil, and sunflower oil (NEC); (2) one with annatto and sunflower oils only (NEOL); and (3) one with sunflower oil only (NEB). All were stabilized with 9.0% Kolliphor® ELP of Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, Missouri, EUA). Characterization included particle size by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Polydispersity Index (PDI), Zeta potential, pH, density, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Results All formulations were homogeneous and exhibited hydrodynamic diameter (DH), PDI, and Zeta potential (PZ) values consistent with nanoemulsions. NEC showed values of 263.03 ± 47.94 nm, 0.15 ± 0.13, and −28.76 ± 2.24 mV, respectively. All formulations displayed acidic pH and similar densities. TEM revealed predominantly spherical particles with dimensions between 50 and 200 nm, while FTIR confirmed the incorporation of curcumin into the NEC formulation. Conclusion In the curcumin formulation, the presence of the bioactive compound did not compromise dispersion or morphological uniformity, ensuring desirable properties such as physicochemical stability and bioavailability, supporting its potential for wound healing and antimicrobial applications.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, G.O.S. and M.L.B.C.; methodology, G.O.S., G.A.J., M.L.B.C., M.C.R. and S.W.S.; validation, G.O.S., P.A.O. and P.H.O.; formal analysis, G.O.S., P.A.O. and P.H.O.; investigation, G.O.S. and P.H.O.; resources, G.A.J., M.L.B.C. and S.W.S.; data curation, G.O.S.; writing—original draft preparation, G.O.S.; writing—review and editing, G.O.S. and M.L.B.C.; visualization, G.O.S.; supervision, M.L.B.C.; project administration, M.L.B.C.; funding acquisition, M.L.B.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research was funded by the Research Support Foundation of the Federal District (FAPDF), process n° 00193.00002360/2022-11, and by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), Finance Code 001.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement
Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement
The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors on request.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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