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Keywords = water-in-oil (W/O) nanoemulsion

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20 pages, 6962 KiB  
Article
Topical Delivery of Ceramide by Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsion to Retain Epidermal Moisture Content in Dermatitis
by Yu Zhou, Lichun Wu, Yi Zhang, Jia Hu, Jannatul Fardous, Yasuhiro Ikegami and Hiroyuki Ijima
Biomolecules 2025, 15(5), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15050608 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1142
Abstract
External environmental stressors and internal physiological changes frequently compromise the skin barrier, resulting in conditions such as dermatitis and dehydration. A key underlying factor is the depletion of ceramides, essential lipids in the stratum corneum that maintain skin integrity. Although topical ceramide supplementation [...] Read more.
External environmental stressors and internal physiological changes frequently compromise the skin barrier, resulting in conditions such as dermatitis and dehydration. A key underlying factor is the depletion of ceramides, essential lipids in the stratum corneum that maintain skin integrity. Although topical ceramide supplementation is effective for barrier repair, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and low skin permeability. To overcome these challenges, this study developed an oil-in-water nanoemulsion (O/W-NE) using ultrasonic emulsification for the efficient transdermal delivery of ceramide C2. Octyldodecanol was selected as the oil phase to enhance ceramide solubility, while glycerin was incorporated to increase aqueous phase viscosity, reduce particle size, and function as a biocompatible penetration enhancer. The optimized nanoemulsion achieved a particle size of 112.5 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 85%. Its performance was evaluated via in vitro release, ex vivo skin permeation, and in vivo biocompatibility studies. Mechanistic investigations revealed that both particle size and glycerin concentration significantly influenced ceramide penetration into the epidermis and dermis. Additionally, the nanoemulsion exhibited moisturizing and barrier-repair effects in a damaged skin model. Overall, this O/W-NE offers a stable, non-invasive strategy for enhancing ceramide delivery and restoring skin barrier function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration)
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16 pages, 1557 KiB  
Article
Design, Optimization, Manufacture and Characterization of Milbemycin Oxime Nanoemulsions
by Ze-En Li, Yang-Guang Jin, Shao-Zu Hu, Yue Liu, Ming-Hui Duan, Shi-Hao Li, Long-Ji Sun, Fan Yang and Fang Yang
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030289 - 22 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 779
Abstract
Background: Despite the rapid development of nanoemulsions in recent years, no method has been established for the preparation of milbemycin oxime nanoemulsions. Milbemycin oxime is a widely used macrolide antibiotic in veterinary medicine, particularly for treating parasitic infections in animals such as dogs. [...] Read more.
Background: Despite the rapid development of nanoemulsions in recent years, no method has been established for the preparation of milbemycin oxime nanoemulsions. Milbemycin oxime is a widely used macrolide antibiotic in veterinary medicine, particularly for treating parasitic infections in animals such as dogs. However, its poor solubility in water limits its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Developing a nanoemulsion formulation can enhance its solubility, stability, and bioavailability, offering a more effective treatment option. Methods: In this experiment, oil-in-water (O/W) milbemycin oxime nanoemulsions were successfully prepared by the phase inversion composition (PIC) method using ethyl butyrate as the oil phase, Tween-80 as the surfactant, and anhydrous ethanol as the co-surfactant. The region of O/W nanoemulsions was identified by constructing a pseudo-ternary phase diagram and, based on this, was screened by determining the droplet size, polydispersity coefficient, and zeta potential of each preparation. Results and Conclusions: The finalized formulation had a 2:1 ratio of surfactant to co-surfactant and a 7:3 ratio of mixed surfactant to oil, and its droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were 12.140 ± 0.128 nm, 0.155 ± 0.015, and −4.947 ± 0.768 mV, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the spherical uniform distribution of droplets, and the nanoemulsions passed thermodynamic stability tests. The in vitro release of milbemycin oxime nanoemulsions followed first-order kinetic equations. In conclusion, nanoemulsions are an interesting option for the delivery of poorly water-soluble molecules such as milbemycin oxime. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology)
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18 pages, 8630 KiB  
Article
Whey Protein Isolate-Encapsulated Astaxanthin Nanoemulsion More Effectively Mitigates Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Dexamethasone-Induced Mice
by Yuchen Huan, Han Yue, Yanli Song, Wenmei Zhang, Biqian Wei and Qingjuan Tang
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050750 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1091
Abstract
Background: Skeletal muscle, as the largest organ in the body and the main protein pool, is crucial for various physiological processes, but atrophy of skeletal muscle can result from glucocorticoids, including dexamethasone, or from aging. Astaxanthin (AST) is a ketocarotenoid with a variety [...] Read more.
Background: Skeletal muscle, as the largest organ in the body and the main protein pool, is crucial for various physiological processes, but atrophy of skeletal muscle can result from glucocorticoids, including dexamethasone, or from aging. Astaxanthin (AST) is a ketocarotenoid with a variety of physiological activities. However, the clinical application of AST is hampered by its strong hydrophobicity, intense off-flavors, and susceptibility to oxidation. Methods: In this study, we prepared whey protein isolate (WPI)-encapsulated AST nanoemulsion (WPI-AST, W-A) and investigated its alleviating effects on dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Results: The optimal concentration of astaxanthin was determined to be 30 mg/mL with an oil/water ratio of 1:5. The W-A was a typical oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion with a particle size of about 110 nm. The bioaccessibility of astaxanthin was significantly improved, with the off-flavors of astaxanthin effectively masked. After oral administration, the W-A further ameliorated skeletal muscle atrophy by inhibiting skeletal muscle catabolism, promoting skeletal muscle production, and inhibiting mitochondrial autophagy compared with the same dose of WPI and AST. In addition to this, the W-A further improved the glycometabolism of skeletal muscle by reducing the expression of Foxo3 and increasing the expression of PGC-1α. Conclusions: In conclusion, the W-A nanoemulsion demonstrated good therapeutic value in alleviating skeletal muscle atrophy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Nutrition)
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17 pages, 3356 KiB  
Article
Encapsulation of Canola Oil by Sonication for the Development of Protein and Starch Systems: Physical Characteristics and Rheological Properties
by Reynaldo J. Silva-Paz, Celenia E. Ñope-Quito, Thalia A. Rivera-Ashqui, Nicodemo C. Jamanca-Gonzales, Amparo Eccoña-Sota, Natalia Riquelme and Carla Arancibia
Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9010010 - 22 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1318
Abstract
Canola oil, extracted from Brassica napus, is appreciated for its nutritional profile, but its use in the food industry is limited by its susceptibility to oxidation. This study aimed to evaluate the nanoemulsion of canola oil by sonication to develop stable nanoemulsified [...] Read more.
Canola oil, extracted from Brassica napus, is appreciated for its nutritional profile, but its use in the food industry is limited by its susceptibility to oxidation. This study aimed to evaluate the nanoemulsion of canola oil by sonication to develop stable nanoemulsified gels from protein and starch systems. Two stages were performed. In the first stage, oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions were prepared using soy lecithin and Tween 80 as emulsifiers, analyzing their physical stability by particle size and polydispersity index. The results show that the sonication conditions and emulsifier concentration significantly affected the creaming index and particle size. In the second stage, gels were developed from these nanoemulsions, evaluating their colorimetric and rheological properties. It was observed that the gels presented a viscoelastic behavior suitable for food applications, with a higher luminosity in protein systems. In conclusion, nanoemulsion by sonication improves the stability of canola oil, suggesting its potential use in various food applications. Additional emulsifier combinations and optimization of processing conditions are recommended to further improve the stability and functionality of the encapsulated oil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Colloids: 3rd Edition)
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20 pages, 2155 KiB  
Article
Bioaccessibility and Stability Studies on Encapsulated Phenolics and Carotenoids from Olive and Tomato Pomace: Development of a Functional Fruit Beverage
by Maria Katsouli, Ioanna V. Thanou, Evgenia Raftopoulou, Athina Ntzimani, Petros Taoukis and Maria C. Giannakourou
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(22), 10495; https://doi.org/10.3390/app142210495 - 14 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1357
Abstract
This study pertains the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, specifically phenolic compounds and lycopene, extracted from olive and tomato by-products via oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions and their potential application in functional beverages. The effect of various edible oils (olive pomace oil (OPO), sunflower oil (SFO), [...] Read more.
This study pertains the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, specifically phenolic compounds and lycopene, extracted from olive and tomato by-products via oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions and their potential application in functional beverages. The effect of various edible oils (olive pomace oil (OPO), sunflower oil (SFO), corn oil (CO), fish oil (FO), and canola oil (CLA)) in the lipid phase and antioxidants (ascorbic acid and phenolic extracts) in the aqueous phase on the physicochemical properties of oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions enriched with lycopene was evaluated, along with the bioaccessibility of the encapsulated bioactive compounds using the static INFOGEST in vitro simulation protocol for gastrointestinal food digestion. All examined edible oils led to nanoemulsions with uniform droplet sizes (droplet size < 300 nm, droplet distribution < 0.3) and high stability during storage at 4 °C, with FO being the smallest, at 259.3 ± 9.1 nm, and OPO the largest, at 286.6 ± 10.0 nm. Ascorbic acid increased the droplet size by 5–8%, improved droplet distribution, and led to a lower deterioration rate (−0.014 d−1) when compared to the “control” counterparts (−0.037 d−1). Lycopene bioaccessibility was significantly affected by the lipid phase, with OPO exhibiting the highest percentage (53.8 ± 2.6%) and FO the lowest (40.1 ± 2.1%). The OPO nanoemulsion was selected for the development of a functional beverage, showing excellent long-term stability. The phenolic compound concentration remained consistent during storage, and the lycopene degradation rate was minimal, at −0.0088 d−1, resulting in an estimated shelf life of 165 days at 4 °C, based on a 50% reduction in lycopene content. Similarly, phenolic compounds demonstrated high bioaccessibility, without a significant dependence on the lipid phase, and stability during shelf life, enhancing the beverage’s overall antioxidant profile. These results indicate that O/W nanoemulsions are effective delivery systems for functional beverages, offering improved stability and bioaccessibility of lycopene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering)
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6 pages, 1609 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
In Vitro Digestion of Chia Seed Oil Nanoemulsions
by Luciana Julio, Greilis Quintero-Gamero, Estefanía Guiotto and Vanesa Ixtaina
Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 37(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2024037003 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 688
Abstract
Oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions offer significant potential for protecting and delivering sensitive ingredients such as chia seed oil, which is rich in ω-3 fatty acids (approximately 64% α-linolenic acid, ALA). This research work aimed to study the in vitro fat digestibility of chia [...] Read more.
Oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions offer significant potential for protecting and delivering sensitive ingredients such as chia seed oil, which is rich in ω-3 fatty acids (approximately 64% α-linolenic acid, ALA). This research work aimed to study the in vitro fat digestibility of chia O/W nanoemulsions (Cas1000) with 10% (w/w) of chia oil and 2% (w/w) of sodium caseinate prepared by microfluidization (1000 bar, 3 passes) and characterized through their droplet size, superficial droplet charge, and global stability. In terms of the in vitro fat digestibility, three different matrices were studied: a water solution of sodium caseinate, a chia O/W nanoemulsion, and a bulk chia oil. The particle size distribution, mean diameter, and microstructure were evaluated after in vitro stomach and small intestine simulation according to the INFOGEST method. Free fatty acids (% FFA) produced during lipolysis were quantified at the end of digestion through their neutralization by acid-base volumetric assay. The droplet size of the Cas1000 had slight changes during the gastric phase while a significant variation of this parameter was observed at the end of the intestinal phase. A higher %FFA was obtained in Cas1000 compared to bulk chia oil with values of 58.26 and 38.13%, respectively. The ALA content in the lipid phase was quantified at the end of the gastrointestinal digestion process. The results indicated no significant changes compared to the initial oil, suggesting no losses of active compounds during digestion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of VI International Congress la ValSe-Food)
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24 pages, 9663 KiB  
Article
Physicochemical Characterization, Rheological Properties, and Antimicrobial Activity of Sodium Alginate-Pink Pepper Essential Oil (PPEO) Nanoemulsions
by Mariah Almeida Lima, Juliana Carusi, Liliana de Oliveira Rocha, Renata Valeriano Tonon, Rosiane Lopes Cunha and Amauri Rosenthal
Foods 2024, 13(19), 3090; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193090 - 27 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1884
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) have antimicrobial properties, but their low solubility in water and strong flavor pose challenges for direct incorporation into food, as they can negatively impact organoleptic properties. To overcome these issues, strategies such as oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions have been developed to [...] Read more.
Essential oils (EOs) have antimicrobial properties, but their low solubility in water and strong flavor pose challenges for direct incorporation into food, as they can negatively impact organoleptic properties. To overcome these issues, strategies such as oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions have been developed to improve EO dispersion and protection while enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. The objective of this study was to create sodium alginate-pink pepper essential oil (PPEO) nanoemulsions using microfluidization. Various formulations were assessed for physicochemical, physical, and antimicrobial properties to evaluate their potential in food applications. The microfluidized emulsions and nanoemulsions had droplet sizes ranging from 160 to 443 nm, polydispersity index (PdI) ranging from 0.273 to 0.638, and zeta potential (ζ) ranging from −45.2 to 66.3 mV. The nanoemulsions exhibited Newtonian behavior and remarkable stability after 20 days of storage. Antimicrobial testing revealed effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 200 µg/mL for both microorganisms and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL, respectively, proving that encapsulation of PPEO in nanoemulsions significantly increased its antibacterial activity. These results present the possibility of using PPEO nanoemulsions as a more effective natural alternative to synthetic preservatives in food systems. Full article
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23 pages, 7648 KiB  
Article
Multistage Nanocarrier Based on an Oil Core–Graphene Oxide Shell
by Immacolata Tufano, Raffaele Vecchione, Valeria Panzetta, Edmondo Battista, Costantino Casale, Giorgia Imparato and Paolo Antonio Netti
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(6), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16060827 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1722
Abstract
Potent synthetic drugs, as well as biomolecules extracted from plants, have been investigated for their selectivity toward cancer cells. The main limitation in cancer treatment is the ability to bring such molecules within each single cancer cell, which requires accumulation in the peritumoral [...] Read more.
Potent synthetic drugs, as well as biomolecules extracted from plants, have been investigated for their selectivity toward cancer cells. The main limitation in cancer treatment is the ability to bring such molecules within each single cancer cell, which requires accumulation in the peritumoral region followed by homogeneous spreading within the entire tissue. In the last decades, nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool due to its ability to protect the drug during blood circulation and allow enhanced accumulation around the leaky regions of the tumor vasculature. However, the ideal size for accumulation of around 100 nm is too large for effective penetration into the dense collagen matrix. Therefore, we propose a multistage system based on graphene oxide nanosheet-based quantum dots (GOQDs) with dimensions that are 12 nm, functionalized with hyaluronic acid (GOQDs-HA), and deposited using the layer-by-layer technique onto an oil-in-water nanoemulsion (O/W NE) template that is around 100 nm in size, previously stabilized by a biodegradable polymer, chitosan. The choice of a biodegradable core for the nanocarrier is to degrade once inside the tumor, thus promoting the release of smaller compounds, GOQDs-HA, carrying the adsorbed anticancer compound, which in this work is represented by curcumin as a model bioactive anticancer molecule. Additionally, modification with HA aims to promote active targeting of stromal and cancer cells. Cell uptake experiments and preliminary penetration experiments in three-dimensional microtissues were performed to assess the proposed multistage nanocarrier. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy)
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21 pages, 7798 KiB  
Article
Process Optimization of Tinospora cordifolia Extract-Loaded Water in Oil Nanoemulsion Developed by Ultrasound-Assisted Homogenization
by Varisha Anjum, Uday Bagale, Ammar Kadi, Artem Malinin, Irina Potoroko, Amal H. Alharbi, Doaa Sami Khafaga, Marawa AlMetwally, Al-Seyday T. Qenawy, Areefa Anjum and Faraat Ali
Molecules 2024, 29(8), 1797; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081797 - 16 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1995
Abstract
Nanoemulsions are gaining interest in a variety of products as a means of integrating easily degradable bioactive compounds, preserving them from oxidation, and increasing their bioavailability. However, preparing stable emulsion compositions with the desired characteristics is a difficult task. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Nanoemulsions are gaining interest in a variety of products as a means of integrating easily degradable bioactive compounds, preserving them from oxidation, and increasing their bioavailability. However, preparing stable emulsion compositions with the desired characteristics is a difficult task. The aim of this study was to encapsulate the Tinospora cordifolia aqueous extract (TCAE) into a water in oil (W/O) nanoemulsion and identify its critical process and formulation variables, like oil (27–29.4 mL), the surfactant concentration (0.6–3 mL), and sonication amplitude (40% to 100%), using response surface methodology (RSM). The responses of this formulation were studied with an analysis of the particle size (PS), free fatty acids (FFAs), and encapsulation efficiency (EE). In between, we have studied a fishbone diagram that was used to measure risk and preliminary research. The optimized condition for the formation of a stable nanoemulsion using quality by design was surfactant (2.43 mL), oil concentration (27.61 mL), and sonication amplitude (88.6%), providing a PS of 171.62 nm, FFA content of 0.86 meq/kg oil and viscosity of 0.597 Pa.s for the blank sample compared to the enriched TCAE nanoemulsion with a PS of 243.60 nm, FFA content of 0.27 meq/kg oil and viscosity of 0.22 Pa.s. The EE increases with increasing concentrations of TCAE, from 56.88% to 85.45%. The RSM response demonstrated that both composition variables had a considerable impact on the properties of the W/O nanoemulsion. Furthermore, after the storage time, the enriched TCAE nanoemulsion showed better stability over the blank nanoemulsion, specially the FFAs, and the blank increased from 0.142 to 1.22 meq/kg oil, while TCAE showed 0.266 to 0.82 meq/kg. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Emerging Trends of Extraction and Encapsulation in Food)
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15 pages, 6036 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Emulsified Oil Adsorption onto Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles—Kinetic and Isotherm Models
by Hamideh Hamedi, Nima Rezaei and Sohrab Zendehboudi
Energies 2023, 16(24), 8073; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16248073 - 15 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1537
Abstract
Recently, considerable attention has been given to using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for capturing oil from oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, despite MNPs’ inherent instability and agglomeration. Their stabilization through changing surface chemistry is required to increase dispersivity. In this research, we use cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) [...] Read more.
Recently, considerable attention has been given to using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for capturing oil from oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, despite MNPs’ inherent instability and agglomeration. Their stabilization through changing surface chemistry is required to increase dispersivity. In this research, we use cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a cationic surfactant to increase the positive surface charge of the particles, resulting in a better stability in the aqueous solution because of increased repulsive forces. The functionalized MNPs are characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential, and contact angle (CA) measurements. The aim of this study is to investigate the oil separation efficiency (SE) and equilibrium oil adsorption capacity of the synthesized particles, which are determined using gas chromatography analysis. We also study the adsorption behavior using isotherm and kinetic models. The SE values indicate the superior performance of MNP@CTAB for oil adsorption from dodecane-in-water nanoemulsion (SE = 99.80%) compared to the bare MNPs with SE of approximately 57.46%. These findings are attributed to the stronger electrostatic attraction between the MNP@CTAB having high positive charge and negatively charged oil droplets. The adsorption isotherm results using both linear and non-linear regression methods show that the Freundlich isotherm is the best fit to the experimental equilibrium data (with calculated R2 > 0.97), verifying a multilayer heterogeneous adsorption. Moreover, the pseudo-first-order kinetic model describes the experimental equilibrium data in a greater congruence (R2 = 0.99), suggesting physical adsorption of oil onto MNPs through van der Waals and physical bonding, which is also confirmed through zeta potential measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section H: Geo-Energy)
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14 pages, 3474 KiB  
Article
Triple-Emulsion-Based Antibubbles: A Step Forward in Fabricating Novel Multi-Drug Delivery Systems
by Rabia Zia, Albert T. Poortinga, Akmal Nazir, Salahdein Aburuz and Cornelus F. van Nostrum
Pharmaceutics 2023, 15(12), 2757; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15122757 - 12 Dec 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1802
Abstract
Developing carriers capable of efficiently transporting both hydrophilic and lipophilic payloads is a captivating focus within the pharmaceutical and drug delivery research domain. Antibubbles, constituting an innovative encapsulation system designed for drug delivery purposes, have garnered scientific interest thanks to their distinctive water-in-air-in-water [...] Read more.
Developing carriers capable of efficiently transporting both hydrophilic and lipophilic payloads is a captivating focus within the pharmaceutical and drug delivery research domain. Antibubbles, constituting an innovative encapsulation system designed for drug delivery purposes, have garnered scientific interest thanks to their distinctive water-in-air-in-water (W1/A/W2) structure. However, in contrast to their precursor, i.e., nanoparticle-stabilized W1/O/W2 double emulsion, traditional antibubbles lack the ability to accommodate a lipophilic payload, as the intermediary (volatile) oil layer of the emulsion is replaced by air during the antibubble fabrication process. Therefore, here, we report the fabrication of triple-emulsion-based antibubbles (O1/W1/A/W2), in which the inner aqueous phase was loaded with a nanoemulsion stabilized by various proteins, including whey, soy, or pea protein isolates. As model drugs, we employed the dyes Nile red in the oil phase and methylene blue in the aqueous phase. The produced antibubbles were characterized regarding their size distribution, entrapment efficiency, and stability. The produced antibubbles demonstrated substantial entrapment efficiencies for both lipophilic (ranging from 80% to 90%) and hydrophilic (ranging from 70% to 82%) components while also exhibiting an appreciable degree of stability during an extended rehydration period of two weeks. The observed variations among different antibubble variants were primarily attributed to differences in protein concentration rather than the type of protein used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microemulsion Utility in Pharmaceuticals)
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20 pages, 7590 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Use of Hydroxytyrosol and Some of Its Esters in Food-Grade Nanoemulsions: Establishing Connection between Structure and Efficiency
by Josefa Freiría-Gándara, Tamara Martínez-Senra and Carlos Bravo-Díaz
Antioxidants 2023, 12(11), 2002; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12112002 - 14 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3053
Abstract
The efficiency of HT and that of some of its hydrophobic derivatives and their distribution and effective concentrations were investigated in fish oil-in-water nanoemulsions. For this purpose, we carried out two sets of independent, but complementary, kinetic experiments in the same intact fish [...] Read more.
The efficiency of HT and that of some of its hydrophobic derivatives and their distribution and effective concentrations were investigated in fish oil-in-water nanoemulsions. For this purpose, we carried out two sets of independent, but complementary, kinetic experiments in the same intact fish nanoemulsions. In one of them, we monitored the progress of lipid oxidation in intact nanoemulsions by monitoring the formation of conjugated dienes with time. In the second set of experiments, we determined the distributions and effective concentrations of HT and its derivatives in the same intact nanoemulsions as those employed in the oxidation experiments. Results show that the antioxidant efficiency is consistent with the “cut-off” effect—the efficiency of HT derivatives increases upon increasing their hydrophobicity up to the octyl derivative after which a further increase in the hydrophobicity decreases their efficiency. Results indicate that the effective interfacial concentration is the main factor controlling the efficiency of the antioxidants and that such efficiency strongly depends on the surfactant concentration and on the oil-to-water (o/w) ratio employed to prepare the nanoemulsions. Full article
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14 pages, 5907 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Hydrophobic Octadecylphosphonic Acid-Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles for the Demulsification of n-Hexane-in-Water Nanoemulsions
by Jiling Liang, Tingting Han, Wenwu Wang, Lunqiu Zhang and Yan Zhang
Materials 2023, 16(15), 5367; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155367 - 31 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1662
Abstract
To design more environmentally friendly, economical, and efficient demulsifiers for oily wastewater treatment, hydrophobic octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA)-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (referred to as Fe3O4@ODPA) were prepared by condensation of hydroxyl groups between ODPA and Fe3O [...] Read more.
To design more environmentally friendly, economical, and efficient demulsifiers for oily wastewater treatment, hydrophobic octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA)-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (referred to as Fe3O4@ODPA) were prepared by condensation of hydroxyl groups between ODPA and Fe3O4 nanoparticles using the co-precipitation method. The prepared magnetite nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric/differential thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) analysis. The water contact angles (θW) of Fe3O4@ODPA nanoparticles were more than 120°, indicating hydrophobic nature, and the diameter of the obtained spherical-shaped magnetite nanoparticles was 12–15 nm. The ODPA coating amount (AO) (coating weight per gram Fe3O4) and specific surface area (SO) of Fe3O4@ODPA were 0.124–0.144 g·g−1 and 78.65–91.01 m2·g−1, respectively. To evaluate the demulsification ability, stability, and reusability, the magnetite nanoparticles were used to demulsify an n-hexane-in-water nanoemulsion. The effects of the magnetite nanoparticle dosage (CS), pH value of nanoemulsion, and NaCl or CaCl2 electrolytes on the demulsification efficiency (RO) were investigated. The RO of Fe3O4@ODPA samples was found to be higher than that of bare Fe3O4 samples (S0, ST, and SN) under all CS values. With the increase in CS, the RO of Fe3O4@ODPA samples initially increased and then approached equilibrium value at Cs = 80.0 g·L−1. A maximum RO of ~93% was achieved at CS = 100.0 g·L−1 for the Fe3O4@ODPA sample S2. The pH and two electrolytes had a minor effect on RO. The Fe3O4@ODPA nanoparticles maintained high RO even after being reused for demulsification 11 times. This indicates that the hydrophobic Fe3O4@ODPA samples can be used as an effective magnetite demulsifer for oil-in-water nanoemulsions. Full article
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17 pages, 5501 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Nanoemulsions for the Intra-Articular Delivery of Ascorbic Acid and Dexamethasone
by Camelia Mihaela Zară-Dănceanu, Cristina Stavilă, Anca Emanuela Minuti, Luminiţa Lăbușcă, Valentin Nastasa, Dumitru-Daniel Herea, Răzvan-Nicolae Malancus, Daniel Ghercă, Sorin-Aurelian Pasca, Horia Chiriac, Mihai Mares and Nicoleta Lupu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 11916; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241511916 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2291
Abstract
(1) Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint degenerative disease that currently has no cure. Limitations in the development of innovative disease modifying therapies are related to the complexity of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. In addition, there is the unmet need for efficient drug [...] Read more.
(1) Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint degenerative disease that currently has no cure. Limitations in the development of innovative disease modifying therapies are related to the complexity of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. In addition, there is the unmet need for efficient drug delivery methods. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been proposed as an efficient modality for the delivery of bioactive molecules within OA joints, limiting the side effects associated with systemic delivery. We previously demonstrated MNP’s role in increasing cell proliferation and chondrogenesis. In the design of intra-articular therapies for OA, the combined NE-MNP delivery system could provide increased stability and biological effect. (2) Proprietary Fe3O4 MNPs formulated as oil-in-water (O/W) magneto nanoemulsions (MNEs) containing ascorbic acid and dexamethasone were tested for size, stability, magnetic properties, and in vitro biocompatibility with human primary adipose mesenchymal cells (ADSC), cell mobility, and chondrogenesis. In vivo biocompatibility was tested after systemic administration in mice. (3) We report high MNE colloidal stability, magnetic properties, and excellent in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility. By increasing ADSC migration potential and chondrogenesis, MNE carrying dexamethasone and ascorbic acid could reduce OA symptoms while protecting the cartilage layer. Full article
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14 pages, 3449 KiB  
Article
Construction and Performance Evaluation of Nicandra physalodes (Linn.) Gaertn. Polysaccharide-Based Nanogel
by Fangyan Liu, Chen Shen, Xuelian Chen, Fei Gao and Yin Chen
Polymers 2023, 15(8), 1933; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15081933 - 19 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1989
Abstract
The nanogels made from these polysaccharides and their derivatives are often used to construct drug delivery systems owing to their biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, water-soluble, and bioactive characteristics. In this work, a novel pectin with unique gelling properties was extracted from the seed of [...] Read more.
The nanogels made from these polysaccharides and their derivatives are often used to construct drug delivery systems owing to their biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, water-soluble, and bioactive characteristics. In this work, a novel pectin with unique gelling properties was extracted from the seed of Nicandra physalodes (NPGP). The structural research indicated that NPGP was a low methoxyl pectin with a high content of galacturonic acid. NPGP-based nanogels (NGs) were accomplished employing the water in oil (W/O) nano-emulsion method. The cysteamine containing reduction-responsive bond and integrin-targeting RGD peptide were also grafted onto NPGP. The anti-tumor drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was loaded during the formation of NGs, and the performance of DOX delivery was studied. The NGs were characterized by UV-vis, DLS, TEM, FT-IR, and XPS. The results showed that the prepared NGs were nanosized (167.6 ± 53.86 nm), had excellent encapsulation efficiency (91.61 ± 0.85%), and possessed a fine drug loading capacity (8.40 ± 0.16%). The drug release experiment showed that DOX@NPGP-SS-RGD had good redox-responsive performance. Furthermore, the results of cell experiments revealed good biocompatibility of prepared NGs, along with selective absorption by HCT-116 cells through integrin receptor-mediated endocytosis to play an anti-tumor effect. These studies indicated the potential application of NPGP-based NGs as targeted drug delivery systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials for Drug Delivery II)
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