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Nano-emulsion formulation using spontaneous emulsification: solvent, oil and surfactant optimisation
K Bouchemal1, S Briançon, E Perrier
1Laboratoire d'Automatique et de Génie des Procédés, UMR-CNRS 50 07 CPE Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 43 Boulevard du 11, Novembre 1918, F-69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France. kbouchemal@yahoo.fr
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|July 22, 2004
Summary
Optimizing nano-emulsion formulation using spontaneous emulsification is key for creating fine oil-in-water dispersions. Oil viscosity and solvent miscibility significantly impact droplet size and emulsion properties for nanocapsule preparation.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Technology
Background:
- Nano-emulsions are fine oil-in-water dispersions with droplet sizes ranging from 100-600 nm.
- Spontaneous emulsification is a mechanism for creating nano-emulsions by mixing specific organic and aqueous phases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize nano-emulsion preparation using spontaneous emulsification.
- To investigate the influence of oil type, surfactant properties, and water-miscible solvents on droplet size distribution.
- To determine optimal solvent compositions for stable nano-emulsion formation.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of nano-emulsions via spontaneous emulsification.
- Systematic variation of oil viscosity (e.g., alpha-tocopherol) and surfactant Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB).
- Adjustment of water-miscible solvent proportions (acetone, ethyl acetate, MEK) and evaluation of their miscibility.
- Comparison of solvent physical characteristics like flash point and auto-inflammation temperature.
Main Results:
- Alpha-tocopherol, a viscous oil, yielded the smallest droplet size (171 +/- 2 nm) with an HLB requirement > 8.
- Optimal solvent-acetone ratios were identified: 15/85% (v/v) for EtAc-acetone and 30/70% (v/v) for MEK-acetone mixtures.
- Solvent choice was further supported by comparing physical properties such as flash point and auto-inflammation temperature.
Conclusions:
- The composition of the initial organic phase is critical for spontaneous emulsification and nano-emulsion properties.
- Optimized nano-emulsions are essential precursors for preparing polymeric nanocapsules via techniques like nanoprecipitation or interfacial polycondensation.