Preparation and evaluation of spirulina polysaccharide nanoemulsions

The aim of the present study was to prepare spirulina polysaccharide (PSP) into an oral nanoemulsion (NE) with the aim of improving its oral bioavailability and prolonging its sustained release effect. The PSP‑NE was prepared through a phase transformation method, and its formulation components were screened through the use of a pseudo‑ternary phase diagram. The optimal formulation of PSP‑NE was determined to be: 11.9% Span 80, 6.0% Tween-80, 9.0% ethanol, 62.8% soybean oil, and 10.3% PSP aqueous solution. The prepared PSP‑NE was clear and transparent, had a uniform color and spherical morphology, exhibited stability and no adhesion. The average particle size was 79.93±19 nm, the polydispersity index was 0.185±0.04 (n=3), and the entrapment rate was 62%. Small‑animal imaging results showed that the prepared PSP‑NE exhibited a sustained release and tissue effect in contrast to the PSP aqueous solution. The present study showed that the prepared PSP‑NE not only exhibited a sustained release and tissue effect in contrast to the PSP aqueous solution, but also had superior performance in terms of antitumor and antioxidant effects.