Evaluation of the Formation Conditions of a Spontaneous Emulsification Using Porous Silica Particles

Emulsions are colloid dispersions which are attractive for use as drug carriers due to their simple structure and facile preparation. However, their low physicochemical stability has been problematic. In order to solve this problem, a spontaneous emulsification technique composed of porous silica particles has been developed. In this study, we investigated the conditions for effective formation of protein-encapsulated solid-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) emulsions using this technique. Porous silica particles having a hydrophilic surface promoted the formation of a fine and uniform emulsion. It was found that the progression of emulsification was affected by electrolytes in aqueous solution. Moreover, it was confirmed that the S/O/W emulsion prepared using this method could successfully encapsulate protein.