Design and Application of Bile Acid-Based Self-Emulsifying Systems

In response to the growing demand for sustainable and efficient self-emulsifying systems, this study presents a novel strategy for the development of naturally derived self-emulsifying agents via functional group deprotection. Cholic acid was chemically modified by temporarily masking its hydroxyl and carboxyl groups with ethyl vinyl ether, yielding a lipophilic cholic acid (LCA) intermediate with controlled structural stability. Upon exposure to aqueous or biological environments, LCA undergoes hydrolytic deprotection, regenerating amphiphilic cholic derivatives that exhibit excellent self-emulsifying performance and tunable functional properties. Furthermore, LCA displays high oil solubility, enabling effective solubilization and dispersion of poorly water-soluble drugs as well as quantum dots. This work provides a versatile and energy-efficient platform for the design of natural self-emulsifying agents with potential applications in drug delivery and advanced functional materials.