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Stirred yogurt (SY) is preferred by different category of consumers due to its creamy mouthfeel and pourable texture, which make it an attractive dairy drink. In the current study, the authors developed a special SY which is naturally flavored using different essential oils nanoemulsions and functionalized using lactic acid bacteria. The particle size of the nanoemulsions was 106 cfu/ml. Therefore, they were applied as supplements to the flavored SY during manufacture to enhance its functionality. The different rheological and physicochemical evaluations conducted on the developed SY indicates no effect of the EOs nanoemulsion on the general characteristics of SY along a storage period of 15 days. Overall sensory evaluation showed that all fresh EOs-flavored SY got highly preferred scores, however, at the end of storage period only lemongrass-flavored SY kept that score, while the other flavored samples were judged as preferred. The order of preference was lemongrass first followed by cinnamon, mint and clove. The article gives an insight on the application of EO nanoemulsions for developing naturally flavored functional dairy products especially stirred yogurt.

Yueyao Jiang,1 Yichuan Jiang,1 Zhiying Ding,2 Qian Yu1 1Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Qian Yu, Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13664419002, Email yuqian@jlu.edu.cnPurpose: While developing huperzine A (HupA) to explore new approaches to treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD), intranasal administration was proposed as an alternative route to deliver drugs into the brain. This study aimed to prepare nanoemulsions (NEs) of HupA to investigate their potential “nose-to-brain” pathways and to evaluate their pharmacokinetic and brain-targeting parameters.Methods: HupA-NE and Lf-HupA-NE that underwent surface modification with lactoferrin (Lf) were characterized to determine various physicochemical properties, such as their size, PDI, zeta potential, pH, and loading efficiency; in addition, transmission electron microscopy and stability assessments were performed. We utilized an aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) probe to monitor intact NEs in the brains of olfactory nerve transection model and normal rats. Immunohistochemistry, pharmacokinetic and targeting index analyses were performed to investigate the in vivo effects of HupA-NE and Lf-HupA-NE.Results: Based on the live imaging results, HupA-NE and Lf-HupA-NE could be transported into the brain via nerve and blood circulation pathways. Immunohistochemical staining tests demonstrated that the efflux proteins P-gp, MRP1, and BCRP were expressed in brain tissue. NEs can inhibit efflux pumps to improve drug concentrations in the brain. The findings of this study showed that NEs (especially Lf-HupA-NE) had better pharmacokinetic profiles and a better nose-to-brain drug transport efficiency than free HupA.Conclusion: The newly designed formulations might contribute to the transport and accumulation of HupA to achieve therapeutic results. The delivery system may be a promising strategy for the brain-targeted delivery of HupA.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: intranasal administration, nanoemulsions, “nose-to-brain” pathway, pharmacokinetics

Summary: Whey protein hydrolysates are important food emulsifiers and bioactive ingredients. This study investigated the stability of whey protein isolate (WPI) bioactive peptide fraction nanoemulsions under representative food processing and storage conditions: pH (3–9), ion concentration (Na+, 0–200 mm and Ca2+, 0–15 mm), thermal treatment (30–90 °C) and freeze–thawing. Bioactive peptide fractions, UC–10 and UP–10, were obtained by ultrafiltration of chymotrypsin or pepsin WPI hydrolysates, respectively. The nanoemulsions produced with these fractions had droplet diameters of 177 ± 3.5 nm (UC–10) and 154 ± 1.6 nm (UP–10). Nanoemulsions destabilised at pH 3–5, around the isoelectric point of WPI proteins but were stable at higher pH values, 6–9. Nanoemulsion instability escalated above critical Na+ (25 mm) and Ca2+ (2.5 mm) concentrations, but Ca2+ accelerated droplet aggregation more strongly than Na+. Furthermore, nanoemulsions were moderately stable to heating and freeze–thawing. Overall, both WPI bioactive peptide‐stabilised nanoemulsions showed consistent stability to the processing conditions. This study expands on designing, producing and utilising nanoemulsions based on WPI bioactive peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an effective method in the field of sterilisation. Singlet oxygen (1O2) is an important substance in photodynamic sterilisation that needs to be detected. It involves energy transfer from an excited photosensitiser to surrounding oxygen molecules to produce cytotoxic 1O2 species, a process termed as type II reaction. Traditional photodynamic sterilisation for fresh produce generally involves only a single photosensitiser and uses nanoemulsions coating to make the photosensitiser work better. This allows the emulsion to produce only a limited amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of light, such that the bactericidal effect is limited. We have innovatively compounded two photosensitisers and stored them as nanoemulsions. The composite photosensitiser produces relatively higher ROS and the nanoemulsions have good stability as well as rheological properties, and the photosensitisers are well coated in the emulsions. In summary, nanoemulsions based on composite photosensitisers showed synergistic activity in controlling the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, which provides a novel approach for raw sterilisation to maintain food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Skin aging can be overcome by applying anti-aging cosmetics. Many active ingredients that have anti-aging potential are derived from plants, and these materials must be delivered with a sound skin delivery system, namely nanoemulsion. The characteristics of nanoemulsion are closely related to physical stability. Objective: This study aims to conduct a systematic review of in vivo and in vitro study designs to examine the characteristics and physical stability of nanoemulsions used in topical anti-aging cosmetics. Methods: A systematic literature review based on the PRISMA statement was used to review the articles regarding nanoemulsions' characteristics and physical stability. The article search was accessed from an internet search database: Scopus, Pubmed, and Web of Science, published between January 2012 and June 2022. Results: Of the 244 articles, 44 were found to be related to the characteristics and physical stability of nanoemulsions in antiaging cosmetics. These showed that active ingredients with antioxidant activity, filter UV rays, moisturizing agents, and cell-repairing agents are delivered by a nanoemulsion system with various types and ratios of surfactants, cosurfactants, and oil phases. Tween 80, Span 80, Transcutol HP, and Caprylic/capric triglyceride are the most widely used nanoemulsion compositions. Conclusion: The type and composition of the oil phase, surfactant, and cosurfactant affect the characteristics of the nanoemulsion (droplet size, polydispersity index, viscosity, zeta potential) and the physical stability of the nanoemulsion so that it can deliver active ingredients that have the potential as anti-aging well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applications of formulations that incorporate emulsified oils offer interesting prospects for producing foods with better characteristics that are in line with the new trends in healthy eating and the new regulations on nutritional claims. This review defines and classifies the types of emulsions according to their drop size, formulation and analyzes the latest research related to the application of emulsions in the food industry. It presents valuable information on the use of micro, nano and macro emulsions for the preparation of meat, dairy and vegetable products as a potential alternative in the transport of bioactive compounds, reformulations with better lipid profiles and substitution ingredients of meat origin by ingredients of plant origin, obtaining foods with acceptable functional and sensory properties. New advances in the emulsion industry open up great possibilities in the delivery of health products, however, there are still limitations in the use of ingredients of plant origin in products formulated in considerable percentages with ingredients of animal origin. There are opportunities to improve the technology of food emulsion, the application at an industrial level is a step that is being taken little by little in congruence with the economic viability of the use of vegetable oils in the reformulation and the demand of current consumers for delivery of products with a clean label. It is suggested to study the economic feasibility of the industrial application of the use of single and double emulsion systems as a substitute ingredient for animal fats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra-articular (IA) administration of drugs for the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis is a common strategy; however, the rapid clearance from the synovial fluid restricts their effectivity due to the limited retention time. Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) are currently being developed to increase their joint retention time. This study compares the biodistribution and retention time of a senolytic peptide (PEP), with potential application in osteoarthritis disease, and this senolytic peptide encapsulated in a DDS based on a lipid nanoemulsion (PEP NE) by using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. To this aim, the PEP was conjugated with a chelating agent (DFO) and radiolabeled with zirconium-89 (89Zr). Then, [89Zr]-PEP was encapsulated in a novel nanoemulsion formulation, composed by vitamin E, sphingomyelin, and a lipid-PEG. Afterward, healthy rats were administered with either the [89Zr]-PEP or the [89Zr]-PEP-NE via IA injection and underwent PET scans at 0.5-, 24-, 48-, 72-, 168-, 240- and 336 h post-injection. To assess the biodistribution of both radiotracers, several volume-of-interest were manually drawn in different organs of the rat body and the %ID/organ was calculated. The [89Zr]-PEP was successfully encapsulated in the NE and their physicochemical properties were minimally affected by the radiolabeling buffer. Adequate stability of both [89Zr]-PEP and [89Zr]-PEP-NE was found in synovial fluid over 72 h. Quantitative data from PET images revealed a significantly higher [89Zr]-PEP-NE retention in the injected knee than with [89Zr]-PEP in all follow-up PET scans. The [89Zr]-PEP %ID/organ values in the liver and kidney were significantly higher than those from [89Zr]-PEP-NE, which might indicate a faster elimination of the [89Zr]-PEP. Therefore, the study highlights the higher retention time on the target site of the [89Zr]-PEP-NE which may improve the therapeutic effects of the peptide. Thereby, the novel nanoemulsion formulation seems to be a successful DDS for IA injection. In addition, these results represent the first study that evaluates the distribution of a PET-guided DDS after its IA administration. [Display omitted] • First study showing the distribution of a PET-guided DDS after IA injection. • Ready to inject NEs were effectively prepared using [89Zr]-PEP by one-step method. • PET data shows higher retention of the [89Zr]-PEP-NE in the injected joint. • Development of a novel nanoemulsion formulation for increasing IA retention. • Results suggest that the assessed PEP-NE has potential use in osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural antioxidant polyphenolic compounds obtained from different plants are considered antioxidants for curing various chronic pathological diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Quercetin (a polyphenolic flavonol) has attracted much attention from dietitians and medicinal chemists due to its wide variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-carcinogenic, anti-asthmatic, anti-viral, and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, structurally, it is well suited to stabilize emulsions. The present review depicts the important role of the quercetin nanoemulsion technique, used to enhance the solubility of target materials both in vivo and in vitro as well as to decrease the risk of degradation and metabolism of drugs. Researchers have used cryo-TEM to study the morphology of quercetin nanoemulsions. The effects of various parameters such as pH, salts, and solvent concentration on quercetin nanoemulsion have been investigated for quercetin nanoemulsion. Many studies have used UV–Vis spectroscopy and HPLC for the characterization of these particles such as solubility, stability, and encapsulating efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Lipophilic cannabidiol can be solubilized in oil-in water nanoemulsions, which can then be impregnated into chitosan hydrogels forming another colloidal system that will facilitate cannabidiol's release. The delivery from both systems was compared, alongside structural and biological studies, to clarify the effect of the two carriers' structure on the release and toxicity of the systems. Oil-in-water nanoemulsions (NEs) and the respective nanoemulsion-filled chitosan hydrogels (NE/HGs) were formulated as carriers of cannabidiol (CBD). Size, polydispersity and stability of the NEs were evaluated and then membrane dynamics, shape and structure of both systems were investigated with EPR spin probing, SAXS and microscopy. Biocompatibility of the colloidal delivery systems was evaluated through cytotoxicity tests over normal human skin fibroblasts. An ex vivo permeation protocol using porcine ear skin was implemented to assess the release of CBD and its penetration through the skin. Incorporation of the NEs in chitosan hydrogels does not significantly affect their structural properties as evidenced through SAXS, EPR and confocal microscopy. These findings indicate the successful development of a novel nanocarrier that preserves the NE structure with the CBD remaining encapsulated in the oil core while providing new rheological properties advantageous over NEs. Moreover, NE/HGs proved to be more efficient as a carrier for the release of CBD. Cell viability assessment revealed high biocompatibility of the proposed colloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression and anxiety are high incidence and debilitating psychiatric disorders, usually treated by antidepressant or anxiolytic drug administration, respectively. Nevertheless, treatment is usually given through the oral route, but the low permeability of the blood–brain barrier reduces the amount of drug that will be able to reach it, thus consequently reducing the therapeutic efficacy. Which is why it is imperative to find new solutions to make these treatments more effective, safer, and faster. To overcome this obstacle, three main strategies have been used to improve brain drug targeting: the intranasal route of administration, which allows the drug to be directly transported to the brain by neuronal pathways, bypassing the blood–brain barrier and avoiding the hepatic and gastrointestinal metabolism; the use of nanosystems for drug encapsulation, including polymeric and lipidic nanoparticles, nanometric emulsions, and nanogels; and drug molecule functionalization by ligand attachment, such as peptides and polymers. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic in vivo studies' results have shown that intranasal administration can be more efficient in brain targeting than other administration routes, and that the use of nanoformulations and drug functionalization can be quite advantageous in increasing brain–drug bioavailability. These strategies could be the key to future improved therapies for depressive and anxiety disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although curcumin is a commonly used antioxidant in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, the dermal efficacy of curcumin is limited due to its very low solubility and poor permeability. Considering dermal application, lipid-based nanocarriers (LbNs) are highlighted as promising delivery systems for enhancing the efficacy of active substances. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the components of LbNs on the antioxidant activity of curcumin. For this purpose, the mixture of Precirol® ATO5 and Tristearin was selected as solid lipid; while vitamin E, pomegranate seed oil (PSO) and Labrafac® Lipophile WL 1349 were used as liquid lipids. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and nanoemulsion (NE) formulations were designed by using different combination of these lipids and Gelucire®50/13 as an amphiphilic surfactant. The particle size, PDI, zeta potential analysis, encapsulation efficiency and in-vitro release studies were performed as particle characteristics. The contribution of LbNs with different structures to the antioxidant capacity of curcumin was evaluated by in-vitro ABTS scavenging experiment. While SLN has an average particle size of 106.7 nm with negative zeta potential, the size of NLC and NE formulations were below 100nm. The highest curcumin release upon 24h was obtained by NLC formulation prepared with PSO. A significant contribution to the antioxidant activity of curcumin was obtained when vitamin E and PSO were used as liquid lipid in NLC and NE formulations. In conclusion, it is possible to improve the antioxidant effect of curcumin by the modification of the structure of LbNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma (GB) is the worst and most common primary brain tumor. Temozolomide (TMZ), an alkylating agent, is widely used for treating primary and recurrent high-grade gliomas. However, at least 50% of TMZ treated patients do not respond to TMZ and the development of chemoresistance is a major problem. Here, we designed a lipid nanoemulsion containing a thermoresponsive polymer (poloxamer 407) aiming to improve TMZ release into the brain via nasal delivery. Increasing amounts of poloxamer 407 were added to preformed nanoemulsions (250 nm-range) obtained by spontaneous emulsification. The influence of the polymer concentration (from 2.5% to 12.5%) and temperature on viscosity was clearly evidenced. Such effect was also noticed on the mucoadhesiveness of formulations, as well as TMZ release rate and retention/permeation through nasal porcine mucosa using Franz-type diffusion cells. From these results, a formulation containing 10% of poloxamer (NTMZ-P10) was selected for further experiments by nasal route. A significantly higher TMZ amount was observed in the brain of rats from NTMZ-P10 in comparison with controls. Finally, our results show that formulation reduced significantly tumor growth by three-fold: 103.88 ± 43.67 mm3 (for NTMZ-P10) and 303.28 ± 95.27 mm3 (control). Overall, these results suggest the potential of the thermoresponsive formulation, administered by the non-invasive nasal route, as a future effective glioblastoma treatment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clove oil based Nanoemulsions (NE) were prepared ultrasonically using Tween 80 and soy lecithin as synthetic and natural surfactants, respectively. The developed NEs were characterized for various parameters (particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, morphology, viscosity, colour, turbidity and pH) and the comparative effect of both the surfactants at variable levels (oil:tween 80-1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 and oil: soy lecithin- 1:1, 1:1.5 and 1:2) was assessed. It was found that the type of surfactant and oil to surfactant ratio significantly affected particle size and stability of NEs. The NE prepared using tween 80 @1:3 had smallest average droplet diameter (40.9 nm). The formulated NEs were stored at 25 °C and 4 °C and analyzed for turbidity, pH and phase separation up to 90 days. Results revealed that the type and concentration of the surfactant significantly influenced the particle size and stability of NEs. NEs prepared using tween 80 were found to be more viscous than those prepared with soy lecithin. The prepared clove oil NEs have important implication to be used as a natural delivery system to increase the shelf life of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of droplet size and composition on Ostwald ripening (OR) and compositional ripening (CR) in mixed emulsions was examined. This was achieved by preparing emulsions and nanoemulsions from two different hydrocarbon oils (tetradecane and hexadecane) that have different water-solubilities. These different kinds of droplets were then mixed together and changes in their compositions were monitored using differential scanning calorimetry, while changes in their sizes were monitored using light scattering and optical microscopy. Initially, there was a rapid transfer of oil molecules from smaller to larger droplets, which was mainly driven by OR (and possibly droplet coalescence). As a result, the addition of the small droplets promoted the growth of the larger ones. CR retarded this type of droplet growth when the oil in the smaller droplets had a lower water-solubility than the oil in the larger droplets. These results are important for gaining a better understanding of the behavior of foods and other products containing mixtures of different kinds of droplets. They may also be important when designing emulsion-based delivery systems for incorporating non-polar active ingredients into pre-existing lipid phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to establish the relative importance of the main operating parameters impacting the formation of food-grade oil-in-water nanoemulsions by high-pressure homogenization. The goal of this unit operation was to create uniform and stable emulsified products with small mean particle diameters and narrow polydispersity indices. In this study, we examined the performance of a new commercial high-pressure valve homogenizer, which has several features that provide good control over the particle size distribution of nanoemulsions, including variable homogenization pressures (up to 45,000 psi), nozzle dimensions (0.13/0.22 mm), flow patterns (parallel/reverse), and back pressures. The impact of homogenization pressure, number of passes, flow pattern, nozzle dimensions, back pressure, oil concentration, emulsifier concentration, and emulsifier type on the particle size distribution of corn oil-in-water emulsions was systematically examined. The droplet size decreased with increasing homogenization pressure, number of passes, back pressure, and emulsifier-to-oil ratio. Moreover, it was slightly smaller when a reverse rather than parallel flow profile was used. The emulsifying performance of plant, animal, and synthetic emulsifiers was compared because there is increasing interest in replacing animal and synthetic emulsifiers with plant-based ones in the food industry. Under fixed homogenization conditions, the mean particle diameter decreased in the following order: gum arabic (0.66 µm) > soy protein (0.18 µm) > whey protein (0.14 µm) ≈ Tween 20 (0.14 µm). The information reported in this study is useful for the optimization of the production of food-grade nanoemulsions using high-pressure homogenization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-invasive and patient-friendly nose-to-brain pathway is the best-suited route for brain delivery of therapeutics as it bypasses the blood–brain barrier. The intranasal pathway (olfactory and trigeminal nerves) allows the entry of various bioactive agents, delivers a wide array of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, and circumvents the hepatic first-pass effect, thus targeting neurological diseases in both humans and animals. The olfactory and trigeminal nerves make a bridge between the highly vascularised nasal cavity and brain tissues for the permeation and distribution, thus presenting a direct pathway for the entry of therapeutics into the brain. Materials: This review portrays insight into recent research reports (spanning the last five years) on the nanoemulsions developed for nose-to-brain delivery of actives for the management of a myriad of neurological disorders, namely, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, cerebral ischemia and brain tumours. The information and data are collected and compiled from more than one hundred Scopus- and PubMed-indexed articles. Conclusions: The olfactory and trigeminal pathways facilitate better biodistribution and bypass BBB issues and, thus, pose as a possible alternative route for the delivery of hydrophobic, poor absorption and enzyme degradative therapeutics. Exploring these virtues, intranasal nanoemulsions have proven to be active, non-invasiveand safe brain-targeting cargos for the alleviation of the brain and other neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the oxidative damage, genotoxicity, and DNA damage in the liver of rats treated with titanium nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) with an average size of 28.0 nm and ξ-potential of − 33.97 mV, and to estimate the protective role of holy basil essential oil nanoemulsion (HBEON). Six groups of Male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated orally for 3 weeks as follows: the control group, HBEO or HBEON-treated groups (5 mg/kg b.w), TiO2-NPs-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w), and the groups treated with TiO2-NPs plus HBEO or HBEON. Samples of blood and tissues were collected for different analyses. The results revealed that 55 compounds were identified in HBEO, and linalool and methyl chavicol were the major compounds (53.9%, 12.63%, respectively). HBEON were semi-round with the average size and ζ-potential of 120 ± 4.5 nm and − 28 ± 1.3 mV, respectively. TiO2-NP administration increased the serum biochemical indices, oxidative stress markers, serum cytokines, DNA fragmentation, and DNA breakages; decreased the antioxidant enzymes; and induced histological alterations in the liver. Co-administration of TiO2-NPs plus HBEO or HBEON improved all the tested parameters and the liver histology, and HBEON was more effective than HBEO. Therefore, HEBON is a promising candidate able to protect against oxidative damage, disturbances in biochemical markers, gene expression, DNA damage, and histological changes resulting from exposure to TiO2-NPs and may be applicable in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toad skin has many pharmacological activities and bufadienolides are regarded as its main anti-tumor components. The poor water solubility, high toxicity, rapid elimination and less selectivity in vivo of bufadienolides limit the application of toad skin. Based on the "unification of drugs and excipients" theory, the toad skin extracts (TSE) and Brucea javanica oil (BJO) nanoemulsions (NEs) were designed to solve the aforementioned problems. BJO as the main oil phase was not only used to prepare the NEs, but played a synergistic therapeutic role combined with TSE. TSE-BJO NEs showed 155 nm particle size, entrapment efficiency of >95% and good stability. TSE-BJO NEs demonstrated superior anti-tumor activity compared with the TSE or BJO NEs alone. The mechanism of TSE-BJO NEs to enhance the antineoplastic efficacy involved several pathways, such as inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing tumor cell apoptosis >40% and arresting cell cycle at G2/M. TSE-BJO NEs could co-deliver drugs into the target cells efficiently and exhibit satisfying synergism. Besides, TSE-BJO NEs facilitated the long circulation of bufadienolides contributing to the high accumulation of drugs at tumor sites and the improvement of anti-tumor efficacy. The study achieves the combinative administration of the toxic TSE and BJO with high efficacy and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submicron droplets are ubiquitous in nature and widely applied in fields such as biomedical diagnosis and therapy, oil recovery and energy conversion, among others. The submicron droplets are kinetically stable, their submicron size endows them with good mobility in highly constricted pathways, and the high surface-to-volume ratio allows effective loading of chemical components at the interface and good heat transfer performance. Conventional generation technology of submicron droplets in bulk involves high energy input, or relies on chemical energy released from the system. Microfluidic methods are widely used to generate highly monodispersed micron-sized or bigger droplets, while downsizing to the order of 100 nm was thought to be challenging because of sophisticated nanofabrication. In this review, we summarize the microfluidic methods that are promising for the generation of submicron droplets, with an emphasize on the device fabrication, operational condition, and resultant droplet size. Microfluidics offer a relatively energy-efficient and versatile tool for the generation of highly monodisperse submicron droplets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary trends in combinatorial chemistry and the design of pharmaceuticals targeting brain disorders have favored the development of drug candidates with increased lipophilicity and poorer water solubility, with the expected improvement in delivery across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The growing availability of innovative excipients/ligands allowing improved brain targeting and controlled drug release makes the lipid nanocarriers a reasonable choice to overcome the factors impeding drug delivery through the BBB. However, a wide variety of methods, study designs and experimental conditions utilized in the literature hinder their systematic comparison, and thus slows the advances in brain-targeting by lipid-based nanoparticles. This review provides an overview of the methods most commonly utilized during the preclinical testing of liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers intended for the treatment of various CNS disorders via the parenteral route. In order to fully elucidate the structure, stability, safety profiles, biodistribution, metabolism, pharmacokinetics and immunological effects of such lipid-based nanoparticles, a transdisciplinary approach to preclinical characterization is mandatory, covering a comprehensive set of physical, chemical, in vitro and in vivo biological testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intranasal administration offers an alternative and promising approach for direct nose-to-brain delivery. Herein, we developed two chitosan (CHT)-coated (and uncoated) nanoformulations of BNN27 (a synthetic C-17-spiro-dehydroepiandrosterone analogue), liposomes (LIPs), and nanoemulsions (NEs), and compared their properties and brain disposition (in vitro and in vivo). LIPs were formulated by thin film hydration and coated with CHT by dropwise addition. BNN27-loaded NEs (BNEs) were developed by spontaneous emulsification and optimized for stability and mucoadhesive properties. Mucoadhesive properties were evaluated by mucin adherence. Negatively charged CHT-coated LIPs (with 0.1% CHT/lipid) demonstrated the highest coating efficiency and mucoadhesion. BNEs containing 10% w/w Capmul-MCM and 0.3% w/w CHT demonstrated the optimal properties. Transport of LIP or NE-associated rhodamine-lipid across the blood–brain barrier (in vitro) was significantly higher for NEs compared to LIPs, and the CHT coating demonstrated a negative effect on transport. However, the CHT-coated BNEs demonstrated higher and faster in vivo brain disposition following intranasal administration compared to CHT-LIPs. For both BNEs and LIPs, CHT-coating resulted in the increased (in vivo) brain disposition of BNN27. Current results prove that CHT-coated NEs consisting of compatible nasal administration ingredients succeeded in to delivering more BNN27 to the brain (and faster) compared to the CHT-coated LIPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human beings are actively exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is associated with skin cancer. This has encouraged the continuous search for more effective and safer photoprotective formulations. Along with the application of traditional organic sunscreens, there is a growing interest in "green products" containing natural compounds such as plant extracts and oils. This trend is combined with the use of nanotechnology as a tool for optimizing the vehicles of such compounds. Nanoemulsions (NEs) are suitable for the encapsulation of natural compounds, which improves topical treatment. Therefore, we have developed oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions containing 3% buriti oil (BO), incorporated in a 10% vegetal extract of Aloe vera (AV) by means of ultrasonic processing to improve the chemical characteristics of this component and, consequently, its efficacy and safety in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. The composition of the formulation was initially defined in a preliminary study on surfactants where the concentrations of Tween® 80 and Span® 20 were evaluated in relation to particle size and the polydispersity index (PDI). The nanoemulsion was prepared and then chemical sunscreens were incorporated with the aim of developing a sunscreen nanoemulsion called NE-A19. This nanoemulsion was found to be the best formulation due to its stability, droplet size (146.80 ± 2.74), and PDI (0.302 ± 0.088), with a monomodal size distribution. The stability was evaluated over 90 days and showed a low growth in particle size at the end of the study. NE-A19 exhibited good viscosity and organoleptic properties, in addition to an occlusion factor indicating an interesting and higher water holding capacity when compared with a NE without AV (p < 0.05). The in vitro efficacy and safety studies of NE-19A were promising. Its average in vitro sun protection factor value was 49, with a critical wavelength (λc) of 369.7 nm, satisfactory UVA protection, and a UVA/UVB ratio of 0.40, indicating broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation. Furthermore, NE-19A displayed a good safety profile in dermal keratinocytes. It can be concluded that NE-19A is a promising formulation for carrying natural products, such as buriti oil and AV, associated with synthetic filters in lower concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of biologically active molecules or the addition of new bioactive ingredients in foods, thereby producing functional foods, has been improved with nanoemulsion technology. In this sense, the aim of this work was to develop nanoemulsified beverages as potential candidates for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, whose integrity and release across the intestinal tract are controlled by the structure and stability of the interfaces. To achieve this, firstly, a by-product rich-in protein has been evaluated as a potential candidate to act as an emulsifier (chemical content, amino acid composition, solubility, ζ-potential and surface tension were evaluated). Later, emulsions with different soy protein isolate concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 wt%), pH values (2, 4, 6 and 8) and homogenization pressures (100, 120 and 140 PSI) were prepared using a high-pressure homogenizer after a pre-emulsion formation. Physical (stability via Backscattering and drop size evolution) and rheological (including interfacial analysis) characterizations of emulsions were carried out to characterize their potential as delivery emulsion systems. According to the results obtained, the nanoemulsions showed the best stability when the protein concentration was 2.0 wt%, pH 2.0 and 120 PSI was applied as homogenization pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) or cavernoma is a major vascular disease of genetic origin, whose main phenotypes occur in the central nervous system, and is currently devoid of pharmacological therapeutic strategies. Cavernomas can remain asymptomatic during a lifetime or manifest with a wide range of symptoms, including recurrent headaches, seizures, strokes, and intracerebral hemorrhages. Loss-of-function mutations in KRIT1/CCM1 are responsible for more than 50% of all familial cases, and have been clearly shown to affect cellular junctions, redox homeostasis, inflammatory responses, and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of multidrug-loaded lipid nanoemulsions in rescuing the pathological phenotype of CCM disease. The pro-autophagic rapamycin, antioxidant avenanthramide, and antiangiogenic bevacizumab were loaded into nanoemulsions, with the aim of reducing the major molecular dysfunctions associated with cavernomas. Through Western blot analysis of biomarkers in an in vitro CCM model, we demonstrated that drug-loaded lipid nanoemulsions rescue antioxidant responses, reactivate autophagy, and reduce the effect of pro-angiogenic factors better than the free drugs. Our results show the importance of developing a combinatorial preventive and therapeutic approach to reduce the risk of lesion formation and inhibit or completely revert the multiple hallmarks that characterize the pathogenesis and progression of cavernomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition and structure of the interfacial region of emulsions frequently determine its functionality and practical applications. In this work, we have integrated theory and experiments to enable a detailed description of the location and orientation of antioxidants in the interfacial region of olive-oil-in-water nanoemulsions (O/W) loaded with the model gallic acid (GA) antioxidant. For the purpose, we determined the distribution of GA in the intact emulsions by employing the well-developed pseudophase kinetic model, as well as their oxidative stability. We also determined, by employing an in silico design, the radial distribution functions of GA to gain insights on its insertion depth and on its orientation in the interfacial region. Both theoretical and experimental methods provide comparable and complementary results, indicating that most GA is located in the interfacial region (~81.2%) with a small fraction in the aqueous (~18.82%). Thus, GA is an effective antioxidant to inhibit lipid oxidation in emulsions not only because of the energy required for its reaction with peroxyl radical is much lower than that between the peroxyl radical and the unsaturated lipid but also because its effective concentration in the interfacial region is much higher than the stoichiometric concentration. The results demonstrate that the hybrid approach of experiments and simulations constitutes a complementary and useful pathway to design new, tailored, functionalized emulsions to minimize lipid oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clove oil (CO) is a powerful antioxidant essential oil (EO) with anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and anti-infective properties. It can be therefore considered a good candidate for wound-healing applications, especially for chronic or diabetic wounds or burns, where the balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and detoxification is altered. However, EOs require suitable formulations to be efficiently administered in moist wound environments. Chitosan hydrophobically modified by an ionic interaction with oleic acid (chitosan oleate, CSO) was used in the present work to stabilize CO nanoemulsions (NEs). The dimensions of the NE were maintained at around 300 nm as the volume distribution for up to six months, and the CO content did not decrease to under 80% over 4 months, confirming the good stabilizing properties of CSO. The antioxidant properties of the CO NE were evaluated in vitro by a 2,2-diphenil-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH) assay, and in fibroblast cell lines by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) using α-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN) as a spin trap; a protective effect was obtained comparable to that obtained with α-tocopherol treatment. In a murine burn model, the ability of CO formulations to favor macroscopic wound closure was evidenced, and a histological analysis revealed a positive effect of the CO NE on the reparation of the lesion after 18 days. Samples of wounds at 7 days were subjected to a histological analysis and parallel dosage of lipid peroxidation by means of a thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) assay, confirming the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the CO NE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonically-induced nanoemulsions have been widely investigated for the development of functional food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to ideal droplet sizes (DS), low polydispersity index (PDI), and superior physical stability. However, a series of frequently-used ultrasonic set-ups mainly suffered from a low ultrasonic energy efficiency caused by the large acoustic impedance and energy consumption, subordinately confronted with a low throughput, complicated fabrication with complex structure and weak ultrasonic cavitation. Herein, we employed a typical ultrasonic microreactor (USMR) that ensured the high-efficient energy input and generated intense cavitation behavior for efficient breakage of droplets and continuous production of unified oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions in a single cycle and without any pre-emulsification treatment. The emulsification was optimized by tuning the formula indexes, technological parameters, and numerical analysis using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), followed by a comparison with the emulsification by a traditional ultrasonic probe. The USMR exhibited superior emulsification efficiency and easy scale-up with remarkable uniformity by series mode. In addition, concurrent and uniform nanoemulsions with high throughput could also be achieved by a larger USMR with high ultrasonic power. Based on RSM analysis, uniform DS and PDI of 96.4 nm and 0.195 were observed under the optimal conditions, respectively, well consistent with the predicted values. Impressively, the optimal nanoemulsions have a uniform spherical morphology and exhibited superior stability, which held well in 45 days at 4℃ and 25℃. The results in the present work may provide a typical paradigm for the preparation of functional nanomaterials based on the novel and efficient emulsification tools.

Carvacrol is studied in different fields due to its microbial and antioxidant properties. Its use is limited because of the water insolubility and its strong taste. To overcome these problems, carvacrol has been successfully loaded into nanoemulsions. The low-energy emulsification method Phase Inversion Composition (PIC) is used to prepare oil-in-water nanoemulsions in the carvacrol/medium chain triglycerides (MCT)-(oleic acid-potassium oleate/Tween 80 ®)-water system. Oleic acid acts as a co-surfactant when it is neutralized with KOH along the emulsification path changing the spontaneous curvature of the interface when increasing the HLB number from 1 for the oleic acid to 20 for the potassium oleate and, therefore, changing the HLB number of the surfactant mixture. The phases diagrams are studied in order to understand the behaviour of the system and to establish the composition range where nanoemulsions can be obtained. Nanoemulsions are formed when the emulsification path crosses a region of direct or planar structure without excess of oil. Experimental design is performed in order to study the influence of composition variables as carvacrol/MCT ratio and (oleic-oleate)/Tween 80 ® ratio (OL-OT/T80 ratio) on the diameter of the nanoemulsions and their stability. It has been observed the importance of the HLB number of the surfactants mixture in order to obtain small-sized stable nanoemulsions. Surface response graphic shows that (OL-OT)/T80 ratio is a significant parameter in the mean diameter of the nanoemulsions. A minimum diameter is obtained for a (OL-OT)/T80 ratio 45/55 due to the fact that ratio is near the preferred HLB of the oil mixture and the emulsification path contains a wide liquid crystal monophasic region with all the oil incorporated in the structure.Diameters of 19 nm for carvacrol/MCT ratio of 30/70 or diameters of 30 nm for ratios of 45/55 with high stability values presented a good potential to be incorporated into edible films in the future.Regarding nanoemulsions stability an optimum value is also observed for a carvacrol/MCT ratio.The addition of another carrier oil as olive oil instead of MCT showed an improvement of the nanoemulsions stability against Ostwald ripening, probably due to the smaller solubility of olive oil. The use of olive oil does not significantly change the diameter of the nanoemulsion.

The ever-increasing demand for healthy diet by consumers has prompted the research adopting cutting-edge methods that can maintain the quality of fruits and vegetables without the use of preservatives. Emulsion based coating approach has been regarded as a viable way to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. New opportunities are being created in a number of industries, (medicines, cosmetics and food) because of new advancements in the developing field of nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsion based methods are efficient for encapsulating the active ingredients including antioxidants, lipids, vitamins and antimicrobial agents owing to the small droplet size, stability and improved biological activity. This review provides an overview of recent developments in preserving the quality and safety of fresh-cut fruits & vegetables with nanoemulsion as a carrier of functional compounds (antimicrobial agents, antibrowning/antioxidants and texture enhancers). In addition, material and methods used for fabrication of the nanoemulsion is also described in this review. In addition, material and methods used for fabrication, of the nanoemulsion is also present.

Gamma−aminobutyric acid (GABA) presents several potential skin benefits, but its water−soluble nature poses challenges for effectively penetrating the skin to produce its effects. This research aimed to improve GABA’s skin penetration and availability by employing a nanoemulsion formulation, both with and without the aid of the penetration enhancer 1,8−cineole. Using a high−pressure homogenizer, an oil−in−water nanoemulsion was created, and its size and distribution were analyzed. The stability of these nanoemulsions was tested under various conditions, revealing their resilience over six months, even at elevated temperatures of 40 °C. In vitro tests on pig skin showed that GABA−loaded nanoemulsions, particularly those without the enhancer, demonstrated a nearly 2.89−fold increase in skin permeation compared to the solution form. Moreover, the addition of the enhancer amplified this effect, resulting in over a 3.37−fold increase in skin permeation compared to the solution. These results emphasize the potential of nanoemulsion formulations as effective tools for enhancing GABA’s skin permeation and availability, potentially expanding its use in dermatological applications. Further exploration and research are necessary to fully exploit GABA’s capabilities in supporting skin health and wellness.

Topical and transdermal drug delivery are advantageous administration routes, especially when treating diseases and conditions with a skin etiology. Nevertheless, conventional dosage forms often lead to low therapeutic efficacy, safety issues, and patient noncompliance. To tackle these issues, novel topical and transdermal platforms involving nanotechnology have been developed. This review focuses on the latest advances regarding the development of nanoemulgels for skin application, encapsulating a wide variety of molecules, including already marketed drugs (miconazole, ketoconazole, fusidic acid, imiquimod, meloxicam), repurposed marketed drugs (atorvastatin, omeprazole, leflunomide), natural-derived compounds (eucalyptol, naringenin, thymoquinone, curcumin, chrysin, brucine, capsaicin), and other synthetic molecules (ebselen, tocotrienols, retinyl palmitate), for wound healing, skin and skin appendage infections, skin inflammatory diseases, skin cancer, neuropathy, or anti-aging purposes. Developed formulations revealed adequate droplet size, PDI, viscosity, spreadability, pH, stability, drug release, and drug permeation and/or retention capacity, having more advantageous characteristics than current marketed formulations. In vitro and/or in vivo studies established the safety and efficacy of the developed formulations, confirming their therapeutic potential, and making them promising platforms for the replacement of current therapies, or as possible adjuvant treatments, which might someday effectively reach the market to help fight highly incident skin or systemic diseases and conditions.

The use of nanoemulsions as encapsulation systems for active ingredients, such as cinnamon oil, has been studied. A surfactant based on polyoxyethylene glycerol esters from coconut/palm kernel oil has been used. The nanoemulsions were obtained by the two most commonly low-energy emulsification methods, the composition inversion phase (PIC) and the temperature inversion phase (PIT) methods. Nanoemulsions were successfully obtained by both methods, with very small droplet sizes (5–14 nm) in both cases, but a greater stability was observed when the PIT method was used. Nanoemulsions were encapsulated by external gelation using two different polysaccharides, alginate or chitosan, dissolved in the continuous phase of the nanoemulsion. Then, the nanoemulsion was dropped into a bath with a gelling agent. To improve the release control of cinnamon oil and avoid the burst effect, beads prepared with one of the polysaccharides were coated with the second polysaccharide and then gelled again. Double gelled beads were successfully obtained, the core with chitosan and the outer layer (shell) with alginate. SEM images showed the morphology of the single beads presenting high porosity. When the beads were coated, the porosity decreased because the second polysaccharide molecules covered the pre-existing pores. The smoother surface was obtained when this second layer was, in turn, gelled. The release patterns at pH = 2 and pH = 7 were studied. It was observed that the double gelled bead provided a more gradual release, but maintained approximately the same amount of final released oil. The release patterns were fitted to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The fitting parameters reflected the effect of the different coating layers, correlating with different diffusion mechanisms according to the bead core and shell materials.

Every year, millions of foodborne illnesses with thousands of deaths occur worldwide, which is why controlling foodborne pathogens is sought. In this study, nanoemulsions of phytochemicals extracted from Plectranthus hadiensis var. tomentosus (PHT) were obtained, and their antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities were evaluated. PHT extracts were obtained by maceration, ultrasound, and Naviglio methods, and their antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica was determined by the microdilution method. The extract with the highest antimicrobial activity was obtained by Naviglio with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 12.5 and 25 mg/mL, respectively, for all bacterial strains. The nanoemulsion (o/w) made with Tween 40, 5% extract, and 50% ultrasonic amplitude had a globule size of 4.4 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.48, and a surface charge of −0.08 mV and remained stable for 30 days. This nanosystem presented significantly higher antimicrobial and antioxidant activity than the free extract. Thus, the nanoencapsulation of the phytochemicals in the PHT extracts is an alternative to protect and enhance their biological activity against pathogenic microorganisms.

Disorders in the inflammatory process underlie the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. The utilization of natural products as anti-inflammatory agents is a well-established approach in both traditional medicine and scientific research, with studies consistently demonstrating their efficacy in managing inflammatory conditions. Pequi oil, derived from Caryocar brasiliense, is a rich source of bioactive compounds including fatty acids and carotenoids, which exhibit immunomodulatory potential. This systematic review aims to comprehensively summarize the scientific evidence regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of pequi oil. Extensive literature searches were conducted across prominent databases (Scopus, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane, LILACS, Embase, MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, FSTA, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science). Studies evaluating the immunomodulatory activity of crude pequi oil using in vitro, in vivo models, or clinical trials were included. Out of the 438 articles identified, 10 met the stringent inclusion criteria. These studies collectively elucidate the potential of pequi oil to modulate gene expression, regulate circulating levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and mitigate oxidative stress, immune cell migration, and cardinal signs of inflammation. Moreover, negligible to no toxicity of pequi oil was observed across the diverse evaluated models. Notably, variations in the chemical profile of the oil were noted, depending on the extraction methodology and geographical origin. This systematic review strongly supports the utility of pequi oil in controlling the inflammatory process. However, further comparative studies involving oils obtained via different methods and sourced from various regions are warranted to reinforce our understanding of its effectiveness and safety.

Consumers are increasingly showing a preference for foods whose nutritional and therapeutic value has been enhanced. Probiotics are live microorganisms, and their existence is associated with a number of positive effects in humans, as there are many and well-documented studies related to gut microbiota balance, the regulation of the immune system, and the maintenance of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Hence, probiotics are widely preferred by consumers, causing an increase in the corresponding food sector. As a consequence of this preference, food industries and those involved in food production are strongly interested in the occurrence of probiotics in food, as they have proven beneficial effects on human health when they exist in appropriate quantities. Encapsulation technology is a promising technique that aims to preserve probiotics by integrating them with other materials in order to ensure and improve their effectiveness. Encapsulated probiotics also show increased stability and survival in various stages related to their processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit. This review focuses on the applications of encapsulation technology in probiotics in sustainable food production, including controlled release mechanisms and encapsulation techniques.

Essential oil-based pesticides, which contain antimicrobial and antioxidant molecules, have potential for use in sustainable agriculture. However, these compounds have limitations such as volatility, poor water solubility, and phytotoxicity. Nanoencapsulation, through processes like micro- and nanoemulsions, can enhance the stability and bioactivity of essential oils. In this study, thyme essential oil from supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was selected as a sustainable antimicrobial tool and nanoencapsulated in an oil-in-water emulsion system. The investigated protocol provided high-speed homogenisation in the presence of cellulose nanocrystals as stabilisers and calcium chloride as an ionic crosslinking agent. Thyme essential oil was characterised via GC-MS and UV-vis analysis, indicating rich content in phenols. The cellulose nanocrystal/essential oil ratio and calcium chloride concentration were varied to tune the nanoemulsions’ physical–chemical stability, which was investigated via UV-vis, direct observation, dynamic light scattering, and Turbiscan analysis. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the nanosized droplet formation. The nanoemulsion resulting from the addition of crosslinked nanocrystals was very stable over time at room temperature. It was evaluated for the first time on Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi, the causal agent of olive knot disease. In vitro tests showed a synergistic effect of the formulation components, and in vivo tests on olive seedlings demonstrated reduced bacterial colonies without any phytotoxic effect. These findings suggest that crosslinked cellulose nanocrystal emulsions can enhance the stability and bioactivity of thyme essential oil, providing a new tool for crop protection.

Diabetic wounds have been a serious concern for human health owing to their long chronic inflammation and reduced vascularization. Herein, we report novel oil-in-water (o/w) nanoemulsions (NEs) containing Poria cocos triterpenes extract (PTE) to fabricate hyaluronic acid hydrogels (PTE-NEs) for the treatment of diabetic wounds. The size and morphology of NEs are analyzed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Zeta potential, respectively. Furthermore, the rheological behavior and morphology of synthesized hydrogels are also determined. It is found that PTE-NEs gel has a homogeneous and porous structure with good elastic properties. In addition, in vitro experiments show that the cell viability of PTE-NEs gel is >85 % without cytotoxicity. In vivo experiments of diabetic rats demonstrate that the PTE-NEs gel can not only significantly accelerate diabetic wound healing, collagen deposition, M2 macrophage polarization, and angiogenesis, but also inhibit inflammation. In conclusion, PTE plays a significant role in wound healing and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, demonstrating its great potential in treating diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goals of the present investigation were to develop O/W nanoemulsion fungicides based on cold-pressed Nigella sativa (black seed) oil to prevent Penicillium verrucosum infection of maize seeds and to test their antifungal activity against this fungus. Additionally, the effect of these nanoemulsions on plant physiological parameters was also investigated. Two nonionic surfactants namely Tween 20 and Tween 80 were used as emulsifying agents in these formulations. The effect of sonication time and surfactant type on the mean droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential of the nanoemulsions were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Results indicated that both sonication time and emulsifier type had pronounced effects on the stability of O/W nanoemulsions with a small particle size range (168.6–345.3 nm), acceptable PDI (0.181–0.353), and high zeta potential (−27.24 to –48.82 mV). Tween 20 showed superior stability compared to Tween 80 nanoemulsions. The in vitro results showed that complete inhibition of P. verrucosum-growth was obtained by 10_T80 and 10_T20 nanoemulsions at 100% concentration. All nanoemulsions had increment effects on maize seed germination by 101% in the case of 10_T20 and 10_T80 compared to untreated seeds or the chemical fungicide treatment. Nanoemulsions (10_T20 and 10_T80) were able to stimulate root and shoot length as compared to the fungicide treatment. Seed treatment with 10_T80 nanoemulsion showed the highest AI and protease activity by 75 and 70%, respectively, as compared to the infected control. The produced nanoemulsions might provide an effective protectant coating layer for the stored maize seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-harvest diseases can be a huge problem for the tropical fruit sector. These fruits are generally consumed in natura; thus, their integrity and appearance directly affect commercialization and consumer desire. Anthracnose is caused by fungi of the genus Colletotrichum and affects tropical fruits, resulting in lesions that impair their appearance and consumption. Antifungals generally used to treat anthracnose can be harmful to human health, as well as to the environment. Therefore, essential oils (EO) have been investigated as natural biofungicides, successfully controlling anthracnose symptoms. The hydrophobicity, high volatility, and oxidative instability of essential oils limit their direct application; hence, these oils must be stabilized before food application. Distinct delivery systems have already been proposed to protect/stabilize EOs, and nanotechnology has recently reshaped the food application limits of EOs. This review presents robust data regarding nanotechnology application and EO antifungal properties, providing new perspectives to further improve the results already achieved in the treatment of anthracnose. Additionally, it evaluates the current scenario involving the application of EO directly or incorporated in films and coatings for anthracnose treatment in tropical fruits, which is of great importance, especially for those fruits intended for exportation that may have a prolonged shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological properties of plant oils are improved by their conversion to nanoemulsions (NEs). This study evaluated the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-hemolytic efficacy of coconut and salad rocket oils and their NEs. The result of the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis of the oils showed varied constituents such as palmitic acid, trimethylsilyl ester; 2,3-bis(acetyloxy)propyl laurate in salad rocket oil, 2-lauro-1,3-didecoin, n-butyl laurate; laurin, tri-; laurin in coconut oil. NEs diameter of salad rocket and coconut oils was 24.6 and 29.2 nm, respectively. More inhibitory activity of NEs compared with non-NEs form against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus flavus was detected. Coconut oil and its NEs caused 14.3% (anti-hemolysis 85.7%) and 22% hemolysis (anti-hemolysis 78%), respectively. Salad rocket oil and its NEs caused hemolysis 3.4% and 20.9%, respectively at 1000 μg/mL. Antioxidant activity of salad rocket and coconut oil reflected more IC50 (39.3 and 109.4 μg/mL) than its NEs (35.8 and 80.5 μg/mL), respectively. Molecular docking of trimethylsilyl ester and 2-lauro-1,3-didecoin against S. aureus (PDB=7BGE) and C. albicans protein (PDB=3DRA) revealed optimal binding mode that had the most energy interaction with the binding sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant oils have been applied for numerous purposes. Developing the composition of oils through nanotechnology has become a requirement, whether from a medical or industrial point of view. In this study, nanoemulsions (NEs) of olive and peanut oils were evaluated. GC-MS was used to determine the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids contents in both oils. Based on the area %, cis-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid (54.0%), myristic acid (30.7%), and arachidonic acid (23.1%) were the greatest constituents in peanut oil, while arachidonic acid (23.2%), cis-11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid (22.7%), and cis-11-eicosenoic acid (11.4%) were the greatest constituents in olive oil. TEM examination indicated that the diameter of peanut oil NEs (14.6 nm) was less than that of olive oil NEs (24.5 nm). Olive oil and its NEs exhibited more antioxidant activity than peanut oil and its NEs had IC50 values of 158.6, 102.5, 435.1, and 291.5 μg/mL, respectively. Negligible hemolysis was observed using olive oil, unlike peanut oil, while hemolysis based olive oil NEs was increased compared with hemolysis based peanut oil NEs, particularly at high concentrations of 600 to 1000 μg/mL. Molecular docking investigation offered the structure-activity correlation and binding modes of cis-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid with Salmonella typhi (5ZXM) enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new vaccine adjuvants represents a key approach to improvingi the immune responses to recombinant vaccine antigens. Emulsion adjuvants, such as AS03 and MF59, in combination with influenza vaccines, have allowed antigen dose sparing, greater breadth of responses and fewer immunizations. It has been demonstrated previously that emulsion adjuvants can be prepared using a simple, low-shear process of self-emulsification (SE). The role of alpha tocopherol as an immune potentiator in emulsion adjuvants is clear from the success of AS03 in pandemic responses, both to influenza and COVID-19. Although it was a significant formulation challenge to include alpha tocopherol in an emulsion prepared by a low-shear process, the resultant self-emulsifying adjuvant system (SE-AS) showed a comparable effect to the established AS03 when used with a quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV). In this paper, we first optimized the SE-AS with alpha tocopherol to create SE-AS44, which allowed the emulsion to be sterile-filtered. Then, we compared the in vitro cell activation cytokine profile of SE-AS44 with the self-emulsifying adjuvant 160 (SEA160), a squalene-only adjuvant. In addition, we evaluated SE-AS44 and SEA160 competitively, in combination with a recombinant cytomegalovirus (CMV) pentamer antigen mouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevailing health challenge that requires urgent innovative interventions. This review explores the role of nanotechnology as a promising potential in the treatment of NAFLD. It delineates the limitations of the current management strategies for NAFLD and highlights the new nanotechnology-based treatments including nanoemulsions, liposomes, micelles, polymeric nanoparticles, nanogels, inorganic nanoparticles, and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Despite the optimism surrounding the nanotechnological approach, the review underscores the need to address the limitations such as technical challenges, potential toxicity, and ethical considerations that impede the practical application of nanotechnology in NAFLD management. It advocates for collaborative efforts from researchers, clinicians, ethicists, and policymakers to achieve safe, effective, and equitable nanotechnology-based treatments for NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin presents interesting biological activities but low chemical stability, so it has been incorporated into different emulsion-based systems in order to increase its bioaccessibility. Many strategies are being investigated to increase the stability of these systems. Among them, the use of polysaccharides has been seen to highly improve the emulsion stability but also to modulate their digestibility and the release of the encapsulated compounds. However, the effect of these polysaccharides on nanoemulsions depends on the presence of other components. Then, this work aimed to study the effect of alginate addition at different concentrations (0–1.5%) on the gastrointestinal fate and stability of curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions formulated using soybean lecithin or whey protein as emulsifiers. Results showed that, in the absence of polysaccharides, whey protein was more effective than lecithin in preventing curcumin degradation during digestion and its use also provided greater lipid digestibility and higher curcumin bioaccessibility. The addition of alginate, especially at ≥1%, greatly prevented curcumin degradation during digestion up to 23% and improved the stability of nanoemulsions over time. However, it reduced lipid digestibility and curcumin bioaccessibility. Our results provide relevant information on the use of alginate on different emulsifier-based nanoemulsions to act as carriers of curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoemulsions are kinetically stable colloidal systems with smaller droplet sizes. Because of its outstanding features such as durable stability and adaptable rheology, nano emulsions are used in a wide range of industrial applications. Nanoemulsions can be utilised in the food industry to deliver antimicrobials, colouring and flavouring components, and nutraceuticals. Biodegradable coatings and packaging films may be created through active component nanoemulsion compositions to improve the quality, functionality, nutritional content, and shelf life of foods. Nanosized emulsions also used to promote delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredient. Nanoemulsions have wide range of applications in the cosmetic industry. These compositions are relatively stable, contain small droplet sizes, and spread easily over the skin without creaming or leaving a glossy covering. This review focuses on providing a fundamental understanding of the composition, preparation, and applications of nano emulsion in the food, health and cosmetics industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfluidics technology has emerged as a promising methodology for the fabrication of a wide variety of advanced drug delivery systems. Owing to its ability for accurate handling and processing of small quantities of fluidics as well as immense control over physicochemical properties of fabricated micro and nanoparticles (NPs), microfluidic technology has significantly improved the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. This emerging technology has offered numerous advantages over the conventional drug delivery methods for fabricating of a variety of micro and nanocarriers for poorly soluble drugs. In addition, a microfluidic system can be designed for targeted drug delivery aiming to increase the local bioavailability of drugs. This review spots the light on the recent advances made in the area of microfluidics including various methods of fabrication of drug carriers, their characterization, and unique features. Furthermore, applications of microfluidic technology for the robust fabrication and development of drug delivery systems, the existing challenges associated with conventional fabrication methodologies as well as the proposed solutions offered by microfluidic technology have been discussed in details. Microfluidic technology has revolutionized fabrication of tunable micro and nanocarriers. Microfluidic platforms offer several advantages over the conventional fabrication methods. Microfluidic devices hold great promise in controlling the physicochemical features of fabricated drug carriers. Micro and nanocarriers with controllable release kinetics and site-targeting efficiency can be fabricated. Drug carriers fabricated by microfluidic technology exhibited improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comfort properties of a textile cannot be dissociated from its function. Considering this premise, we evaluated the physical and mechanical performance of a previously developed cosmeto-textile composed of cotton/elastane, functionalized with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and BSA/silk fibroin (BSA/SF) nanoemulsions, encapsulating α-tocopherol (vitamin E). The surface functionalization of cotton fabrics with the nanoemulsions was confirmed by fabric staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250 and by FTIR-ATR. The comfort properties including wetting, stiffness, stretching, draping ability, electrical resistance, and air and vapor permeability were evaluated. The results revealed that the functionalization of cotton fabrics with the developed protein-based nanoemulsions did not disturb the comfort properties of the textile material nor its functionality. This gives a good indication of the potential of the developed breathable cosmeto-textile to be used in contact with the human body with acceptable performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]