Emulsions stabilized by phospholipids.

HYPOTHESIS: Phospholipids are amphiphilic molecules able to adsorb at oil/water interfaces and thus used to stabilize parenteral emulsions. Yet, their low preferred curvature, which sensitively depends on molecular structures and interactions, favors the formation of lamellar phases and sets constraints on the system formulation. Combining phase studies, structural interfacial characterizations, and stability monitoring for different water/phospholipid/oil systems should shine a light on the mechanisms at play and thus tools to optimize formulations. EXPERIMENTS: Four phase diagrams were established for ternary aqueous systems containing either DOPC or POPC as the phospholipid and hexadecane or miglyol 812 as the oil. Droplet interfaces were probed using small-angle neutron scattering and the amount of adsorbed lipid was determined using separation and Raman spectroscopy. The metastability of both nano and macro emulsions was systematically assessed over weeks using light scattering. FINDINGS: We show that nanoemulsion droplets are stabilized by a lipid monolayer and display excellent metastability if the preferred curvature is positive and large enough, even without any added charges or at high ionic strengths. In contrast, macroemulsion droplets are stabilized with a lipid multilayer, which should possess a positive preferred curvature but also a good enough interfacial anchorage, which is lost upon increasing the preferred curvature. Overall, we provide a rationale for understanding the impact of molecular changes in the formulation on emulsion metastability, through the analysis of the lipid film preferred curvature, layering, and interfacial anchorage.

Physicochemical and digestive properties of curcumin stabilized by quaternized chitosan/sodium alginate nanoemulsion coatings.

Curcumin (Cur) is a bioactive substance, but its instability limits its use in the food system. Thus, a new polysaccharide-based coating is developed by combining quaternized chitosan (QCS) with sodium alginate (SA) in this study to improve the bioaccessibility and stability of Cur. The microstructure of the emulsion was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and low-field pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (LF-NMR). The thermal, ionic strength, and pH stability of emulsions were measured. Results indicate that QCS/SA (1:1)-Cur is more stable than other three nanoemulsion systems and the encapsulation rate of which reaches 90.62 %. It also shows higher stability in gastric fluid, excellent bioaccessibility and FFAs in intestinal fluid, as well as significant antibacterial property, antioxidant activity and water dispersibility. This study introduces a new method for obtaining stable, functional Cur-coated systems for food applications.

Preparation and Characterization of Cumin Essential Oil Nanoemulsion (CEONE) as an Antibacterial Agent and Growth Promoter in Broilers: A Study on Efficacy, Safety, and Health Impact.

This research characterized and explored the effect of cumin essential oil nanoemulsion (CEONE) on broiler growth performance, serum biochemistry, hematological parameters, and cecal microbial count. Day-old (n = 96) broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to six treatments with five replicates of three broilers each. The dietary treatments consisted of negative control (only basal diet), positive control (basal diet + 200 µL of enrofloxacin), 25 µL (basal diet + 25 µL of CEONE), 50 µL (basal diet + 50 µL of CEONE), 75 µL (basal diet + 75 µL of CEONE), and 100 µL (basal diet + 100 µL of CEONE). The broiler's body weight gain (BWG) after 42 days of treatment exhibited increased weight in the CEONE group (976.47 ± 11.82-1116.22 ± 29.04). The gain in weight was further evidenced by the beneficial microbe load (107 log) compared to the pathogenic strain. All the biochemical parameters were observed in the normal range, except for a higher level of HDL and a lower LDL value. This safety has been validated by pKCSM toxicity analysis showing a safe and highly tolerable dose of cuminaldehyde. In conclusion, this research observed the potential of CEONE as a multifunctional agent. It is a valuable candidate for further application in combating bacterial infections and enhancing animal health and growth.

Physicochemical Characterization, Rheological Properties, and Antimicrobial Activity of Sodium Alginate-Pink Pepper Essential Oil (PPEO) Nanoemulsions.

Essential oils (EOs) have antimicrobial properties, but their low solubility in water and strong flavor pose challenges for direct incorporation into food, as they can negatively impact organoleptic properties. To overcome these issues, strategies such as oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions have been developed to improve EO dispersion and protection while enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. The objective of this study was to create sodium alginate-pink pepper essential oil (PPEO) nanoemulsions using microfluidization. Various formulations were assessed for physicochemical, physical, and antimicrobial properties to evaluate their potential in food applications. The microfluidized emulsions and nanoemulsions had droplet sizes ranging from 160 to 443 nm, polydispersity index (PdI) ranging from 0.273 to 0.638, and zeta potential (ζ) ranging from -45.2 to 66.3 mV. The nanoemulsions exhibited Newtonian behavior and remarkable stability after 20 days of storage. Antimicrobial testing revealed effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 200 µg/mL for both microorganisms and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of 800 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL, respectively, proving that encapsulation of PPEO in nanoemulsions significantly increased its antibacterial activity. These results present the possibility of using PPEO nanoemulsions as a more effective natural alternative to synthetic preservatives in food systems.

A chitosan-modified tea tree oil self-nanoemulsion improves antibacterial effects in vivo and in vitro and promotes wound healing by influencing metabolic processes against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

Infectious diseases, especially multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, have caused crises and majorly disrupted public health and economic stability worldwide. Many natural essential oils, especially tea tree oil, have potential to treat multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as H. pylori and P. aeruginosa. However, there are some problems need to be solved, such as poor stability upon light or oxygen exposure. Therefore, it is urgent to develop the ideal formation to tackle these difficulties. Herein, we reported the novel chitosan-modified self-nanoemulsion (TNE) encapsulating natural essential tea tree oil with strong antibacterial and stability characterize. In this study, we found that this self-nanoemulsion (size: 212 nm, PDI: 0.124, zeta potential: -20.5 mV, 6 % tea tree oil) not only had physical properties, good stability and tissue safety, but also had better antibacterial synergism (2-8 times) than that of water suspension against various multidrug-resistant bacterial (such as H. pylori, MRSA and P. aeruginosa). Additionally, TNE showed high antibacterial effectiveness in vivo, reduced inflammation, promoted ulcer healing after H. pylori infection and accelerated wound healing after P. aeruginosa infection. Importantly, this novel self-nanoemulsion can induce 274 protein down-regulated and 251 protein up-regulated, and disrupt H. pylori metabolic processes (glyoxylate, dicarboxylic acid, glutamate and tryptophan metabolism) and reduced its viability, leading to significant synergistic antibacterial effects. TNE is a potential treatment for skin wounds or ulcers caused by multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

All-Natural Gelatin-Based Nanoemulsion Loaded with TLR 7/8 Agonist for Efficient Modulation of Macrophage Polarization for Immunotherapy.

Macrophages are multifunctional immune cells essential for both innate and adaptive immune responses. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) often adopt a tumor-promoting M2-like phenotype, aiding tumor progression and immune evasion. Reprogramming TAMs to a tumoricidal M1-like phenotype is an emerging target for cancer immunotherapy. Resiquimod, a TLR7/8 agonist, can repolarize macrophages from the M2- to M1-like phenotype but is limited by poor solubility. We developed a gelatin nanoemulsion for the loading and delivery of resiquimod, utilizing eugenol oil as the liquid phase and riboflavin-crosslinked gelatin as a scaffold. These nanoemulsions showed high stability, low toxicity, and effective macrophage repolarization, significantly enhancing pro-inflammatory markers and anticancer activity in co-culture models.

Preparation of a nanoemulsion containing active ingredients of cannabis extract and its application for glioblastoma: in vitro and in vivo studies.

Recently, the anti-tumor effects of cannabis extract on various cancers have attracted the attention of researchers. Here, we report a nanoemulsion (NE) composition designed to enhance the delivery of two active components in cannabis extracts (∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD)) in an animal model of glioblastoma. The efficacy of the NE containing the two drugs (NED) was compared with the bulk drugs and carrier (NE without the drugs) using the C6 tumor model in rats. Hemocompatibility factors (RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PPP, PT and PTT) were studied to determine the potential in vivo toxicity of NED. The optimized NED with mean ± SD diameter 29 ± 6 nm was obtained. It was shown that by administering the drugs in the form of NED, the hemocompatibility increased. Cytotoxicity studies indicated that the NE without the active components (i.e. mixture of surfactants and oil) was the most cytotoxic group, while the bulk group had no toxicity. From the in vivo MRI and survival studies, the NED group had maximum efficacy (with ~4 times smaller tumor volume on day 7 of treatment, compared with the control. Also, survival time of the control, bulk drug, NE and NED were 9, 4, 12.5 and 51 days, respectively) with no important adverse effects. In conclusion, the NE containing cannabis extract could be introduced as an effective treatment in reducing brain glioblastoma tumor progression.

Preparation, process optimisation, stability and bacteriostatic assessment of composite nanoemulsion containing corosolic acid.

Corosolic acid (CA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, exhibits remarkably low hydrophilicity, restricting its application in aqueous systems. To enhance its hydrophilicity, we optimised nanoemulsion preparation conditions, resulting in a stable corosolic acid nanoemulsion system. By screening the oil phase, surfactant, and cosurfactant, along with investigating the mass ratio of surfactant and cosurfactant and the preparation temperature, we achieved an optimal corosolic acid nanoemulsion. We measured the particle size, polydispersity coefficient, and Zeta potential of the optimised formulation. The nanoemulsion's sustained-release effect, stability, and antibacterial activity were subsequently examined. The optimised formulation comprised ethyl oleate, cremophor EL, and Tween 80 (1.5:1), combined with ethanol in a ratio of 1:9:2.25 (w/w/w), and was prepared at 30 °C. This optimised corosolic acid nanoemulsion exhibited uniform particle size distribution, favourable dispersion, and notable slow-release capabilities. Importantly, the nanoemulsion demonstrated exceptional stability. In comparison to the positive control's bacteriostatic zone diameter, it was evident that the CA nanoemulsion (1.06 ± 0.11 mm) and blank nanoemulsion (1.03 ± 0.05 mm) both displayed notable inhibitory activity against S. aureus. Our findings established a solid foundation for the potential application of CA nanoemulsion in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the application of CA nanoemulsion in real food or drug systems has not been explored yet.

Ultrasound-assisted fabrication of chitosan-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose nanoemulsions loaded with thymol and cinnamaldehyde: Physicochemical properties, stability, and antifungal activity.

This study investigated the influence of chitosan (CH) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (H), along with ultrasound power, on the physicochemical properties, antifungal activity, and stability of oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions containing thymol and cinnamaldehyde in a 7:3 (v/v) ratio. Eight O/W formulations were prepared using CH, H, and a 1:1 (v/v) blend of CH and H, both with and without ultrasonication (U). Compared to untreated samples, U-treated nanoemulsions had lower droplet sizes (433-301 nm), polydispersity index (0.42-0.47), and zeta potential (-0.42-0.77 mV). The U treatment decreased L* and b* values, increased a* color attribute values, and increased apparent viscosity (0.26-2.17) at the same shear rate. After 28 days, microbiological testing of nanoemulsions treated with U showed counts below the detection limits (< 2 log CFU mL-1). The U-treated nanoemulsions exhibited stronger antifungal effects against R. stolonifer, with the NE/CH-U and NE/CH-H-U formulations demonstrating the lowest minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations, measured at 0.12 and 0.24 µL/mL, respectively. On day 28, U-treated nanoemulsions demonstrated higher ionic, thermal, and physical stability than untreated samples. These findings suggest that the stability and antifungal efficacy of polysaccharide-based nanoemulsions may be improved by ultrasonic treatment. This study paves the way for innovative, highly stable nanoemulsions.

Multifunctional Nanoemulsified Clinacanthus nutans Extract: Synergistic Anti-Pathogenic, Anti-Biofilm, Anti-Inflammatory, and Metabolic Modulation Effects against Periodontitis.

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Clinacanthus nutans extracts, focusing on the 95% ethanol (95E) extract and its nanoemulsified form, against oral pathogens and their bioactive effects. The findings demonstrate potent antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus, essential for combating periodontal diseases, and significant anti-biofilm properties crucial for plaque management. Additionally, the extracts exhibit promising inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase enzymes, indicating potential for diabetes management through glucose metabolism regulation. Their anti-inflammatory properties, evidenced by reduced nitric oxide production, underscore their potential for treating oral infections and inflammation. Notably, the nanoemulsified 95E extract shows higher efficiency than the conventional extract, suggesting a multifunctional treatment approach for periodontal issues and metabolic disorders. These results highlight the enhanced efficacy of the nanoemulsified extract, proposing it as an effective treatment modality for periodontal disease in diabetic patients. This research offers valuable insights into the development of innovative drug delivery systems using natural remedies for improved periodontal care in diabetic populations.

Eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion for enhanced skin deposition of fluticasone propionate in psoriatic plaques: A combinatorial anti-inflammatory effect to suppress implicated cytokines.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects patients' quality of life. This study aimed to enhance the efficacy of topical application of fluticasone propionate (FP) using a eucalyptus oil-based nanoemulsion, an oil possessing anti-inflammatory activity and extracted from the leaves, fruits, and buds of Eucalyptus globulus or Eucalyptus maidenii, to improve the skin deposition of FP and aid its anti-inflammatory effect. Box-Behnken design was employed to optimize NE formulations, which were characterized for globule size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, rheological behavior, microscopic morphology, ex vivo skin permeation/deposition, and in vivo efficacy using imiquimod-induced psoriatic lesions. The optimized formulation depicted a droplet size of 188 ± 22.4 nm, a zeta potential of -17.63 ± 1.66 mV, and a viscosity of 204.9 mPa s. In addition to the increased FP retention in different skin layers caused by the NE and the reduced PASI score compared to the marketed cream, the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, IL17a were markedly lowered, indicating the improved anti-psoriatic curable efficacy of the optimized formulation in comparison to the FP-marketed product.

Augmentation of antifungal activity of fluconazole using a clove oil nanoemulgel formulation optimized by factorial randomized D-optimal design.

In the present study, fluconazole (FLU) showed the highest solubility in clove oil and was selected as the oil phase for the FLU-loaded nanoemulsion (FLU-NE). Among the studied cosurfactants, Labrafac was better than ethanol at providing globules with acceptable sizes and a lower polydispersity index (PDI) when Tween 80 was the surfactant. This optimized FLU-NE was thermodynamically stable. Furthermore, FLU-NE stored at 40 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity for 6 months demonstrated good stability. The FLU-NE was converted to a FLU-loaded nanoemulsion gel (FLU-NEG) using 2% w/v sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The FLU-NEG was acceptable in terms of visual appearance and spreadability. Rheological studies revealed pseudoplastic behavior for FLU-NEG. The viscosity of FLU-NEG decreased when the applied rpm was increased. FLU-NEG showed greater drug release than that from a FLU-GEL formulation. Furthermore, the FLU release from FLU-NEG followed the Higuchi model. The results from the in vitro antifungal evaluation of FLU-NEG on Candida albicans ATCC 76615 strain confirmed the increase in the antifungal activity of FLU by clove oil. Significant differences were observed in the zones of inhibition produced by FLU-NEG compared to those produced by the blank nanoemulsion gel (B-NEG), fluconazole suspension (FLU-SUS), and nystatin samples. Thus, the increase in the antifungal activity of FLU using clove oil as the oil phase in its nanoemulsion formulation was quite evident from our results. Therefore, the developed FLU-NEG could be considered a potential candidate for further preclinical and clinical studies.

Preparation and characterization of a novel green cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsion for the enhancement of safety and shelf-life of strawberries.

This study aimed to optimize a novel green CEO nanoemulsions (CEO NEs) and explore its physicochemical properties and the effect on the shelf-life of strawberries during storage at environmental temperature (20-25 °C). We used CEO as oil phase and tea saponin (TS) as a natural surfactant to formulate the novel green CEO NEs, and its potential as an antimicrobial agent was also investigated. The results showed that CEO NEs had a droplet size about 170 nm with uniform distribution and regularly spherical. These CEO NEs exhibited excellent storage stability, thermal stability, pH stability and centrifugal stability. The antimicrobial test indicated that the minimal inhibitory concentration and the minimal bactericidal (fungicidal) concentration of CEO NEs against Escherichia coli, Botrytis cinerea and Aspergillus flavus were 17.81 µg/mL and 35.62 µg/mL, 35.62 µg/mL and 71.25 µg/mL, 2.23 µg/mL and 4.45 µg/mL, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of pure CEO (333.75 µg/mL and 667.5 µg/mL, 667.5 µg/mL and 1335 µg/mL, 41.72 µg/mL and 83.44 µg/mL). More interestingly, after soaking strawberries in CEO NEs for 2 min, the shelf-life of strawberries can be extended to 7 days at environmental temperature, and a lower rate of weight loss and mildew were showed in the group of CEO NEs than other control groups, especially the strawberries in ultrapure water group went bad first, obviously shranked, and contaminated by molds after 3 days. The above results indicate that CEO NEs prepared in this study has great potential as a new green antimicrobial agent in fruit preservation.

Dismantling of necrotroph Alternaria alternata by cellular intervention of Peppermint Oil Nanoemulsion (PNE).

Alternaria alternata, a common necrotrophic fungal pathogen, poses a significant threat to various crops, causing substantial yield losses and quality deterioration. In the present study, we explore the potential fungicidal properties of Peppermint Oil Nanoemulsion (PNE) against A. alternata and investigate its impact on the fungal phenotype. Our previous study synthesized the PNE using a nanoemulsion approach, optimizing its formulation for enhanced stability and efficacy. The present study extended the assessment of a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensively analyze the fungicidal efficacy of PNE against A. alternata. Notably, in a liquid growth medium, 0.5 % of PNE could reduce A. alternata's biomass by 96 %. PNE-treated mycelia were stained with a nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT) dye to assess ROS accumulation during oxidative stress induced by PNE. A higher degree of ROS generative potential of PNE has appeared in 72 h treated mycelia. PNE-treated mycelium showed cell wall alterations, with red fluorescence peaking at 0.5 %, indicating a dose-dependent effect compared to the untreated control. Consequently, PNE treatment led to a significant early hour increase in electrical conductivity (EC), extended to 306.03-353.33 µS/cm compared to 277.67-280.33 µS/cm untreated control. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of A. alternata reflects the osmotic imbalance and structural damage in mycelia as the obvious cause of fungal inhibition. In addition, a phenotype microarray analysis of PNE-treated A. alternata mycelia revealed a significant phenotypic loss in 37 out of 708 substrates, potentially impacting metabolic pathways essential for fungi's functional processes. The study found that downregulation of genes like Cre A, NmrA, SOD, IMP, EfP, and Erg, which are linked to A. alternata's stress coping mechanisms, leads to alterations in survival and adaptation. Additionally, understanding the phenotypic changes induced by PNE contributes to our knowledge of the mode of action of this nanoemulsion against A. alternata. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the fungicidal and phenotypic effects of PNE, offering a promising avenue for sustainable fungal control. The implications of our research extend to the development of novel, natural fungicidal agents for agricultural applications.

Steerable Interfacial Assembly of 1D Amyloid-Like Protein Nanocomposites for Enhanced Nanoherbicide Utilization.

Conventional herbicide formulations suffer from serious problems such as easy drift, run-off and scouring into the environment, which pose enormous threats to human health and environmental safety. Herein, an innovative strategy is proposed to prepare oil-in-water nanoemulsions with long-term stability, enhanced droplet deposition, and improved nanoherbicide adhesion via steerable interfacial assembly of 1D amyloid-like protein nanocomposites. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) undergoes rapid amyloid-like aggregation upon reduction of its disulfide bond. The resulting phase-transitioned BSA (PTB) oligomers instantly self-assemble on the surface of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) to form the 1D PTB/CNF nanocomposites, which greatly expands the parameter space for interfacial assembly of amyloid-like proteins. The PTB/CNF nanocomposites exhibit excellent interfacial activity, enabling spontaneous adsorption at the oil-water interface to stabilize nanoemulsion. The excess PTB/CNF nanocomposites would also self-assemble at the air-aqueous interface upon spraying, resulting in efficient droplet deposition on (super)hydrophobic leaves. The deposited nanoherbicides show excellent resistance to wind/rain corrosion due to the robust amyloid-mediated adhesion, with a retention rate of more than 80% after severe scouring. Consequently, herbicide applications can be reduced by at least 30% compared to commercial emulsifiable concentrates, showing greater herbicidal efficiency. This study provides novel insights and approaches to promote sustainable agricultural development.

A comparative analysis of beta-cypermethrin nanoemulsion and traditional emulsion dosages on enzyme activities in Blattella germanica.

To compare the impact of two pesticide dose forms on Blattella germanica (B. germanica)resistance enzymes.The micro-drop technique was utilized on subcultured B. germanica, and the metabolic enzyme activity was assessed.Using spectrophotometry, the relative enzyme activities of B.germanica were determined.Profile analysis was used to compare the enzyme activities of beta-cypermethrin in both nanoemulsion and traditional emulsion forms.Findings: The suppression percentages of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AchE), GST, and P450-O demethylases across different pesticide formulations were analyzed using regression equations, yielding F = 31.18, P < 0.001; F = 9.18, P < 0.001; and F = 4.58, P < 0.02.Conclusion: The suppression of AchE, GST, and P450-O demethylase by beta-cypermethrin nanoemulsion was more significant compared to the beta-cypermethrin emulsifiable concentrate.The study concluded that beta-cypermethrin nanoemulsion had a significant impact on insect detoxifying enzymes compared to beta-cypermethrin emulsifiable concentrate due to their numerous advantages.

Berberine-loaded nanoemulsions as a natural food preservative; the impact of femtosecond laser irradiation on the antibacterial activity.

There is a growing concern among food safety regulators, the food industry, and consumers about foodborne illnesses. To improve food safety and increase shelf life, it is necessary to use natural preservatives. Natural antimicrobials are safer than artificial preservatives because they can prevent microbial resistance while also meeting consumers' demands for healthier food. This study used Berberine to enhance the antibacterial activity of Satureja Khuzistanica essential oil nanoemulsions (SKEO NE) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria, making them a promising option as preservatives. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to determine the optimized Berberine loaded SKEO NE (Berberine/SKEO NE), resulting in a mean droplet size of 88.60 nm at 6.91, 3.21, and 0.08% w/w of surfactant, essential oil, and Berberine, respectively. Berberine utilization in SKEO NE has led to an increase in antibacterial activity. The nanoemulsion samples significantly ruptured the S. aureus bacterial cell membrane, rapidly discharging cell contents. The use of a microfluidic system in tandem based on the conventional approach significantly accelerated this process. Enhancing the interaction between nanodroplets and the bacterial membrane can be achieved through the nanoemulsification process of EOs, which involves modifying their surface characteristics. This enhancement is particularly pronounced when employing microfluidic systems due to their substantial contact surface area. We investigated the potential of using femtosecond laser irradiation at a wavelength of 1040 nm to augment the antibacterial action of nanoemulsions. The combined treatment of laser and nanoemulsions significantly increased the antibacterial effect of nanoemulsions by approximately 15% for each bacterium, suggesting the potential utility of this treatment to bolster the antibacterial activity of nanoemulsions. Bacteria were trapped using optical tweezers for up to 20 min, with bacterial destruction observed starting at 3 min and exhaustive destruction evident after 20 min.

Improvement of margarine shelf-life using alginate-chitosan coated multiple W/O/W nanoemulsions containing sesamol and retinol.

Alginate-chitosan (Alg-CH) coated multiple water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) nanoemulsion loaded with sesamol and retinol was hypothesized to enhance the oxidative stability of margarine. Total phenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity, acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), para-anisidine value (pAV), induction period (IP), and residual values of sesamol and retinol by HPLC were determined for 90 days. Margarine with tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) (T3) had the higher TPC and antioxidant activity (8.05 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g), 53.1 %) than T1 (nanoemulsion, 7.39 mg GAE/g, 38.95 %), T2 (free-sesamol and -retinol, 6.98 mg GAE/g, 31.07 %), and T4 (no antioxidant, 6.46 mg GAE/g, and 14.45 %) while T1 had higher antioxidant activity and TPC than T2 and T4 after 90 days. On day 90, the highest residual values of sesamol (200.10 mg/100 g) and retinol (118.09 µg/100 g) obtained for T1. Overall, T1 contributed to the prolonged oxidative stability of margarine, potentially offering an alternative to synthetic antioxidants.

Development and characterization of sodium alginate and ß-cyclodextrin nanoemulsions encapsulating betel leaf (Piper betle L.) extract for enhanced antimicrobial efficacy against foodborne pathogen.

This study aims to investigate the physical stability, droplet size, zeta potential, and antimicrobial properties of nanoemulsions formulated with betel leaf extract using ß-cyclodextrin (CD) and sodium alginate (SA) biopolymers. Nanoemulsions with ß-cyclodextrin exhibit superior stability at lower temperatures, with limited droplet size, and strong electrostatic repulsion. Morphological images demonstrate the successful encapsulation of betel leaf extract within both biopolymers, highlighting their potential for antimicrobial applications. Both CD and SA nanoemulsions display inhibitory effects on bacterial strains (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, and B. cereus) and fungal growth (A. brasiliensis, R. stolonifer, F. oxysporum, and C. albicans). SA nanoemulsions show higher antimicrobial activity due to H+ ion release, particularly against A. brasiliensis and C. albicans. These findings underscore the potential of betel leaf extract nanoemulsions, especially those with SA, for various antimicrobial applications for sustainable food packaging, highlighting their significance in addressing microbial challenges.

Formulation and Evaluation of Turmeric- and Neem-Based Topical Nanoemulgel against Microbial Infection.

The combination of nanoemulgel and phytochemistry has resulted in several recent discoveries in the field of topical delivery systems. The present study aimed to prepare nanoemulgel based on turmeric (Curcuma longa) and neem (Azadirachta indica) against microbial infection as topical drug delivery. Olive oil (oil phase), Tween 80 (surfactant), and PEG600 (co-surfactant) were used for the preparation of nanoemulsion. Carbopol 934 was used as a gelling agent to convert the nanoemulsion to nanoemulgel and promote the control of the release of biological properties of turmeric and neem. The nanoemulsion was characterized based on particle size distribution, PDI values, and compatibility using FTIR analysis. In contrast, the nanoemulgel was evaluated based on pH, viscosity, spreadability, plant extract and excipient compatibility or physical state, in vitro study, ex vivo mucoadhesive study, antimicrobial properties, and stability. The resulting nanoemulsion was homogeneous and stable during the centrifugation process, with the smallest droplets and low PDI values. FTIR analysis also confirmed good compatibility and absence of phase separation between the oil substance, surfactant, and co-surfactant with both plant extracts. The improved nanoemulgel also demonstrated a smooth texture, good consistency, good pH, desired viscosity, ex vivo mucoadhesive strength with the highest spreadability, and 18 h in vitro drug release. Additionally, it exhibited better antimicrobial properties against different microbial strains. Stability studies also revealed that the product had good rheological properties and physicochemical state for a period of over 3 months. The present study affirmed that turmeric- and neem-based nanoemulgel is a promising alternative for microbial infection particularly associated with microorganisms via topical application.