Comparison of lipemia interference created with native lipemic material and intravenous lipid emulsion in emergency laboratory tests.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effects of lipemia on clinical chemistry and coagulation parameters in native ultralipemic (NULM) and intravenous lipid emulsion (IVLE) spiked samples. Materials and methods: The evaluation of biochemistry (photometric, ion-selective electrode, immunoturbidimetric method), cardiac (electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method) and coagulation (the viscosity-based mechanical method for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen and the immunoturbidimetric method for D-dimer) parameters were conducted. In addition to the main pools, five pools were prepared for both types of lipemia, each with triglyceride (TG) concentrations of approximately 2.8, 5.7, 11.3, 17.0 and 22.6 mmol/L. All parameters' mean differences (MD%) were presented as interferographs and compared with the desirable specification for the inaccuracy (bias%). Data were also evaluated by repeated measures of ANOVA. Results: Prothrombin time and APTT showed no clinically relevant interference in IVLE-added pools but were negatively affected in NULM pools(P < 0.001 in both parameters). For biochemistry, the most striking difference was seen for CRP; it is up to 134 MD% value with NULM (P < 0.001) at the highest TG concentration, whereas it was up to - 2.49 MD% value with IVLE (P = 0.009). Albumin was affected negatively upward of 5.7 mmol/L TG with IVLE, while there was no effect for NULM. Creatinine displayed significant positive interferences with NULM starting at the lowest TG concentration (P = 0.028). There was no clinically relevant interference in cardiac markers for both lipemia types. Conclusions: Significant differences were scrutinized in interference patterns of lipemia types, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of lipemia interferences in clinical laboratories. It is crucial to note that lipid emulsions inadequately replicate lipemic samples.

Rubber-glass nanocomposites fabricated using mixed emulsions.

Many composites consist of matrices of elastomers and nanoparticles of stiff materials. Such composites often have superior properties and are widely used. Embedding elastomers with nanoparticles commonly necessitates intense shear, using machines like extruders and roll millers, which cut polymer chains and degrade properties. Here, we prepare a rubber-glass nanocomposite by using two aqueous emulsions. Each emulsion is separately prepared with a single species of polymer chains. Each polymer chain is copolymerized with a small amount of silane coupling agent. Upon mixing the two emulsions, as water evaporates, the glassy particles retain the shape, and the rubbery particles change shape to form a continuous matrix. Subsequently, the silane coupling agent condensates, which cross-links the rubbery chains and interlinks the rubbery chains to the glassy particles. The cross-links and interlinks stabilize the nanostructure and lead to superior properties. The nanocomposite simultaneously achieves high modulus (~30 MPa), high toughness (~100 kJ m-2), and high fatigue threshold (~1,000 J m-2). The method of mixed emulsion is environmentally friendly and compatible with various open-air manufacturing processes, such as coat, cast, spray, print, and brush. Additionally, the silane coupling agent can interlink the nanocomposite to other materials. The method of mixed emulsion can be used to fabricate objects of complex shapes, fine features, and prescribed spatial variations of compositions.

Improvement of processable properties of plant-based high internal phase emulsions by mung bean protein isolate based on pH shift treatment.

BACKGROUND: High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are unique emulsion systems that transform liquid oil into solid-like fats, thus avoiding the use of saturated fat and leading to a healthier and more sustainable food system for consumers. HIPEs with oil volume fraction (ϕ) of 75-85% were fabricated with mung bean protein isolate (MPI) under different pH shift treatments at 1.0% concentration through the one-step method. In the present study, we investigated the physical properties, microstructures, processing properties, storage stability and rheological properties of HIPEs. RESULTS: The results suggested that the properties of MPI under different pH shift treatments were improved to different degrees, stabilizing HIPEs (ϕ = 75-85%) with various processability to meet food processing needs. Under alkali shift treatment conditions, the particle size of MPI was significantly reduced with better solubility. Moreover, the exposure of hydrophobic groups increased the surface hydrophobicity of MPI, awarding MPI better emulsifying properties, which could stabilize the HIPEs with higher oil phase fraction. In addition, the MPI under pH 12 shift treatment (MPI-12) had the best oil-carrying ability to form the stable HIPEs with oil volume fraction (ϕ) up to 85%, which was the highest oil phase in preparing the HIPEs using plant protein solely at a low concentration under neutral conditions. CONCLUSION: A series of stable HIPEs with different processing properties was simply and feasibly fabricated and these are of great potential in applying edible HIPEs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fabrication of soy protein nanoparticles based on metal-phenolic networks for stabilization of nano-emulsions delivery system.

The use of soy protein isolate (SPI) nanoparticles as a stabilizer in nano-emulsion systems has garnered significant interest. While metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) have been explored for their multifunctional surface modification capabilities, their integration with food protein-based delivery systems remains less explored. In this study, we attempt to develop a novel strategy to encapsulate cinnamaldehyde using MPNs (EGCG-Fe3+) with self-assembling soy protein nanoparticles (SE-Fe NPs) as a stabilizer for nano-emulsions. UV, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses demonstrated that SE-Fe NPs were generated through metal-phenolic coordination and covalent interactions. SE-Fe NPs had a narrower particle size distribution and enhanced radical scavenging (up to 3.35-fold), as well as thermal stability. Furthermore, the smaller droplet size, higher modulus, higher cinnamaldehyde encapsulation efficiency (from 63.5% to 84.2%), and improved bio-accessibility of SE-Fe NPs stabilized nano-emulsions delivery system demonstrated in this study shows promising future applications in the food industry.

Synergistic stabilization of high internal phase Pickering emulsions by peanut isolate proteins and cellulose nanocrystals for ß-carotene encapsulation.

In this study, high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) were stabilized by the complexes of peanut protein isolate (PPI) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for encapsulation ß-carotene to retard its degradation during processing and storage. CNCs were prepared by H2SO4 hydrolysis (HCNCs), APS oxidation (ACNCs) and TEMPO oxidation (TCNCs), exhibiting needle-like or rod-like structures with nanoscale size and uniformly distributed around the spherical PPI particle, which enhanced the emulsifying capability of PPI. Results of optical micrographs and droplet size measurement showed that Pickering emulsions stabilized by PPI/ACNCs complexes exhibited the most excellent stability after 30 days of storage, which indicated that ACNCs had the most obvious effect to improve emulsifying capability of PPI. HIPPEs encapsulated ß-carotene (ßc-HIPPEs) were stabilized by PPI/ACNCs complexes and showed excellent inverted storage stability. Moreover, ßc-HIPPEs exhibited typical shear thinning behavior investigated by rheological properties analysis. During thermal treatment, ultraviolet radiation and oxidation, the retentions of ß-carotene encapsulated in HIPPEs were improved significantly. This research holds promise in expanding Pickering emulsions stabilized by proteins-polysaccharide particles to delivery systems for hydrophobic bioactive compounds.

A Comprehensive Review on Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery System and Their Role for Management of Hypertension.

The current global epidemic of hypertension is not a disease in and of itself but rather a significant risk factor for serious cardiovascular conditions such as peripheral artery disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Although many medications that work through various mechanisms of action are available on the market in conventional formulations to treat hypertension, these medications face significant difficulties with their bioavailability, dosing, and associated side effects, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of their therapeutic interventions. Numerous studies have shown that nanocarriers and nanoformulations can minimize the toxicity associated with high doses of the drug while greatly increasing the drug's bioavailability and reducing the frequency of dosing.

This review sheds light on the difficulties posed by traditional antihypertensive formulations and highlights the necessity of oral nanoparticulate systems to solve these issues. Because hypertension has a circadian blood pressure pattern, chronotherapeutics can be very important in treating the condition. On the other hand, nanoparticulate systems can be very important in managing hypertension.

Impact of lipid emulsions in parenteral nutrition on platelets: a literature review.

Lipid emulsions are essential components of parenteral nutrition solutions that provide energy and essential fatty acids. The complexity of the formulations of lipid emulsions may lead to adverse outcomes such as platelet reactivity and changes in platelet aggregation and related coagulation. Platelets are responsible for haemostasis; they activate and demonstrate morphological changes upon extracellular factors to maintain blood fluidity and vascular integrity. Although parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions are generally found safe with regard to modulation of platelet activity, studies are still accumulating. Thus, this review aims to investigate platelet-related changes by parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions in human studies. Studies have pointed out patients at risk of bleeding and increased platelet aggregation responses due to the administration of lipid emulsions. Lipid emulsions may further benefit patients at high risk of thrombosis due to anti-thrombotic effects and should be cautiously used in patients with thrombocytopenia. The reported platelet-related changes might be associated with the fatty acid change in the plasma membranes of platelets following changes in platelet synthesis and plasma levels of eicosanoids. In conclusion, studies investigating platelets and parenteral nutrition should be supported to minimize the adverse effects and to benefit from the potential protective effects of parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions.

pH-Controllable Redox Responsive Amphiphilic Viologens for Switchable Emulsions.

A pH and redox dual responsive amphiphilic viologen is synthesized, which can be reversibly transformed among the zwitterionic (SVa), monovalent anionic (SV+), and divalent anionic (SVH2+) forms upon pH variation, exhibiting pH-controllable redox responsive properties. Switchable Pickering emulsions with different droplet size and viscosity are prepared by the mixture of hydrophilic silica nanoparticles and the viologens (SV+ or SVH2+) at acidic conditions, while such combination yielded an oil-in-dispersion emulsion at neutral pH value. Not only can rapid reversible demulsification/stabilization of the Pickering emulsions be achieved by redox reactions, but the rate of redox-demulsification can also be controlled by pH trigger. The dual-responsive amphiphilic viologens have potential applications in developing intelligent colloid materials and molecular logic systems.

Pharmaceutical Emulsions: A Viable Approach for Ocular Drug Delivery.

Ocular disorders can lead to serious sight impairment and irreversible blindness. Generally simple topical and systemic treatments are recommended for treating these vision-threatening illnesses. The distinctive architecture of the eye complicates ocular drug delivery. The ophthalmic emulsion formulations have been found to increase bioavailability in the eye by prolonging residence time and improving permeability through the cornea. Therefore, this study highlights ophthalmic emulsions meant for both the anterior and posterior parts of the eye while examining a wide range of ocular disorders that affect individuals globally. This review presents, in brief, recent emulsion-based patented innovations, clinical trials, and marketed emulsion formulations for ocular drug delivery, which are strengthening development of the new ophthalmic drug products for managing different ocular diseases and disorders.

High-precision screening and sorting of double emulsion droplets.

Mounting evidence suggests that cell populations are extremely heterogeneous, with individual cells fulfilling different roles within the population. Flow cytometry (FC) is a high-throughput tool for single-cell analysis that works at high optical resolution. Sub-populations with unique properties can be screened, isolated and sorted through fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), using intracellular fluorescent products or surface-tagged fluorescent products of interest. However, traditional FC and FACS methods cannot identify or isolate cells that secrete extracellular products of interest. Double emulsion (DE) droplets are an innovative approach to retaining these extracellular products so cells producing them can be identified and isolated with FC and FACS. The water-in-oil-in-water structure makes DE droplets compatible with the sheath flow of flow cytometry. Single cells can be encapsulated with other reagents into DEs, which act as pico-reactors. These droplets allow biological activities to take place while allowing for cell cultivation monitoring, rare mutant identification, and cellular events characterization. However, using DEs in FACS presents technical challenges, including rupture of DEs, poor accuracy and low sorting efficiency. This study presents high-performance sorting using fluorescent beads (as simulants for cells). This study aims to guide researchers in the use of DE-based flow cytometry, offering insights into how to resolve the technical difficulties associated with DE-based screening and sorting using FC.

Unraveling the role of probiotics in affecting the structure of monoglyceride gelled emulsions: A low-field 1H NMR study.

The capacity of monoglyceride (MG) gelled emulsions (MEs) in protecting probiotic cells of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus against stresses suffered during food processing, storage, and human digestion has been recently demonstrated. These findings open new perspectives on the possible participation of probiotics in the stabilization of emulsion structure. To unravel this aspect, rheological analysis and Low-Field 1H NMR investigations were performed on MEs having different aqueous phases (water or skimmed milk) and stored for increasing time (1 and 14 days) at 4 °C. Loaded and unloaded samples were considered. Results highlighted that probiotics initially hindered the ability of MG to self-assemble in the multiphase environment, interacting in some way with MG crystalline lamellar structure, as confirmed by rheological and 1H NMR analysis. During storage, an increase of proton compartmentation was observed in loaded MEs indicating the role of probiotics in stabilizing MG structure at a molecular level. Such a result was more evident when the system was composed of milk, suggesting that the presence of milk-native components (i.e., lactose, proteins, and minerals) favored the cell-structure interactions. Such preliminary results could open new perspectives in considering probiotic cells as having an active role in the stabilization of food structure.

A double-network porous hydrogel based on high internal phase emulsions as a vehicle for potassium sucrose octasulfate delivery accelerates diabetic wound healing.

Diabetic wounds are a difficult medical challenge. Excessive secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in diabetic wounds further degrades the extracellular matrix and growth factors and causes severe vascular damage, which seriously hinders diabetic wound healing. To solve these issues, a double-network porous hydrogel composed of poly (methyl methacrylate-co-acrylamide) (p(MMA-co-AM)) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was constructed by the high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) technique for the delivery of potassium sucrose octasulfate (PSO), a drug that can inhibit MMPs, increase angiogenesis and improve microcirculation. The hydrogel possessed a typical polyHIPE hierarchical microstructure with interconnected porous morphologies, high porosity, high specific surface area, excellent mechanical properties and suitable swelling properties. Meanwhile, the p(MMA-co-AM)/PVA@PSO hydrogel showed high drug-loading performance and effective PSO release. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the p(MMA-co-AM)/PVA@PSO hydrogel had good biocompatibility and significantly accelerated diabetic wound healing by inhibiting excessive MMP-9 in diabetic wounds, increasing growth factor secretion, improving vascularization, increasing collagen deposition and promoting re-epithelialization. Therefore, this study provided a reliable therapeutic strategy for diabetic wound healing, some theoretical basis and new insights for the rational design and preparation of wound hydrogel dressings with high porosity, high drug-loading performance and excellent mechanical properties.

Unravelling the effect of droplet size on lipid oxidation in O/W emulsions by using microfluidics.

Lipid oxidation in emulsions is hypothesised to increase with decreasing droplet size, as this increases the specific oil-water interfacial area, where lipid oxidation is expected to be initiated. In literature, however, contradictory results have been reported, which can be caused by confounding factors such as the oil droplet polydispersity and the distribution of components between the available phases. In this work, monodisperse surfactant-stabilised emulsions with highly controlled droplet sizes of 4.7, 9.1, and 26 µm were produced by microfluidic emulsification. We show that lipid oxidation increases with decreasing droplet size, which we ascribe to the increased contact area between lipids and continuous phase prooxidants. Besides, a significant amount of oxygen was consumed by oxidation of the surfactant itself (Tween 20), an effect that also increased with decreasing droplet size. These insights substantiate the importance of controlling droplet size for improving the oxidative stability of emulsions.

Encapsulation of Indicaxanthin-Rich Opuntia Green Extracts by Double Emulsions for Improved Stability and Bioaccessibility.

Opuntia ficus-indica var. Colorada fruit is an important source of indicaxanthin, a betalain with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuromodulatory potential, proven in both in vitro and in vivo models. Other betalains and phenolic compounds with bioactive activities have also been identified in Colorada fruit extracts. These compounds may degrade by their exposure to different environmental factors, so in the present research, two double emulsion systems (W1/O/W2) were elaborated using Tween 20 (TW) and sodium caseinate (SC) as surfactants to encapsulate Colorada fruit pulp extracts, with the aim of enhancing their stability during storage. Encapsulation efficiencies of up to 97.3 ± 2.7%, particle sizes between 236 ± 4 and 3373 ± 64 nm, and zeta potential values of up to ∣46.2∣ ± 0.3 mV were obtained. In addition, the evaluation of the in vitro gastro-intestinal stability and bioaccessibility of the main individual bioactives was carried out by standardized INFOGEST© protocol, obtaining the highest values for the encapsulated extract bioactives in comparison with the non-encapsulated extract (control). Especially, TW double emulsion showed bioaccessibility values of up to 82.8 ± 1.5% for the main bioactives (indicaxanthin, piscidic acid, and isorhamnetin glucoxyl-rhamnosyl-pentoside 2 (IG2)), indicating a promising potential for its use as a functional natural colorant ingredient.

General approaches to biopolymer-based Pickering emulsions.

Pickering emulsion is a type of emulsion that uses solid particles or colloidal particles as emulsifiers rather than surfactants to adhere at oil-water interface. Pickering emulsions have gathered significant research attention recently due to their excellent stability and wide range of potential uses compared to traditional emulsions. Major advancements have been made in development of innovative Pickering emulsions using different colloidal particles by various techniques including homogenization, emulsification and ultrasonication. Use of biopolymer particles gives Pickering emulsions a more escalating possibilities. In this review paper, we seek to present a critical overview of development in food-grade particles that have been utilized to create Pickering emulsions with a focus on techniques and application of Pickering emulsions. Particularly, we have evaluated protein, lipid, polysaccharide-based particles and microalgal proteins that have emerged in recent years with respect to their potential to stabilize and add novel functionalities to Pickering emulsions. Some preparation methods of Pickering emulsions in brief, applications of Pickering emulsions are also highlighted. Encapsulation and delivery of bioactive compounds, fat substitutes, film formation and catalysis are potential applications of Pickering emulsions. Pickering double emulsions, nutraceutical and bioactive co-delivery, and preparation of porous materials are among research trends of food-grade Pickering emulsions.

Effect of ultrasonic power on delivery of quercetin in emulsions stabilized using octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) modified broken japonica rice starch.

In this study, emulsions stabilized by octenyl succinic anhydride-modified broken japonica rice starch (OSA-BJRS) were prepared at different ultrasonic power intensities for the delivery, controlled release, and improved bioavailability of quercetin. The OSA-BJRS emulsions ultrasonicated at 400 W exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (89.37 %) and loading efficiency (58.34 %) of quercetin, the smallest volume-average droplet diameter (0.51 µm) and polydispersity index (0.19), the highest absolute value of the ζ-potential (26.73 mV), and the highest apparent viscosity and viscoelasticity. The oxidation stability, storage stability, thermal stability, and salt ion stability of the emulsions were also notably improved by the ultrasonication treatment. In addition, the results of the simulated in vitro digestion demonstrated that the ultrasonicated OSA-BJRS emulsions had an enhanced quercetin delivery performance and could stably transport quercetin to the small intestine for digestion. The OSA-BJRS emulsion ultrasonicated at 400 W exhibited the highest cumulative release rate (95.91 %) and the highest bioavailability (30.48 %) of quercetin. This suggests that OSA-BJRS emulsions prepared by ultrasonication can be considered effective delivery systems for hydrophobic functional components.

Plant gums in Pickering emulsions: A review of sources, properties, applications, and future perspectives.

Recently, there has been an increasing research interest in the development of Pickering emulsions stabilized with naturally derived biopolymeric particles. In this regard, plant gums, obtained as plant exudates or from plant seeds, are considered promising candidates for the development of non-toxic, biocompatible, biodegradable and eco-friendly Pickering stabilizers. The main objective of this review article is to provide a detailed overview and assess the latest advances in the formulation of Pickering emulsions stabilized with plant gum-based particles. The plant gum sources, types and properties are outlined. Besides, the current methodologies used in the production of plant gum particles formed solely of plant gums, or through interactions of plant gums with proteins or other polysaccharides are highlighted and discussed. Furthermore, the work compiles and assesses the innovative applications of plant gum-based Pickering emulsions in areas such as encapsulation and delivery of drugs and active agents, along with the utilization of these Pickering emulsions in the development of active packaging films, plant-based products and low-fat food formulations. The last part of the review presents potential future research trends that are expected to motivate and direct research to areas related to other novel food applications, as well as tissue engineering and environmental applications.

A Pickering emulsion stabilized by Chitosan-g-Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) microgels: Interface formation, stability and stimuli-responsiveness.

Pickering emulsions stabilized by solid particles are more stable and environmentally friendly compared to traditional surfactants. Herein, a series of Chitosan-g-Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (CS-g-PNVCL) microgel particles were synthesized via a free radical surfactant-free emulsion copolymerization and the obtained particles were used to stabilize Pickering emulsions. It is found that the ratio (CS/PNVCL = 60 wt%) was optimal to produce Pickering emulsions. The microstructures of Pickering emulsions can maintain for 60 days at room temperature and this long-term stability is attributed to the CS-g-PNVCL microgel particles adsorbed at the oil-water interface. The Pickering emulsions displayed thermo-responsive characteristics when exposed to environmental stimuli. The emulsions became destabilized with an increase in pH and temperature. The droplets turned unstable and irregular due to excessive NaCl concentration, caused by electrostatic repulsion between the microgel particles. This study presents a novel way to form smart and uniform Pickering emulsions with the application potential in food, cosmetics, and drug delivery, etc.

Starch-based particles as stabilizers for Pickering emulsions: modification, characteristics, stabilization, and applications.

The potential utilization of starch as a particle-based emulsifier in the preparation of Pickering emulsions is gaining interest within the food industry. Starch is an affordable and abundant functional ingredient, which makes it an excellent candidate for the stabilization of Pickering emulsions. This review article focuses on the formation, stabilization, and properties of Pickering emulsions formulated using starch-based particles and their derivatives. First, methods of isolating and modifying starch-based particles are highlighted. The key parameters governing the properties of starch-stabilized Pickering emulsions are then discussed, including the concentration, size, morphology, charge, and wettability of the starch-based particles, as well as the type and size of the oil droplets. The physicochemical mechanisms underlying the ability of starch-based particles to form and stabilize Pickering emulsions are also discussed. Starch-based Pickering emulsions tend to be more resistant to coalescence than conventional emulsions, which is useful for some food applications. Potential applications of starch-stabilized Pickering emulsions are reviewed, as well as recent studies on their gastrointestinal fate. The information provided may stimulate the utilization of starch-based Pickering emulsions in food and other industries.

Modulation of secretory factors by lipofundin contributes to its anti­neuroinflammatory effects.

As the global population ages, the prevalence of neuroinflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke continues to increase. Therefore, it is necessary to develop preventive and therapeutic methods against neuroinflammatory diseases. Lipofundin is a lipid emulsion commonly used in clinical anesthetic solvents and nutritional supplements. Lipid emulsions have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential beneficial effect of lipofundin against neuroinflammation requires elucidation. In the present study, two cell models were used to investigate the efficacy of lipofundin against neuroinflammation. In the first model, BV2 mouse microglial cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce nitric oxide (NO) production as a model of neuroinflammation. In the second model, HMC3 human microglial were activated by LPS, and changes in the secretion of factors associated with inflammation were analyzed using Luminex xMAP® technology. Griess assay results revealed that lipofundin significantly prevented and treated LPS-induced NO production. An anti-neuroinflammatory effect was also observed in HMC3 cells, where lipofundin exhibited excellent preventive and therapeutic properties by reducing the LPS-induced expression and secretion of interleukin-1ß. Notably, lipofundin also promoted the secretion of certain growth factors, suggesting a potential neuroprotective effect. These results demonstrate that, in addition to its role as a solvent for drugs and nutritional support, lipofundin may also have beneficial effects in alleviating the progression of neuroinflammation. These findings may serve as an important reference for future translational medicine applications.