An overview on nanoemulsion

a novel drug delivery system

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: An overview on nanoemulsion
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: a novel drug delivery system

Original source:

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Author:

Sayali S. Patil and Dr. Sachin A. Nitave


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: An overview on nanoemulsion

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202321-30421


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Nanoemulsions have emerged as a vital contemporary drug delivery system, addressing many challenges associated with traditional medication administration. Characterized by their small droplet sizes, typically ranging between 20 to 200 nm, nanoemulsions are isotropic, thermodynamically stable systems created through surfactants and co-surfactants blending two immiscible liquids. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the formulation, preparation processes, characterization techniques, and a wide array of applications for nanoemulsions, highlighting their enhanced stability, aesthetic appeal, and performance in drug delivery.

Formulation and Preparation Techniques

One of the core concepts discussed in the paper is the understanding of preparation methods for nanoemulsions. Techniques such as high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, and ultrasonication are key in producing nanoemulsions with consistent and small particle sizes. High-pressure homogenization creates nanoemulsions by forcing liquid through a small orifice at high pressure, resulting in finely dispersed particles. Microfluidization involves circulating the mixture through microchannels to achieve particle size reduction and uniformity. On the other hand, ultrasonication uses ultrasonic sound waves to agitate the mixture, which helps reduce droplet size. These methods ensure that the established quality and size criteria for effective nanoemulsion formulations are met.

Characterization Techniques

Another important concept is the characterization of nanoemulsions, which is crucial to ensure their stability and efficacy as drug delivery systems. Various techniques are employed to analyze properties such as zeta potential, polydispersity, and particle size. Zeta potential measures the surface charge of the droplets, which helps predict the stability of the nanoemulsion, as higher charges often lead to lower chances of droplet coalescence. Polydispersity provides insights into the uniformity of the droplet sizes, and techniques like Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) help ascertain the average size of the particles in suspension. These characterization methodologies are essential in determining the performance and reliability of nanoemulsions in various applications.

Applications in Drug Delivery

The application of nanoemulsions in drug delivery presents significant benefits across multiple routes, including parenteral, oral, topical, and ocular administration. For instance, in parenteral delivery, nanoemulsions can enhance the solubility and bioavailability of lipophilic drugs, providing long-term circulation in the body compared to larger emulsions. In oral delivery systems, they can improve the effectiveness and absorption of poorly soluble medications. Topically, nanoemulsions allow for targeted delivery to specific skin areas while bypassing systemic metabolism, and they can modify the release profile of active ingredients. The versatility in application highlights nanoemulsions' promising role in enhancing drug formulations in various therapeutic areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nanoemulsions represent a significant advance in drug delivery technologies, offering extensive advantages due to their ability to address solubility issues and enhance the stability of various compounds. The exploration of their formulation, preparation, and characterization methods provides valuable insights for formulators to optimize the efficiency of these systems. As research in this field continues to expand, nanoemulsions are set to become even more integral to pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications, ensuring the development of novel, effective delivery mechanisms to improve patient outcomes.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are nanoemulsions and their typical droplet size range?

Nanoemulsions are emulsions with droplet sizes ranging from 20 to 200 nm, made to improve the delivery of active compounds by enhancing their stability and solubility.

How do nanoemulsions improve drug delivery systems?

Nanoemulsions increase the surface area for drug dissolution, enhancing bioavailability and allowing sustained or controlled release of poorly soluble drugs, thus improving therapeutic effectiveness.

What are the key preparation techniques for nanoemulsions?

Common techniques include high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, and ultrasonication, which help produce nanoemulsions with consistently small droplet sizes required for effective drug delivery.

What are the advantages of using nanoemulsions in cosmetics?

Nanoemulsions enhance skin penetration of active ingredients, reduce viscosity, and improve visual appeal, making them suitable for various cosmetic applications like UV protection and anti-aging formulations.

What is the significance of zeta potential in nanoemulsions?

Zeta potential indicates the stability of nanoemulsions by measuring the electrostatic repulsion between droplets. A higher zeta potential suggests a more stable formulation, reducing the risk of coalescence.

In which areas are nanoemulsions commonly applied?

Nanoemulsions find applications in drug delivery, cosmetics, biotechnology, and food formulations, thanks to their ability to solubilize hydrophobic substances and enhance absorption.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “An overview on nanoemulsion”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Water:
Water is a critical component used in nanoemulsions and serves as a continuous phase in emulsion formulations. Its role is essential for dispersing oil droplets, aiding in drug delivery, and facilitating various physiochemical interactions necessary for the stabilization and effectiveness of emulsions in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

2) Drug:
Drugs encompass a range of substances used for medical treatment. In the framework of nanoemulsions, drugs are often poorly soluble compounds, and nanoemulsion systems can greatly enhance their delivery, bioavailability, and therapeutic impact, revolutionizing modern pharmaceutical formulations and therapeutic methodologies.

3) Surface:
Surface refers to the outer layer of particles or droplets in emulsions. The surface characteristics, such as surface area and surface tension, influence the interactions between dispersed and continuous phases and are critical for maintaining stability in nanoemulsions and enhancing drug solubilization and absorption.

4) Substance:
Substances are various materials or chemicals used in formulations. In pharmaceuticals, different substances are combined in nanoemulsions to achieve desired therapeutic effects, influence bioavailability, and enhance the stability of encapsulated drugs, thereby improving overall performance in drug delivery systems.

5) Food:
Food can refer to edible substances that provide nutritional value and may be fortified with active ingredients through nanoemulsions. The application of nanoemulsions in food technology enhances the delivery of bioactive compounds, flavors, and nutrients, thereby improving functional food products and dietary supplements.

6) Field:
Fields reference diverse areas of study or sector applications. In the context of nanoemulsions, various fields such as pharmaceuticals, food science, and cosmetics leverage nanoemulsion technology to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of active ingredient delivery.

7) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is a state in India known for its significant contributions to pharmaceuticals and education. Research institutions in Maharashtra, such as Anil Alias Pintu Magdum Memorial Pharmacy College, promote the development and application of nanoemulsion technology, enriching the scientific community's work on drug delivery systems.

8) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to substances effective against bacteria. In the development of nanoemulsions, incorporating antibacterial agents maximizes their potential to treat infections while leveraging the enhanced solubility and absorption properties provided by nanoemulsion technologies.

9) Kolhapur:
Kolhapur is a district in Maharashtra, India, where advanced research and education institutions focus on pharmacy and nanotechnology. The local academic environment fosters innovations in drug delivery systems and contributes to the development of nanoemulsion technologies for improved therapeutic applications.

10) Cutting:
Cutting generally pertains to advanced or innovative methods of doing something. In the nanoemulsion context, cutting refers to the leading-edge techniques employed for formulating nanoemulsions, emphasizing the latest research methodologies that ensure efficient drug delivery systems are developed for better health outcomes.

11) Reason:
Reason indicates the justification or cause behind phenomena or decisions. In pharmaceutical formulations, reasons for using nanoemulsions include improving bioavailability, stability of drugs, and enhancing therapeutic effects, driving researchers to explore these systems for innovative applications in various fields.

12) Medium:
Medium refers to the substance or environment in which a biological or physical process takes place, such as emulsions used in drug delivery. In nanoemulsions, the medium consists of oil, water, and surfactants, which facilitate effective dispersion and absorption of drug compounds.

13) India:
India is a country that has a vibrant pharmaceutical industry and an extensive research landscape, contributing significantly to advancements in drug delivery technologies. The exploration and development of nanoemulsions in India play a vital role in addressing local health challenges through innovative treatment approaches.

14) Patil:
Patil is a surname of Indian origin, particularly common in Maharashtra. In this context, Sayali S. Patil is a corresponding author noted for her contributions to the field of pharmacy, particularly in the formulation and application of nanoemulsion technologies in drug delivery.

15) Miṇi (Mini):
Mini refers to a smaller version or scale of a phenomenon. In nanoemulsions, 'mini-emulsions' are related concepts where droplet sizes range from larger than classical emulsions but are still smaller than traditional emulsions, providing unique benefits in stability and bioavailability in drug delivery systems.

16) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. A thorough understanding of pharmacological principles is essential for developing nanoemulsions that effectively deliver therapeutic agents, ensuring optimal absorption and efficacy in treating diseases.

17) Observation:
Observation is the systematic process of watching or monitoring conditions to collect data. For nanoemulsion research, precise observations are crucial to analyze stability, droplet size distribution, and efficacy of the formulations in actual application scenarios.

18) Performance:
Performance refers to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of a system or element. In nanoemulsions, performance metrics such as drug release rates, stability, and bioavailability assessments are critical to determining their suitability for pharmaceutical applications.

19) Anti-aging:
Anti-aging refers to products or active ingredients aimed at reducing signs of aging. The role of nanoemulsions in cosmetic formulations enhances the delivery of anti-aging compounds, increasing their effectiveness and promoting skin vitality through improved absorption and hydration.

20) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which substances can harm living organisms. In drug development, assessing the toxicity of nanoemulsions is critical to ensure they are safe for human use, thereby safeguarding the health of patients receiving administered therapeutics.

21) Activity:
Activity typically refers to the effectiveness of a substance in achieving a desired effect, such as the therapeutic action of drugs. In nanoemulsion contexts, the activity involves evaluating how well drug-loaded nanoemulsions work in providing the intended pharmacological effects.

22) Channel:
Channel, singular, refers to a pathway or route through which substances can flow or be processed, particularly in the context of nanoemulsions. In formulations, channels can facilitate the mixing and emulsification process, ensuring uniform distributions of active ingredients.

23) Mineral:
Mineral refers to a naturally occurring inorganic substance utilized in various applications, including nutrition and healthcare. Incorporating minerals into nanoemulsions enhances their delivery, improving their bioavailability and effectiveness in dietary and pharmaceutical products.

24) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of a product or substance, influencing its effectiveness and safety. In nanoemulsion formulations, quality measures must be maintained to ensure that the delivery systems perform as intended, maximizing therapeutic benefits and ensuring patient safety.

25) Account:
Account indicates the consideration or acknowledgment taken in various contexts or research developments. In the context of nanoemulsions, maintaining an account of formulation variables ensures that the impact of each component on efficacy and stability is well understood.

26) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma refers to the scent or fragrance provided by certain substances or essential oils. In food and cosmetic applications, nanoemulsions can encapsulate aromatic compounds, improving their stability and release, thus enhancing sensory experiences for consumers.

27) Glass:
Glass refers to a material that is transparent and often used for containment or display. In pharmaceutical research, glass containers are common for holding nanoemulsions during stability tests and for experimental setups to ensure accuracy and minimize reactions with other materials.

28) Line:
Line refers to a continuum or sequence where events occur. In nanoemulsion formulation, establishing a consistent line of evidence through controlled experiments supports the validity of findings related to the stability, efficiency, and applicability of the materials involved.

29) Hand:
Hand represents the manual manipulation in processes. In laboratory settings, skilled hand techniques are important during the preparation and analysis of nanoemulsions to ensure precision and the integrity of drug delivery systems being developed.

30) Salt (Salty):
Salt is an ionic compound that can influence solubility and interactions in formulations. In nanoemulsions, salts may be added to adjust pH or ionic strength, impacting the stability and performance of the emulsion in drug delivery applications.

31) Oil:
Oils refer to lipid substances used as the dispersed phase in emulsions. In nanoemulsions, various oils can be employed to encapsulate and deliver active ingredients, enhancing their solubility and bioavailability while providing beneficial properties in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

32) Rat:
Rats are often used as model organisms in biological and pharmacological experiments. Their use in nanoemulsion research allows for testing the efficacy and safety of drug delivery systems, providing valuable insights into potential human applications and therapeutic benefits.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘An overview on nanoemulsion’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Bioavailability, Drug delivery system, Particle size analysis, Transdermal delivery, Zeta potential, Dynamic light scattering, Emulsifying agent, Pharmacologically active compounds.

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