Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

Abstract

Characterization and Stability Studies on Vegetable Nanoemulsions Obtained by Low Energy Process

Monica Maruno

Background: The use of vegetable oils in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry is becoming increasingly attractive worldwide. Native to Cerrado biome of Brazil, we can mention baru seeds, which oil has a high degree of unsaturation. Its major constituents are the fatty acids oleic and linoleic, and, besides that it contains significant amounts of tocopherols and phytosterols. Emulsified systems are the most common form presentation of industrial products. Its excellent ability to solubilize hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds explains its scientific and commercial importance. The design of these systems requires knowledge of the main factors that influence their formation, consequently, stability and performance. The objective of this research was the development and characterization of a nanoemulsion with baru oil using an economic process. The steps involved in the planning process of development of the systems were: 1) choice of emulsification methodology 2) development and characterization of formulations; 3) stability studies.
Results: The use of low energy emulsification methodology so, a low-cost process, allow obtention of stable nanoemulsion having particle size distribution between 100.67 ± 8.39 and 111.45 ± 5.44 nm. The study of the physicochemical properties of the formulations showed no signs of instability of the formulations during the storage period under specific temperature conditions and the nanoemulsion has fine appearance, translucent aspect and bluish reflect, which are in accordance with the concept of nanoemulsions.
Conclusions: The optimization of composition variables to minimize droplet size and polydispersity index allowed the obtention of a stable nanoemulsion by using a classic and low cost methodology. The developed system may be a good alternative delivery system, particularly because the use of vegetable oil follows a global trend of using renewable resources for sustainable development in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.