Formulation and optimization of self-emulsifying nanoemulsion of long chain and medium chain fatty acid oils / Syaheeda Yaakob

Oil-in-water nanoemulsions are promising colloidal drug carrier system for diverse therapeutic application. The properties of nanoemulsions are of special interest for practical application. They are mainly used in pharmaceuticals field as drug delivery system. Oil-in-water (0/W) types of emulsions have been investigated years back, and have been reviewed thoroughly. Mechanical methods of nanoemulsion production are designed for dispersion using self-emulsifying agent. The study aimed on the formulation and optimization of mixture between long chain and medium chain fatty acid nanoemulsion and by using Sunflower oil, Coconut oil, Tween 80 and Span 80 as emulsifying agent and glycerol monooleate as the thickening agent in order to obtain the intended droplet size (below 500 nm) with optimum stability and spreadibility of nanoemulsion. Result of this study will provide scientific data on particle size, viscosity, stability and spreadibility of the nanoemulsion. The nanoemulsion was produced by combining the oils, surfactants and glycerol and formulations of emulsion were stirred with a Eurostar Digital IKA®-WERKE homogenizer to produce nano size particles, based on different speeds and times. With the right speed and time of the homogenizer, we will be able to optimize the formulation of self-emulsifying nano emulsion. Based on the analysis of droplet sizes of all samples, the samples with droplet size in the range of 1-500 nm were grouped as nano-sized particles. An increase in surfactant (Tween 80) concentration will decrease the particle size of emulsions produced. The use of combination co-surfactant, Span 80 with surfactant, Tween 80 produced smaller droplets emulsion.