Skip to content
Log in
Sponsored Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, Global Edition Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, Global Edition Amazon

Similar papers

Open access Aug 2026

Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)/Fish Oil Concentrate Nanoemulsion-Based Nanocomposite Films Reinforced with Nano TiO2 in Two Morphologies

Nonbiodegradable, petroleum-based food packaging materials have been shown to cause significant environmental harm, particularly to aquatic ecosystems. As a sustainable alternative, nanocomposite films were developed from nanoemulsions stabilized by whey protein concentrate (WPC), incorporating a discontinuous phase rich in omega-3 oils and reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in two distinct morphologies: spheres and nanotubes. The effects of droplet size in the discontinuous phase and nanoreinforcement geometry on the films’ physical and mechanical properties were investigated. Film structure and nanoparticle distribution were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS). WPC demonstrated environmental adaptability in these nanostructured systems, producing films with uniform thickness, water vapor permeability (WVP), water content, and solubility across different formulations. The use of nanoemulsions as the initial system improved film transparency compared to the ones reported in literature for conventional emulsion-based films. Incorporation of TiO2, whether spherical or tubular, significantly enhanced the films’ light-blocking capabilities. Films reinforced with nanotubes exhibited superior mechanical and tensile performance, achieving the highest storage modulus (E′) and Young’s modulus (E) values among all samples. Nanotube reinforcement also led to reduced opacity and proved more effective than spherical nanoparticles in strengthening the matrix. SEM and EDS analyses revealed a more homogeneous distribution of nanotubes throughout the polymer matrix, in contrast to the bottom-surface accumulation observed with spherical particles. This difference in spatial distribution contributed to the enhanced structural integrity and overall performance of the nanotube-reinforced films. The film containing 0.2% TiO2 nanotubes had the best physical properties, highlighting its strong potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics.

Lina M. Rodríguez Pineda, M. R. Ramos Ramos, V. Borroni et al. · 0 citations
Open access Aug 2026

Characterization of soy lecithin/tween 80 synergistically stabilized cumin essential oil nanoemulsions and their application in air-dried camel meat processing

The objective of this study was to develop a nanoemulsion of cumin essential oil (CEO-NE) stabilized synergistically by soybean lecithin (SL) and Tween 80 (TW 80), and to investigate the effects of different cumin essential oil (CEO) concentrations (1%–5%) on its physicochemical properties, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities, with a view to further evaluating its potential for preserving sun-dried camel meat. The results showed that when the SL to TW 80 ratio was 1:1, the prepared CEO-NE exhibited the smallest particle size (119.33 ± 2.52 nm) and the highest absolute zeta potential (−56.72 ± 1.23 mV). Through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, CEO-NE at various concentrations formed stable nanoemulsion systems, with significantly improved thermal stability. Among these, 3% CEO-NE exhibited the best encapsulation efficiency and the most uniform particle distribution. The results of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity assessments showed that all CEO-NE samples (1%–5%) exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant and antibacterial effects. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates increased from 60.24% to 97.09% and from 58.99% to 81.52%, respectively, while the total colony counts of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus decreased by 1.1 log CFU/mL and 1.32 log CFU/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the activity of CEO-NE at all concentrations was significantly superior to that of free CEO (P < 0.05). Experiments applying CEO-NE to the preservation of air-dried camel meat indicated that, during the 12-day drying process, the CEO-NE-treated group effectively maintained meat moisture content, significantly reduced thiobarbituric acid reactant values (0.46 ± 0.07 mg/kg) and total microbial counts (4.03 ± 0.14 log CFU/g), and improved sensory quality.

Hongyan Yu, Haitao Yue, Yu-Chuan Wang et al. · 0 citations
Open access Jul 2026

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NUTMEG ESSENTIAL OIL NANO EMULSION AND ITS BIO EFFICACY AGAINST RED FLOUR BEETLE TRIBOLIUM CASTANEUM

Nutmeg essential oil (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) possesses promising bioactive properties and has attracted considerable interest as a natural insecticidal agent. In the present study, nutmeg oil nanoemulsions were formulated using Tween 80 as a non-ionic surfactant and distilled water as the aqueous phase. Three formulations with oil-to-surfactant ratios of 1:1 (NG T80 1:1), 2:1 (NG T80 2:1), and 3:1 (NG T80 3:1) were prepared through emulsification followed by ultrasonication. The physicochemical characteristics of the emulsions were evaluated using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and their insecticidal efficacy was assessed against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, under laboratory conditions. DLS analysis confirmed the formation of nanosized droplets with average particle sizes of 56.80 nm, 157.8 nm, and 70.07 nm for NG T80 1:1, NG T80 2:1, and NG T80 3:1 formulations, respectively. The corresponding polydispersity index (PDI) values were 0.530, 0.391, and 0.648, indicating differences in droplet size distribution among the formulations. Contact toxicity bioassays were conducted at concentrations ranging from 1–10% (v/v), and mortality was recorded at 6,12, and 24 h after exposure. Mortality increased with both concentration and exposure period in all formulations. Among the prepared formulations, NG T80 2:1 exhibited the highest insecticidal efficacy at 6 h, with the lowest LC₅₀ value of 9.74%, followed by NG T80 3:1 with a value of  9.67%, whereas NG T80 1:1 required a higher concentration of 18.11% to achieve 50% mortality. After 12 h of exposure, all formulations were more effective, as evidenced by the reduction in LC₅₀ values. The NG T80 3:1formulation showed the greatest potency, with the lowest LC₅₀ 4.12%, followed by NG T80 2:1 with a value of 4.70% and NG T80 1:1 with LC 50 value of 5.40%. These findings demonstrate that prolonged exposure significantly enhanced the toxicity of the nano emulsions. At 24 h, all treated concentrations produced 100% mortality, indicating that exposure duration played a critical role in maximising insecticidal activity. The study highlights the potential of nutmeg oil nanoemulsions as eco-friendly botanical insecticide formulations for the management of stored-product pests.

Anaswara Er, Diómedes Paul, Shabna Kanjirathingal Ibrahim et al. · 0 citations
Open access Jul 2026

Formulating Cod Liver Oil Nanoemulsions for Topical Application: A Multifactorial Study Linking Formulation Design to Physicochemical Stability, Oxidative Integrity and In Vitro Cytotoxicity

Cod liver oil is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) but is highly susceptible to oxidative degradation, limiting its use in topical formulations. This study aimed to develop stable cod liver oil nanoemulsions for topical application and to evaluated the influence of surfactant ratio (lecithin/PEG-15 hydroxystearate: 2.5:1 and 1:1, w/w), emulsification method (ultrasonication or high-pressure homogenization), and vitamin E acetate supplementation on their physicochemical properties and oxidative stability. Eight nanoemulsions were characterized in terms of droplet size, polydispersity, ζ-potential, vitamin E acetate encapsulation efficiency, oxidative stability, film-forming capacity and cytocompatibility. Among the investigated formulations, F4 (2.5:1 lecithin/PEG-15 hydroxystearate, high-pressure homogenization, with vitamin E acetate) exhibited the most favorable characteristics, including a mean droplet size of 67.95 nm, ζ-potential of −63.12 mV and vitamin E acetate encapsulation efficiency of 32.59%. The formulation demonstrated good physicochemical stability under thermal, mechanical and photostability testing, improved oxidative stability, transient film-forming behavior with an initial occlusive effect, and no cytotoxicity toward human dermal fibroblasts. These findings indicate that nanoemulsion performance depends on the combined influence of formulation composition and processing conditions, with F4 representing a promising topical carrier for cod liver oil intended for interaction with the stratum corneum.

Anna Iacovou, Chrysi Chaikali, Sophia Letsiou et al. · 0 citations
Open access Aug 2026

Comparative Evaluation of Silymarin Nanoemulsions Stabilized by Grape Seed and Sacha Inchi Oils: Physicochemical Stability and Enhanced Biological Activities

Silymarin has been facing several challenges which reduce its therapeutic effect, mainly low solubility and poor bioavailability. This study aimed to develop and comparatively evaluate the stability and antioxidant activity of an oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions to encapsulate silymarin, formulated with two distinct natural carriers: Grape seed oil (GSO) and Sacha Inchi seed oil (SIO). To achieve a stable system, Tween 80 and Poloxamer 407 (F-127) were employed as the primary surfactant and co-stabilizer, respectively, using the phase inversion composition technique at a surfactant-to-oil mass ratio of 1.1:1 (w/w). The resulting optimized formulations demonstrated favorable physicochemical characteristics, including droplet sizes between 300 and 700 nm and PDI values from 0.2 to 0.5. High electrostatic stability was confirmed by negative zeta potentials exceeding -30 mV. The formulations with a lower silymarin content exhibited higher entrapment efficiency compared to those with a higher drug loading. While FT-IR and microscopic analyses verified successful encapsulation and uniform morphology, DPPH assays indicated that the nanoemulsions maintained potent radical scavenging activity (52.88 and 13.82%), although they are lower than that of the free silymarin (92.08%) due to the protective encapsulation. Additionally, the use of GSO and SIO significantly enhanced oxidative stability, as reflected by low peroxide levels. These findings highlight Sacha Inchi seed oil as a highly effective and promising platform for the advanced delivery of silymarin, which can be further formulated into popular and convenient dosage forms such as soft gel capsules or nanoemulgels.

T. Trinh, T. Hoang, Thuy Chi Nguyen et al. · 0 citations
Open access Jul 2026

Spirulina-Stabilized Emulsions as Sustainable Delivery Systems for β-Carotene-Rich Sunflower Oil Extracted from Dunaliella salina

The incorporation of lipophilic bioactive compounds into aqueous food matrices requires delivery systems capable of improving their dispersion and storage stability. This study developed oil-in-water emulsions containing β-carotene-rich sunflower oil extracted from Dunaliella salina, using a commercial blue Spirulina extract as a bio-based emulsifier. The Spirulina extract concentration was initially screened from 0.5 to 3 wt.%, and the processing conditions were subsequently optimized through a central composite design and response surface methodology. The systems were characterized in terms of droplet size distribution, physical stability, apparent encapsulation efficiency, microstructure, and β-carotene retention at 4 and 25 °C. A Spirulina concentration of 2.5 wt.% produced the smallest droplet size during the preliminary screening, whereas 3 wt.% resulted in larger droplets and broader distributions. The optimized formulation exhibited a D3,2 of 0.680 µm, an apparent encapsulation efficiency of 91.4 ± 2.1%, and a Turbiscan Stability Index of approximately 4.8 after 30 days. β-Carotene retention after 30 days was 68.5% at 25 °C and 91.3% at 4 °C, compared with 41.8% and 80.7%, respectively, in the non-emulsified oil. These results support the potential of Spirulina-stabilized emulsions as sustainable carriers for carotenoid-enriched food products.

Abir Ghodbane, Thouraya Bohli, María Vela-Albarrán et al. · 0 citations