Reverse micelle-loaded lipid nano-emulsions: new technology for nano-encapsulation of hydrophilic materials.
This study presents novel, recently patented technology for encapsulating hydrophilic species in lipid nano-emulsions. The method is based on the phase-inversion temperature method (the so-called PIT method), which follows a low-energy and solvent-free process. The nano-emulsions formed are stable for months, and exhibit droplet sizes ranging from 10 to 200 nm. Hydrophilic model molecules of fluorescein sodium salt are encapsulated in the oily core of these nano-emulsion droplets through their solubilisation in the reverse micellar system. As a result, original, multi-scaled nano-objects are generated with a 'hydrophilic molecule in a reverse-micelles-in-oil-in-water' structure. Once fluorescein has been encapsulated it remains stable, for thermodynamic reasons, and the encapsulation yields can reach 90%. The reason why such complex objects can be formed is due to the soft method used (PIT method) which allows the conservation of the structure of the reverse micelles throughout the formulation process, up to their entrapment in the nano-emulsion droplets. In this study, we focus the investigation on the process itself, revealing its potential and limits. Since the formulation of nanocarriers for the encapsulation of hydrophilic substances still remains a challenge, this study may constitute a significant advance in this field.
Anton
Nicolas
N
University of Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, F-67401 Illkirch Cedex, France. nanton@unistra.fr
Mojzisova
Halina
H
Porcher
Emilien
E
Benoit
Jean-Pierre
JP
Saulnier
Patrick
P
D004655:Emulsions / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008055:Lipids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D008823:Micelles; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends
D004655:Emulsions; D008055:Lipids; D008823:Micelles