PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOEMULSION: AN OVERVIEW

Anupma Yadav*, Arpita Singh, Amresh Gupta, Swarnima Pandey, Mohd. Aqil Siddiqui

ABSTRACT

Nano emulsions are colloidal dispersion systems that are thermodynamically stable, composed of two immiscible liquids mixed along with emulsifying agents (surfactants and co-surfactants) to form a single phase. Nano emulsions have extensively been investigated as drug delivery systems. This review aims to provide consolidated information regarding various formulation and characterization techniques developed for nano emulsions. Nano emulsions are formulated using two different methods, the persuasion method and the Brute force method. Various characterization techniques for nano emulsions include determination of entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential as well as characterization through differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Nano emulsions are further evaluated by studying in vitro drug release, in vitro permeation, stability and thermodynamic stability, shelf life, dispersibility, viscosity, surface tension, friccohesity, refractive index, percent transmittance, pH and osmolarity. Nano emulsions are submicron sized emulsions that are under investigation as drug carriers for improving the delivery of therapeutic agents. In this review attention is focused to give the brief regarding formulation aspect, method of preparation characterization techniques. These are applicable in drug targeting. Nano emulsions are colloidal dispersion systems that are thermodynamically stable, composed of two immiscible liquids mixed along with emulsifying agents (surfactants and co-surfactants) to form a single phase. Nano emulsions have extensively been investigated as drug delivery systems. This review aims to provide consolidated information regarding various formulation and characterization techniques developed for nano emulsions. Nano emulsions are formulated using two different methods, the persuasion method and the Brute force method. Various characterization techniques for nano emulsions include determination of entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential as well as characterization through differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Nano emulsions are further evaluated by studying in vitro drug release, in vitro permeation, stability and thermodynamic stability, shelf life, dispersibility, viscosity, surface tension, friccohesity, refractive index, percent transmittance, pH and osmolarity.

Keywords: Nano emulsion, preparation methods, evaluation.