Impact of process parameters in the generation of nanoemulsions containing omega 3 fatty acids and α-tocopherol

Abstract

Nanoemulsion is an alternative and promising approach to overcome insolubility and bioavailability problems of bioactive compounds. In this study, the sonication parameter for preparing nanoemulsions with high α- tocopherol and linolenic acid content were optimized by using response surface methodology and their stability were evaluated during 2 months' storage. The response surface analysis results indicated that the variability of four responses could be depicted as a quadratic function of ultrasonic processing variables. This investigation revealed that, ultrasound cavitation is a powerful promising approach for controlled production of nanoemulsion with small average droplet size in a range of 94.5 ± 1.14 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.1 ± 0.022 with high α- tocopherol and linolenic acid content which are 851 ± 11.62 mg/L and 43 ± 1.27 mg/L, respectively. This study showed that applying appropriate time and intensity of low frequency ultrasound is considerable importance to maintain the nutritional value of nanoemulsions in bioactive delivery system.