Biocompatible Nanoparticle Heteroaggregates as Stabilizers of Pickering Emulsions for Vitamin D3 Efficient Delivery

Abstract

Vitamin D3 deficiency is a major public health problem worldwide, and standard cholecalciferol formulations provide poor absorbability of the vitamin. Several biphasic formulas have been proposed to overcome the disadvantages in which Pickering emulsions stand out in particular. This paper describes olive oil-in-water Pickering emulsions stabilized by pseudoboehmite (AlOOH), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and their heterocoagulates. Colloidal properties were assessed by laser Doppler microelectrophoresis, potentiometric titration, and rheology. It was shown that the heterocoagulation of CNC and AlOOH led to a drastic change in surface properties (ζ-potential, pK a, and number of active centers), which promoted the formation of more stable emulsions with the smallest size of droplets and the highest viscosity among the studied samples. Simulated digestion studies showed the targeted release in the small intestine medium where cholecalciferol should be delivered. High-performance liquid chromatography showed the efficient encapsulation of cholecalciferol in emulsions (86% of initial concentration). Oral administration to laboratory mice of initial nanoparticles and emulsions stabilized by them showed nontoxicity for all of the components, and they were estimated to be class V materials. The proposed emulsions have great potential as targeted delivery systems of lipophilic drugs.

Anti-Alzheimer Drug Delivery via Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Plate-like Cellulose Nanocrystals

“…To stabilize such a system, the use of emulsifiers is required, which can be surfactants (classical emulsions) or solid particles (Pickering emulsions). Unlike classical emulsions, Pickering emulsions are more stable to coalescence and can be stabilized with edible or less toxic solids such as those from natural proteins and polysaccharides, − inorganic particles, and hybrid organic–inorganic systems. , Another advantage of Pickering emulsions is the ability in some cases to maintain or completely restore the emulsion state after partial removal of the continuous phase . Due to their excellent properties, Pickering emulsions are currently used in pharmaceutical engineering, food processing, drug delivery, cosmetics, agriculture, oil production, and material synthesis. , …”

“…The electrostatic repulsion of these nanoparticles prevents the formation of a dense stabilizing layer on the oil/water interface. To neutralize this effect, several approaches are used, including the chemical modification of the cellulose nanocrystal surface , and the addition of electrolytes , or oppositely charged particles. , In our previous work, we showed that rod-like CNCs with partially acetylated surfaces have a higher emulsifying ability than sulfated CNC, allowing a reduction of the concentration of electrolyte and the avoided usage of other additives. Therefore, the utilization of acetylated CNC has more prospects in emulsion design.…”