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

Comparative evaluation of silymarin nanoemulsions stabilized by grape seed and sacha inchi oils: physicochemical stability and enhanced biological activities

Findings highlight SIO 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.

A ternary zein/soy lecithin/dextran sulfate nanocarrier for improved resveratrol bioactivity delivery: Enhanced solubility, stability, and bioactivity.

Resveratrol (RES), a natural compound widely used as a food additive and preservative, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its poor solubility and stability severely limit its translational potential for clinical applications. To address these challenges, we developed a core-shell nanoparticle drug delivery system (DDS) composed of zein, soy lecithin, and dextran sulfate, fabricated via a built-in ultrasonic dialysis process (BUDP). The optimized RES/ZLDS NPs exhibited uniform spherical morphology, small particle size (252.00 ± 14.64 nm), high negative zeta potential (-80.10 ± 0.66 mV), and satisfactory encapsulation efficiency (88.54 ± 1.98%) and loading capacity (7.86 ± 0.03%). Compared with free RES, RES/ZLDS NPs significantly enhanced the dissolution rate (3.90-fold), white light stability (1.41-fold), UV light stability (2.22-fold), ABTS+ scavenging activity (3.42-fold), and in vitro bioaccessibility (2.33-fold). Mechanistic studies revealed that the nanoparticles were internalized primarily via caveolae/lipid raft-mediated endocytosis, and in vivo tissue distribution demonstrated the highest RES accumulation in the lung, with approximately 2.5-fold and 2-fold increases in the heart and lung, respectively, over free RES. In an LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model, RES/ZLDS NPs dramatically alleviated pulmonary pathological damage and reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by 2.79-fold and 2.45-fold, respectively, compared with free RES. Importantly, acute toxicity evaluation confirmed that RES/ZLDS NPs did not induce detectable organ damage or alter serum biochemical parameters, indicating a favorable safety profile. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that this nanoparticle system not only optimizes the physicochemical and biological performance of RES but also serves as a versatile and safe delivery platform for other food-derived bioactive compounds.

Chitosan–cinnamaldehyde–whey protein concentrate stabilized W1/O/W2 double emulsion for co-encapsulation of tea polyphenols and β-carotene

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.

Stabilization of Red Palm Oil Nanoemulsions with Cellulose Nanofibers Derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches

Ultrasonication-Enhanced Physicochemical Stability and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Zein-Based Nanomaterials Loaded With Cinnamaldehyde and D-Limonene.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of processing via ultrasonication on the physiochemical and antimicrobial properties of zein nanoemulsions (NE) loaded with essential oils (cinnamaldehyde [CA], D-limonene [Lim], and their combination [CO]). NE consisting of 2% zein and 1% EO were prepared using probe sonication. Nanofilms (NF) were prepared from the subsequent NE using the solvent casting technique. Zeta potential, particle size, and polydispersity index (PDI) were monitored for 30 days at 4 and 22°C. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), and microbial reductions were also determined. Ultrasonication effectively reduced particle size, increased storage stability, and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. SEM imaging revealed that the nanomaterial droplets ranged from 93.98 nm to 227.95 nm in diameter and remained stable after 1 month of storage at 4 or 22°C. In-vitro results showed that NEs with CA and CO inhibited the growth of both Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC) and Listeria monocytogenes (LM) at concentrations < 2000 ppm, whereas NEs with Lim had the least antimicrobial effect, with much higher MICs and MBCs than CA. NEs with CA exhibited bactericidal activity against EC and LM after 24 h of treatment. SEM imaging also showed that CA induced noticeable morphological changes in EC cells, indicating cell damage. Results confirm that essential oils, specifically cinnamaldehyde, can be loaded into zein-based films and may be used as antimicrobial preservatives to enhance food safety. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In recent years there has been an increase in foodborne disease outbreaks associated with ready-to-eat produce. Two major bacterial pathogens responsible for these outbreaks are Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Several studies have shown that encapsulation of natural antimicrobials into edible nanoemulsion coatings and films can enhance their antimicrobial activity in food systems. The results of this study demonstrate that films and coatings made from zein-based polymer loaded with cinnamaldehyde, limonene, and a combination of both essential oils effectively reduced populations of these pathogens. Our results also demonstrate that these nanoemulsions may be a promising tool to enhance the safety and quality of fresh produce.