Solutions for Creating Nanoemulsions

Professor Steve Armes FRS of the University Sheffield and his colleagues examines how subtle differences in nanoparticle emulsifiers affect the long-term stability of Pickering nanoemulsions towards Ostwald ripening using the Microfluidizer® Processor. It is well-known that micron-sized oil droplets can be stabilised using polymer latex particles of 100 – 1000 nm diameter. In this particular study, an LV1 Microfluidizer was used to prepare Pickering nanoemulsions using sterically stabilised deblock copolymer nanoparticles of less than 30 nm diameter. Find out more >

One of the significant advantages of using Microfluidizer® technology is that it allows the processing of small samples as little as 2 mL with an assurance that it can be scaled up to hundreds of litres per hour using production scale machines with identical outcomes. This is made possible by the fixed geometry Interaction Chambers™ present in each model.

Creating Translucent Stable Emulsions with Microfluidizer® Processors 

Producing nanoemulsions with small particle sizes and narrow size distributions provides numerous benefits. Emulsion and suspension instability and phase separation are common challenges that can hinder the production and research process.

Creating stable nanoemulsions is a daunting task for research and production teams, as most available technologies cannot produce the required particle size distribution to achieve their product goals.

Fortunately, Microfluidizer® Processors overcome these challenges with a unique fixed-geometry Interaction Chamber™ that uniformly reduces particle sizes to a level unmatched by other methods. This not only optimises formulations and improves stability, but also offers cost efficiencies by extending the shelf life of products.

The stable emulsions achieved through Microfluidics equipment enable the creation of a translucent appearance for various products, including cosmetics and food. This unique and innovative approach sets Microfluidizer® Processors apart and enables customers to achieve their production and research goals with ease.

THE SOLUTION

Microfluidizer® technology creates nanoemulsions with:

• Extremely slow droplet size
• Narrow particle size distribution
• Increased stability
• Filter sterilizable to avoid costly aseptic processing

Microfluidizer® processors are:

• Easy to operate
• Reliable with low maintenance cost
• Linearly scalable from 2ml to Liters per hour
• Comply with cGMP regulations

Ultrasonication is widely used method for creating nanoemulsions, but it has some limitations in formulation and scalability. It can be difficult to achieve a narrow droplet size distribution, and the process can be time-consuming and energy intensive. In contrast, Microfluidizer technology offers a controlled shear rate range, which enables researchers to optimise process parameters to achieve desired particle size while minimising excess energy in the system. This leads to a more efficient and consistent process, resulting in high-quality nanoemulsions with narrow droplet size distribution.

While there are many methods available to create nanoemulsions, Microfluidizer technology offers a superior approach due to its controlled shear rate range, resulting in efficient and consistent production of high-quality nanoemulsions with a narrow droplet size distribution. 

View an application note which provides an overview of methods of creating nano emulsions and why Microfluidizer processors are best suited for creating nanoemulsions >

What are High Pressure Homogenisers and Microfluidizers?

‘High pressure homogeniser’ (HPH) is a general term used to describe a piece of equipment that forces a stream of liquid sample through a system which applies a number of forces to ‘homogenise’ the sample, that is, to reduce the particle size of its components. There are many applications for this process – whenever an emulsion or suspension would benefit from greater efficacy, stability and downstream processing from smaller constituent particles, high pressure homogenisation may be a valuable process solution. Microfluidizers are a further developed form of HPH.

A HPH typically uses a valve assembly to restrict flow, build pressure and subsequently force fluid through the opening valve at high velocity to apply shear forces to the liquid being processed. This relatively simple technology is widely used and highly effective in processing very large-scale batches of product where a high degree of control over the particle size and distribution isn’t required.

Where Microfluidisation differs is that the shear rate applied to the liquid is higher and uniformly applied to the total sample volume. This is achieved by using a fixed geometry microchannels rather than valves and sophisticated hydraulic system to apply constant pressure. This addresses the common problems of valve high pressure homogenisers when users are seeking higher quality formulations of high value/advanced materials where particle size and distribution has a significant impact on the performance characteristics of the product.