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Influencing factors of multiple emulsions formed by one-step emulsification

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Abstract

In this paper, the influence of the emulsifier structure, emulsifier solubility in oils, and oil polarity on the one-step formation of multiple emulsions was studied. The phase inversion process and the morphology of different types of multiple emulsions were investigated based on electrical conductivity measurements, microscopy, and pseudo-ternary phase diagrams. Emulsifiers with branched alkyl groups and polyethers, which were distributed on both sides of the main chain, or with amphiphilic diblock copolypeptides, can form multiple emulsions because of their strong hydrophilic properties. Hydrophobic emulsifiers with good solubility in oils were also conducive to the formation of one-step multiple emulsions. DC200 and Squalane worked well with the system, indicating that low-polarity oils were beneficial to the formation of one-step multiple emulsions. This study provides recommendations for future investigations and applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, including drug delivery and the encapsulation of hydrophilic active.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Base Construction Program of Shanghai Institute of Technology: Breeding of new variety and High-yield Cultivation Technique of Fragrant Plants (3921NH166035).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Perfume and Aroma Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, No. 100, Haiquan Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201418, People’s Republic of China

    Wanping Zhang, Xiaomei Zhai, Wenhua Ou, Lili Song & Qianjie Zhang

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  1. Wanping Zhang
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Correspondence to Qianjie Zhang.

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Highlight

• The mechanism of the formation of one-step multiple emulsions was discussed.

• The structure of emulsifiers, the polarity of oils, and the solubility of emulsifiers in oils influenced the formation of multiple emulsions.

• The effect of emulsifies and oils on pseudo-ternary phase diagrams for the system were studied.

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Zhang, W., Zhai, X., Ou, W. et al. Influencing factors of multiple emulsions formed by one-step emulsification. Colloid Polym Sci 296, 259–269 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00396-017-4232-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00396-017-4232-4

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