Optimization of Process Parameters to Develop Nanoemulsion by Ultrasound Cavitation

Nanoemulsions are colloidal dispersions of oil and water stabilized by interfacial layer of surfactant with droplet size ranging between 20 nm and 200 nm. The reduced droplet size makes the system optically transparent/translucent due to weak scattering of light waves. Also the very low droplet size of the nanoemulsion improves the stability of the system when compared to emulsion with greater droplet size. In the present study, plant essential oil based oil-in-water nanoemulsion was formulated by ultrasound cavitation method which was stabilized by interfacial layer of non-ionic surfactant. Development of oil-in-water nanoemulsion was optimized for different process parameters such as surfactant type, surfactant concentration and emulsification times to obtain nanoemulsion with lower droplet size and greater stability.