Fabrication of a narrow size nano curcuminoid emulsion by combining phase inversion temperature and ultrasonication: preparation and bioactivity

Abstract

A comprehensive study from Curcuma longa to powder nano curcuminoids has been carried out. Combining both a low-energy method (phase inversion temperature) and a high-energy method (ultrasonication), a series of narrow size curcuminoid nanoemulsions with average diameters (Z-average) from 10.3 to 27.5 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) from 0.103 to 0.330 (a.u.) have been prepared. The antioxidant activity of the prepared nano curcuminoid nanoemulsions (NCEs) was investigated. The permeabilities via Frank-cell membrane have been tested and reached a maximum of 85.57% after 90 min. The accumulation of curcuminoids in intestinal rats has been checked and achieved saturated values from 124.97 to 153.56 μg cm⁻² after 90 min. All NCEs were stable at the NaCl solution concentration of 0.1–1.0 M. After 60 days of cold-storage, the Z-averages have changed slightly. Moreover, NCEs have been used to prepare instant drinking powder by the spray-drying method.