Abstract:

This chapter summarizes the authors' efforts to develop modified microemulsions as nano-sized self-assembled liq. vehicles for the solubilization of nutraceuticals and to improve transmembrane transport for addnl. health benefits. Construction of U-type phase diagrams is essential for formulations of water-dilutable microemulsions. The solubilized active mols. are compds. with nutritional value to human health that are used in food applications. The chapter mentions a few such examples, such as lycopene, phytosterols, lutein, toco-pherols, CoQ10 , and essential oils. Some nutraceuticals are known to be practically insol. in water and, therefore, tablets or capsules that are taken orally tend to ppt. once the active ingredient is dild. with water. As a result, the bioavailability is very limited, and the adsorption from the intestine to the blood serum is poorly controlled. Water entrapped at the core of a w/o microemulsion can be bound to the surfactant head group that will restrict the water activity. [on SciFinder(R)]