Abstract:

A review. The present contribution summarizes our previous investigations on the formation of emulsions, whose particles consist of a self-assembled inverted-type liq. cryst. phase or an inverted-type microemulsion. In this context, the main focus was on replacing either the dispersed oil droplets in normal O/W emulsions, or the kinetically stabilized internal W/O emulsion in double W/O/W emulsions, by an inverted-type liq. cryst. phase or an inverted-type microemulsion system. Owing to the physico-chem. properties of their internal nanostructures, these unique aq. dispersions are superior to conventional emulsions and double emulsions. They are attractive as nanonreactors and as host systems for solubilizing active mols. (drugs, flavors, and vitamins) in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries. This chapter describes the effect of varying temp. and solubilizing oil on the reversible structural transitions of the internal nanostructures of these lipidic dispersions. [on SciFinder(R)]