Rheological Properties and Stability of Squalene Emulsion Prepared with Non-Ionic Emulsifier

Abstract

Squalene is natural occurring polyprenyl compound with a linear triterpene chemical structure commonly found in animal and vegetal sources such as skin lipids from human body, liver of certain species of fish, especially sharks, crude vegetable oils (e.g olive, amaranth, palm oil etc.). Recently there has been an increasing interest in studying polymers that can be used as promising emulsions for drug delivery and vaccine applications. Recent studies proved that squalene has several beneficial and unique properties such as natural antioxidant, ensure skin hydration, biocompatibility. This can be used as such or for preparing stable and non-toxic emulsions. Herein we present the preparation and characterization of squalene oil in water emulsions stabilized by different non-ionic emulsifiers. Emulsion stability is a primary concern, therefore physical stability of squalene emulsions was also investigated. The major aim of the study was to find the optimal preparation conditions and assessing emulsion stability correlated with their viscosity and composition. In order to establish the connection between their physical stability and viscosity were performed rheological studies.