BEE International Blog

Nanoemulsions are nano-sized emulsions that are manufactured to improve the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients. There are numerous reasons why nanoemulsions are important for new drug development. Keep reading to learn more about how nanoemulsions can help pharmaceutical professionals overcome common drawbacks and challenges associated with conventional methods of drug discovery.

What Are Nanoemulsions?

Nanoemulsions are manufactured to improve delivery methods of active pharmaceutical ingredients. They are the thermodynamically stable isotropic system in which two immiscible liquids are mixed to form a single phase by means of an emulsifying agent, i.e., surfactant and co-surfactant.

Why Are Nanoemulsions Important For Drug Discovery?

Nanoemulsions can improve the bioavailability of drugs that are not easily water-soluble; by reducing the particle size of the active ingredient on the nanometer scale, the drug can be more easily absorbed into the bloodstream, increasing its effectiveness. Additionally, nanoemulsions can be used to protect sensitive drugs from degradation and can be used as a delivery system for targeted drug delivery.

Nanoemulsions are important for liposomes because they can be used to encapsulate liposomes and protect them from degradation, increasing their stability and shelf-life. Nanoemulsions can also be used to enhance the penetration of liposomes through the skin, which is important for transdermal drug delivery. Additionally, nanoemulsions can be used to increase the loading capacity of liposomes, which allows for a higher concentration of the active ingredient to be delivered. Overall, nanoemulsions can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of liposomal drug delivery.

Nanoemulsions are critical for intravenous drugs because they can improve the solubility and stability of hydrophobic drugs, which are typically not soluble in water. By reducing the particle size of the active ingredient to the nanometer scale, these drugs can be more easily dissolved in water, allowing them to be administered intravenously. Additionally, nanoemulsions can be used to protect sensitive drugs from degradation, such as oxidation, and can be used for targeted drug delivery by conjugating the drug to the surface of the nanoemulsion. This can enhance the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and bioavailability of the drug. Overall, nanoemulsions can enhance the efficacy, safety and dosing regimen of intravenous drugs.

Creating Nanoemulsions with High Pressure Homogenization 

High pressure homogenization is a process used to create nanoemulsions by reducing the particle size of the active ingredient to the nanometer scale. Particle size reduction is an important aspect of new drug development because it can improve the bioavailability and efficacy of poorly water-soluble drugs. By reducing the particle size of the active ingredient to the nanometer scale, the drug can be more easily absorbed into the bloodstream, increasing its effectiveness. Additionally, particle size reduction can be used to protect sensitive drugs from degradation and can be used as a delivery system for targeted drug delivery. The particle size reduction can help to increase the solubility of drugs which leads to an increase in bioavailability and, subsequently, the efficacy of the drug. Furthermore, reducing the particle size can increase the surface area of the drug, which can lead to a higher rate of dissolution and absorption. This can also improve the stability of the drug by reducing the risk of aggregation and precipitation. 

High pressure homogenization works by passing the mixture of the oil and water phases through a high-pressure homogenizer, which uses a high-pressure pump to create a high-pressure stream of fluid. The mixture is then forced through a small opening, such as a nozzle. With most high-pressure homogenizers, this generates intense shearing forces. Due to the modularity of BEE technology, intense cavitation and impact may also be applied to the mixture to further reduce particles or reduce process time. These forces break up the droplets of the dispersed phase into smaller droplets, resulting in the formation of a stable nanoemulsion. High pressure homogenization can be used to create nanoemulsions with droplet sizes in the range of 20-200 nm. The process can be repeated multiple times to achieve even smaller droplet sizes, which can improve the stability and bioavailability of the nanoemulsion.

To learn more about the value of using BEE International high pressure homogenizers to create nanoemulsions, please contact us today.

Nanoemulsification is the process by which a nanoemulsion is created. And a nanoemulsion is the combination of two immiscible liquids (such as water and oil) with particles less than 500 nm in diameter. Nanoemulsification equipment, then, is any tool that can be used to effectively create nanoemulsions. There aren’t very many of them, and some work better than others. For specialty jobs in a highly aggressive market, like cannabis-infused beverages, the nanoemulsification equipment that yields the absolute smallest-sized particles enables cannabinoid product manufacturers to gain valuable market share, offering cannabinoid drinks that deliver a faster, more potent effect than those of their competitors. Take a look at the reasons nanoemulsification equipment is needed — and why high pressure homogenizers are the best option — for cannabis beverage processing:

Nanoemulsification Equipment is the Only Way to Ensure Maximum Bioavailability and Efficiency in Cannabis Beverages

THC and CBD are two types of chemical compounds commonly found in cannabis products. Respectively, they are known for their euphoric or sedative effects, but only when absorbed by the body in some way. However, as fat-soluble molecules, neither THC nor CBD is easily nor quickly digestible if simply ingested in their natural state. Instead, the body has to move the cannabinoids through the digestion system, using bile and various enzymes along the way to break them into tiny particles that can then be more readily absorbed. In this way, the body itself basically has to create a nanoemulsion in order to allow the oil-based molecules in cannabinoids to be absorbed into the body.  It works…but it’s slow, delaying the body’s reaction to the various cannabinoid compounds, as well as never consistently guaranteeing the same type of effects. 

Using nanoemulsification during processing (i.e., before ingestion) solves the problem. By breaking down the cannabinoid oils with nanoemulsion equipment before they are imbibed, cannabis product manufacturers are able to mix teeny, tiny cannabinoid particles into a stable liquid phase (meaning they don’t settle to the bottom of the bottle). Fully and evenly dispersing the cannabinoids into a beverage ensures that the body immediately absorbs it, providing a more consistent product that always looks and works the same.

The BEE International Advantage

Our high pressure homogenizers here at BEE International are the only type of nanoemulsification equipment that can consistently create the tightest distribution of smallest-sized particles. Unlike other nanoemulsification equipment (such as sonicators and microfluidizers) that only utilize one type of mechanical force, BEE International high pressure homogenizers make use of a proprietary and patented Emulsifying Cell (EC) technology which combines multiple types of forces (shear, cavitation and impact) to more effectively break apart and mix the particles in a substance. Furthermore, our HPHs can be customized according to the job at hand. When making cannabis-infused beverages, for instance, manufacturers can adjust the combination of forces, as well as the intensity and duration of their application, so that cannabinoids are rendered to their smallest possible size in less passes. Please contact us to learn more.

You might also like to download our free eBook, “3 Reasons Why High Pressure Homogenization Improves Cannabis Products,” here.