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Lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) are biomimetic nanocarriers used for the encapsulation of a broad
variety of active Ingredients. Similar to surface active com pounds, LNCs contain both hydrophilic
and hydrophobic parts in their structure. Moreover, the components of LNCs, macrogol
15 hydroxystearate (MHS) and lecithin, are known for their surface active properties, Therefore,
the aim of this paper was to investigate the capability of the LNCs to decrease surface
tension using two techniques: drop tensiometry and the Wilhelmy plate method. LNCs with
diameters ranging from 30 to 100 nm were successfully obtained using a phase inversion
technique. The LNCs' properties, such as size and zeta potential, depend on the compOSition.
LNCs exhibit a lower limiting surface tension compared to MHS (34.8-35.0 mN/m and 37.738.8
mN/m, respectively), as confirmed by both drop tensiometry and the Wilhelmy plate
methoçl. LNCs have exhibited a saturated interfacial concentration (SIC) that was 10-fold
higher than the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of MHS orthe SIC of binary and ternary
mixtures of LNC ingredients. The SIC of the LNC formulations depended on the mass mixing
ratio 01 the MHS/triglycerides but not on the presence of lecithin. The CMC/SIC vJ!C!es measured
by the Wilhelmy plate method were higher than those obtained using drop tensiometry
because of the longer duration of the tensiometry measurement. In conclusion, the surfactantlike
properties of the LNCs olier new possibilities for medical and pharmaceutical applications. |