Ultrasound-assisted synthesis and characterization of sesame oil based nanoemulsion

Nanoemulsions are emulsions having droplet sizes in the nanometre range. Nano emulsions have unique properties such as robust stability, transparent nature, high surface area, and tunable rheology. The present study focuses on the synthesis of sesame oil-based nanoemulsion using ultrasonic emulsification to break down particle size to nanometric range. The method uses small surfactant concentration and low energy to synthesize homogenous nanoemulsion. The emulsion is stabilized using Tween 20 surfactant. Aqueous nanoemulsion samples were prepared using sesame oil by varying the surfactant concentration to determine the most stable composition, and different properties of each sample prepared, were analyzed. The ultrasonication time was also varied to study the impact of sonication time. Nanoemulsions formed were then evaluated for their various properties. The droplet size and zeta potential for all samples were determined by the Dynamic Light Scattering technique wherein the best nanometer size distribution was found to be at 1:3 (oil: surfactant) composition. The physical stability was determined using a centrifuge at 3000 rpm. Conductivity, pH, and density of the samples were then measured. A polydispersity index of 0.514 was obtained for the sample of oil: surfactant ratio 1:3. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy studies were conducted for all samples.