Purpose: To propose a novel composite nanoemulsion formulation that contains no surfactant, but offers great stability and improved oral absorption capabilities.
Methods: The nanoemulsions were prepared by dispersing the oil phase into aqueous solutions containing different amounts of the PMMA/silica composite nanoparticles. The stability was tested under extreme conditions. The structure features of the nanoemulsion droplets were investigated using Electron microscope. The in vitro drug release and in vivo drug absorption profiles after oral administration were investigated using Cyclosporin A as a model drug.
Results: The composite nanoemulsion demonstrated great stability under various disruptive conditions. Electron microscopy studies indicated the existence of internal and surface domains in the nano-droplet structure. In vitro drug release and in vivo uptake characterizations also confirmed the unique interfacial properties of such nanoemulsion structures.
Conclusions: The novel nanoemulsion formulation may have modulated drug release profiles and alternative oral absorption mechanisms, which could offer significant advantages compared to traditional emulsion formulations.