Improved solubilization and bioavailability of nutraceuticals in nanosized self-assembled liquid vehicles

This chapter summarizes the authors' efforts to develop modified microemulsions as nano-sized self-assembled liquid vehicles for the solubilization of nutraceuticals and to improve transmembrane transport for additional health benefits. Construction of U-type phase diagrams is essential for formulations of water-dilutable microemulsions. The solubilized active molecules are compounds with nutritional value to human health that are used in food applications. The chapter mentions a few such examples, such as lycopene, phytosterols, lutein, toco-pherols, CoQ10, and essential oils. Some nutraceuticals are known to be practically insoluble in water and, therefore, tablets or capsules that are taken orally tend to precipitate once the active ingredient is diluted with water. As a result, the bioavailability is very limited, and the adsorption from the intestine to the blood serum is poorly controlled. Water entrapped at the core of a w/o microemulsion can be bound to the surfactant head group that will restrict the water activity.