Optimization of soya lecithin and Tween 80 based novel vitamin D nanoemulsions prepared by ultrasonication using response surface methodology.

Vitamin D nanoemulsions were fabricated using ultrasonic homogenization approach. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the preparation conditions for mixed surfactants (Soya lecithin and Tween 80; 2:3) based nanoemulsions. The effects of homogenization time (3.5-6.5 min), surfactant to oil ratio (0.43-0.78) and disperse phase volume (7-9%) on response variables were studied. Response Surface Methodology analysis results depicted that the polynomial model (second-order) can be used to predict response values. The coefficients of determinations were more than 0.90 for each response. The optimum emulsifying conditions for vitamin D nanoemulsions were 4.35 min homogenization time, 0.62 surfactant to oil ratio (S/O) and 7% disperse phase volume (DPV). Whereas, the experimental values for droplet size, droplet growth ratio (DGR) and vitamin D retention were 112.36 ± 3.6 nm, 0.141 ± 0.07 and 76.65 ± 1.7% respectively. This research will be useful for the food and pharmaceutical industry to develop soya lecithin and Tween 80 based vitamin D delivery system for food additives and nutraceutical components.