Comparing the Effects of Two Different Lipophilic Surfactants on the Zeta Potential of CBD Nanoemulsions
Cannabidiol, CBD, is a non-psychoactive chemical compound obtained from Cannabis sativa. CBD has many benefits including anti-inflammatory properties and neuropathic pain relief, which may be preferred over other pain-relieving methods due to its non-addictive characteristics. CBD is lipophilic oil and has poor bioavailability due to low solubility in water. A new method for CBD delivery is by preparing nanoemulsions.
An oil-in-water nanoemulsion is formed by combining hydrophilic (water loving) and lipophilic (fat/oil loving) surfactants with a CBD extract oil. Carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil are often used. The surfactants and oils are mixed with a polar solvent, water, and sonicated. The result is a nanoemulsion with a very small droplet size. The droplet consists of an amphiphilic shell and a lipophilic core as seen below.
There is an increased rate of absorption in the gastro intestinal (GI) tract and by cells due to the extremely small size of the droplet. The increased bioavailability results in a decreased amount of time to enter the circulatory system. For a THC containing nanoemulsions this results in a fast acting product.
In this study two different lipophilic surfactants were used at concentrations from 6% to 14%. One mixture contained Span 80, a non-ionic surfactant, and Tween 80 and the other contained lecithin, a zwitterionic surfactant, and Tween 80. Both mixtures were prepared to have a HLB value of 12. The droplet size was measured along with the polydispersity index (PDI).
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