Measurements of zeta potential, along with particle size, can be used to predict the stability of fat emulsions.
What Lipid Emulsions are Used For
Lipid emulsions are given intravenously for:
- Patients with difficulty in ingesting food orally
- Transport of lipophilic drugs
- Controlled release of drugs
- Decreasing the adverse reactions to drugs
- Improved targeting of drugs
The Importance of Zeta Potential for Colloids
Control of the zeta potential and size enables control of the characteristics of colloidal particles
- In production a high zeta potential prevents aggregation of the emulsion, increases stability to give a shelf life greater than 2 years.
- The Malvern Panalytical Zetasizer measures both zeta potential and particle size in the same instrument, which reduces the laboratory space required and the equipment cost.
Data Output from the Zetasizer
- Comprehensive choice of Data and graphs output
- Graphs are obtained in full color and can be used directly to produce slides or reports.
Automation and Ease Of Operation Plus Versatility
- Simplicity of use opens new possibilities for using these instruments at production lines or in quality control departments.
- Flexibility for research is retained and parameters may still be set manually for advanced users.
Example Data
Figure 1. shows the measurement of size and zeta potential for a variety of lipid emulsions stabilized in different ways. Product A2 has the largest size and lowest zeta potential. These measurements correlate well with the fact that creaming was observed after 6 months storage at room temperature.
![Zeta Potential and particle size data for stabilized lipid emulsion samples.](https://d1otjdv2bf0507.cloudfront.net/images/Article_Images/ImageForArticle_1213_45076313779120377350.png)
Figure 1. Zeta Potential and particle size data for stabilized lipid emulsion samples.
![](https://d1otjdv2bf0507.cloudfront.net/images/Article_Images/ImageForArticle_1213_45076313779548612861.png)
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Malvern Panalytical.
For more information please visit Malvern Panalytical.