Development of Forsythia Essential Oil Microemulsions: Effects of Surfactants on Stability and Antibacterial Activity
Hanhang Yang, Ruowen Li, Hao Ma, Lingtao Tian, Jingchen Yan, Gang Chen, Zhifeng Zhang
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study developed a stable Forsythia essential oil (FEO) microemulsion (FEO-ME) using a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS). The FEO-ME effectively reduced the volatility of essential oil and inhibited bioactive component degradation. By constructing pseudoternary phase diagrams, the optimal formulation was identified, utilizing the surfactant EL-40 and cosurfactant ethanol. The resulting microemulsion exhibited an average droplet size of 21.58 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 85.6%. FEO-ME demonstrated excellent storage stability over 15 days, with minimal changes in droplet size and polydispersity index (PDI), ensuring long-term reliability. Additionally, antibacterial tests revealed enhanced efficacy against Escherichia coli compared to raw FEO. These findings highlight the potential of FEO-ME to enhance the bioactivity, stability, and applicability of essential oils with promising applications in food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.