Preformulation - Theoretical Emulsification Flashcards
What is emulsion?
Metastable dispersion of liquid droplets in an immiscible liquid
Describe single emulsion
2 component system
Liquid droplets in another liquid
What is the disperse phase in single emulsion?
Droplets
What is the continuous phase in single emulsion?
Liquid that droplets are dispersed in
What is O/W emulsion?
Oil droplets in water
What is W/O emulsion?
Water droplets in oil
Describe double emulsion
3 component system
Primary emulsion droplets in another liquid
What is O/W/O double emulsion?
Water based droplets but contain oil
What is the droplet diameter of pharmaceutical emulsion?
100nm to 25 micro m
What are colloids?
Multi-component dispersed phase systems where the disperse phase is within the size range of 1-1000nm
What are the most common pharmaceutical emulsions?
O/W
What are pharmaceutical emulsions used for?
Topical, parental + oral
Describe stages of emulsification
Separation phase SHAKE Unstable dispersion STAND Phase separation
Describe separate phase
Low energy
Thermodynamically favourable
Stable
Describe unstable dispersion
High interfacial energy
Thermodynamically unfavourable
Unstable
Describe phase separation
Low energy
Thermodynamically favourable
Stable
What is an emulsifier?
Form interfacial film around droplets, stabilise droplets by lowering interfacial energy
SURFACTANT
What is a viscosity enhancer?
Inhibit droplet diffusion, prevent coalescence
Which interface do surfactants sit at?
O/W
What is flocculation?
Small droplets close together in groups