New Membrane Emulsification Technologies for Production of Micro- and Nanoparticulates

By: Simon R. Biggs, Richard A. Williams, Qingchun Yuan and Lyn S. Daintree, Institute of Particle Science & Engineering, University of Leeds

Posted: August 1, 2007, from the August 2007 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

Membrane emulsion is a promising technology for the production of micro- and nanoparticulates that have defined particle sizes and narrow size distributions. Fluid droplets, microcapsules and solid particulates produced with this technology may improve product quality or increase the precision in fine-tuning product properties. This emerging technology offers new possibilities to produce finished products with enhanced skin feel. It also allows novel approaches to the design of “smart particles” for delivery systems that could be used, for example, to deliver microencapsulated fragrances, essential oils or nutraceuticals.

Many cosmetic and personal care products are formulated as emulsified materials. It is well-known that skin feel, creaminess, flow and other aspects of these products depend upon the droplet size and size distribution in these emulsions. Novel approaches to the manufacture of emulsions that give fine control over these parameters is therefore an important goal to access a full range of possible product formulations with a wider range of desired properties.

This is only an excerpt of the full article that appeared in Cosmetics & Toiletries, but you can purchase the full-text version.