NANOEMULSIONS OF POMEGRANATE SEED OIL: PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND BIOACTIVITY SCREENING

Abstract

Punicic acid, a major fatty acid of pomegranate seed oil (PSO), exhibits various health-promoting biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective effects. This study aimed to formulate PSO nanoemulsions using two low-energy methods: Emulsion phase inversion (EPI) and EPI combined with sonication (EPI-sonication). Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify stable zones. The optimal EPI formulation (3% PSO, SOR 1.5) yielded nano-sized droplets (197.57 ± 0.86 nm) with stability up to 7 days. Incorporation of sonication further reduced droplet size (93.00 ± 1.11 nm) and enhanced stability at a lower SOR (1.0). Antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS) revealed superior activity in the EPI-sonication formulation (IC₅₀ = 0.88 and 0.47 mgOE/mL, respectively), compared to the EPI the EPI method (IC₅₀ = 1.01 and 0.62 mgOE/mL, respectively). Antibacterial evaluation indicated selective inhibition against Escherichia coli. These findings highlight the potential of PSO nanoemulsions as stable carriers for bioactive delivery in functional food or nutraceutical applications.