One-step preparation of double emulsions stabilized with amphiphilic and stimuli-responsive block copolymers and nanoparticles for nutraceuticals and drug delivery

One-step emulsification approaches enable prevention of the loss of emulsion droplets associated with two-step emulsification approaches. Stimuli-responsive amphiphilic block copolymers, emulsifiers, and nanoparticles that are responsive to changes in the temperature, pH, presence of CO₂, or presence of salts, can eliminate the requirement for two hydrophilic and lipophilic emulsifiers in the emulsion system. The amphiphilic block copolymers prepared from naturally occurring amino acids and proteins enable targeted delivery of drugs and nutraceuticals with high cellular uptake. Likewise, the presence of impurities, such as salts and redox reactions driven by the presence of iodine, can result in spontaneous emulsification and formation of double emulsions. This timely review focuses on the application of double emulsions for delivery of drugs and nutraceuticals and will provide insights to scientists in the pharmaceutical industry or food nutritionists who consider fortification of food products with micronutrients.