Optimization of vitamin B12 nano-emulsification and encapsulation using spontaneous emulsification

In this study, the use of low-energy methods for nanoemulsification of vitamin B12 was investigated to protect this bioactive substance. The effects of sunflower oil concentrations (4–8%), Tween 80 (8–16%), and vitamin B12 (5–15%) on the physicochemical properties of B12 nanoemulsion were evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM). The results indicated that the quadratic model was the most fitting model for experimental data. Optimization revealed that the optimal formulation contained 6.5% sunflower oil, 9.6% Tween 80, and 13% vitamin B12, resulting in maximum efficiency, viscosity, and vitamin B12 content, as well as minimum pH, turbidity, p-Anisidine index, particle size, and polydispersity index (PDI). Under optimal conditions, pH, viscosity, turbidity, efficiency, vitamin B12, p-Anisidine index, PDI, and particle size were 7.24, 17.0024 cp, 2.19, 51.98%, 5.54 ppm, 0.01, 0.34, and 322 nm, respectively. This study highlights the effectiveness of spontaneous emulsification as a carrier for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds.