Investigation of the use of polysorbates for the stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions containing terpenes/oligoterpenes

• Grant number: 24/13707-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Roniérik Pioli Vieira
• Grantee: Pedro Zanqueta Tanajura
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02728-0 - Development of films and hydrogels containing terpenes or derivative oligomers for active packaging and multifunctional medical devices applications, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

In this proposal, we will investigate systems containing oligomers derived from terpenes (limonene and/or pinene) emulsified with polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) or polysorbate 80 (Tween 80). The objective is to identify the effects of the type and concentration of surfactants on the properties of the emulsions, as well as the impact of external parameters such as pH and ionic strength on the stability of these emulsions. We aim to determine whether these lower molar mass surfactants can emulsify oligoterpenes similarly to their known potential for emulsifying essential oils containing their respective precursors. If a satisfactory system is found, it may be preliminarily used in strategies to evaluate the incorporation of oligomers in films and hydrogels, with future applications in packaging and biomedicine.