General introduction - Definition of nanodispersions (nanosuspensions nanoemulsions swollen
micelles or microemulsions liposomes and vesicles) and their size range. General description
of their colloid stability. Main advantages of nanodispersions and their industrial
applications.Preparation of nanosuspensions by top-up process - Nucleation and growth and
control of particle size distribution. Factors determining the formation of narrow particle
size distribution. Role of surfactants and polymers. Preparation of nano-polymer colloids
(lattices) by emulsion and dispersion polymerization. Factors affects the stability of
nanosuspensions.Preparation of nanosuspensions by bottom down process - Dispersion of preformed
particles in liquids and the need of a wetting agent. Break-up of aggregates and agglomerates
by application of high speed stirrers. Reduction of particle size by application of intense
energy (microfluidization or bead milling). Maintenance of the colloid stability of the
resulting particles. Reduction of Ostwald ripening.Industrial applications of nanosuspensions -
Application in pharmacy to enhance bioavailability Application in sunscreens for UV
protection. Application in paints and coatings.Preparation of nanoemulsions by the use of high
pressure homogenisers - Principles of emulsion formation and the role of the emulsifier.
Selection of emulsifiers. Methods of emulsification and prevention of coalescence during
emulsification. Origin of colloid stability of nanoemulsions. Prevention of Ostwald ripeningLow
energy methods for nanoemulsion preparation - The phase inversion composition method and the
role of mixing the surfactant with oil and water. The phase inversion temperature method for
preparation of nanoemulsions. Preparation of nanoemulsions by dilution of
microemulsions.Practical examples of nanoemulsions and their industrial application -
Nanoemulsions based on non-ionic surfactants and the role of the hydrophilic-lipophilic
balance. Effect of oil solubility on the stabilityof nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsions based on
polymeric surfactants. Applications in pharmacy and cosmetics.Swollen micelles or
microemulsionsDefinition of microemulsions and their size range. Thermodynamic definition of
microemulstions. Theories of microemulsion formation and stability. Characterisation of
microemulsions using scattering conductivity and NMR rechniques.Formulation of microemulsions
and their industrial applications - Distinction between microemulsions and macroemulsions.
Formulation of oil water and water oil microemulsions. Selection of emulsifiers for
microemulsions. Application of microemulsions in tertiary oil recovery.Liposomes and vesicles -
Formation of multilamellar lipid layers (liposomes) by dispersion of lipids in water. Formation
of unilamellar vesicles by sonication of the liposomes. Factors responsible for stabilisation
of liposomes and vesicles. Use of block copolymers to enhance the stability of vesicles.
Applications of liposomes and vesicles in pharmacy and cosmetics.
