Droplet Size Matters: Bioavailability of CBD Emulsions

Legalization of medical and recreational CBD consumption has led to increased research and development in edible variants of CBD including beverages, gummies or other products for oral administration. CBD is a highly lipophilic molecule and thus can be difficult to formulate, particularly in water-based systems. Nanoemulsion delivery systems, which encapsulate lipophilic CBD molecules with amphiphilic surfactants help to solubilize CBD in aqueous environments to increase the bioavailability. Particle size analyses and zeta potential measurements are a critical component for research and quality control of CBD emulsions because droplet size and stability dramatically influences the bioavailability of the final product. The Litesizer 500 enables precise and straightforward dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) measurements to determine the particle size distribution and zeta potential of CBD emulsions.

Introduction

Legalization of medical and recreational consumption of CBD in several countries has opened new markets for non-inhaled CBD products. In addition to pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, one of the greatest opportunities is the development of cannabinoid-infused food/beverage products for oral ingestion.

Cannabinoids are the main active compounds in cannabis. The most prevalent are delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)[1]. While THC is a psychoactive component and often used to treat pain, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia, CBD is non-psychoactive and often consumed for its anxiolytic, anti-epileptic, and antiinflammatory properties[1].

References

  • [1] The evolving landscape of cannabis edibles. Nahtigal, Alexia Blake and Istok. Current Opinion in Food Science, 2019, 28.

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