Market Insight: The global MCT market was valued at $1.7 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow, reflecting rising consumer interest in functional ingredients (Grand View Research, 2023).
Overview of NEOBEE® Emulsification Systems
NEOBEE® is an advanced natural emulsification solution engineered to work seamlessly with MCT-rich formulations.
Key benefits
- Enhanced stability through unique molecular structures that form fine, uniform droplets to minimize creaming and phase separation
- Clean-label compatibility, as they are derived from natural sources and support formulations free of synthetic surfactants and additives
- Versatility across diverse applications, from energy bars and beverages to skin care creams
Integrating these systems into your formulation improves consistency and ensures long-term product stability.
Formulation Strategies for Stable Natural Emulsions
When developing emulsions with NEOBEE®, consider the following technical strategies.
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
Understanding the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of your oil phase is crucial for formulating stable emulsions with MCTs like NEOBEE®. The HLB system measures the balance between water- and oil-attracting parts of a molecule, impacting emulsifier efficiency. For less viscous MCT oils, choosing the right HLB prevents phase separation. Formulators must calculate the necessary HLB by considering water and oil proportions and the end use. Adjusting HLB through emulsifier blending can enhance stability and sensory appeal, which is beneficial for nutraceuticals, functional foods, and cosmetics.
Mixing and Homogenization
High-shear mixing and homogenization are key for optimal droplet distribution in NEOBEE® emulsions, creating a uniform and stable emulsion that prevents separation. These techniques improve ingredient integration, enhancing bioavailability and product performance. Control over processing parameters such as temperature and shear rate is crucial for maximizing efficiency and increasing stability and effectiveness.
Optimizing processing parameters is key for stable emulsions with NEOBEE®, especially in MCT-rich formulations. Temperature affects viscosity and stability, so keeping it optimal during mixing and homogenization is essential. Adjusting mixing speed is important—too slow causes inconsistency, too fast causes destabilization. The order of adding ingredients matters, too; adding emulsifiers before high-shear mixing improves integration and prevents separation. Proper calibration ensures a stable product that meets market demands.
pH and Ionic Strength
Controlling pH and ionic strength is vital for NEOBEE®-based emulsions. These factors affect electrostatic interactions and emulsion stability, and imbalances can degrade emulsifiers and cause destabilization. Incorrect ionic strength may increase droplet size, leading to phase separation. Formulators must analyze and adjust these parameters during development to ensure stability and performance, regularly testing to maintain texture and shelf life. Proper management helps create reliable emulsions that meet market demands in skin care and sports nutrition.
Stability Testing
Accelerated shelf-life tests assess the long-term stability of NEOBEE®-based emulsions by simulating extended storage. Key attributes, such as droplet size distribution, which affects emulsion texture, are evaluated. Zeta potential measurements provide insight into electrostatic stability, showing particle interactions over time. Visual stability is assessed under various conditions to spot phase separation or degradation. This testing helps anticipate and resolve formulation issues, ensuring emulsions perform well and meet quality standards in competitive markets such as skin care and functional foods.
Testing NEOBEE®-based emulsions under various storage conditions ensures consistent performance and stability. Emulsions are subjected to different temperatures, humidity, and exposure times to simulate real-world scenarios. Monitoring droplet size, pH, and color stability helps detect phase separation or degradation, guiding optimization. Rigorous evaluation ensures emulsions meet quality standards for competitive markets such as skin care and functional foods.
Applications Across Key Market Sectors
