Indonesian Journal of Science and Pharmacy
Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Science and Pharmacy

Critical Evaluation of Lecithin-Tween 80 Parenteral Emulsion: Challenges in Maintaining Droplet Size Post-Sterilisation

Milala, Alasen Sembiring (Unknown)
Aryani, Ni Luh Dewi (Unknown)
Purnomo, Ika Angelina (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Parenteral emulsions are essential for patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Lecithin benefits liver function, but formulating sterilisation-stable emulsions while maintaining safe droplet size remains challenging. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical stability of a lecithin-Tween 80 combination parenteral emulsion following sterilisation, focusing on droplet size as a critical parameter. Formulation contained lecithin (5%), Tween 80 (20%), isopropyl myristate (9%), propylene glycol (1%), nipagin (0.18%), nipasol (0.02%), and cassava starch (2.5%) in Water for Injection. Emulsion was prepared mechanically using a multimix mixer at 1500 rpm. Three bottles were sterilised by autoclaving (115°C, 30 minutes); one bottle remained unsterilised as control. Seven-day evaluation assessed organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, droplet size, creaming, and sterility. Statistical analysis used T-test and one-way ANOVA. Sterilisation significantly increased droplet size (p<0.05), from 5.90±0.45 μm to 8.48±0.62 μm. White precipitate (cassava starch) formed in all preparations from day 2. pH remained stable (5.00-5.42). Viscosity decreased by 47% (111.04 cP to 58.86 cP). Sterility testing revealed microbial growth. The lecithin-Tween 80 parenteral emulsion containing cassava starch requires further optimisation. Key concerns include selecting a more suitable stabiliser, adjusting pH, and sterilising raw materials prior to formulation. This study offers valuable insights for developing future parenteral emulsion preparations.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJSP

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemistry Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Indonesian Journal of Science and Pharmacy (IJSP) accepts scientific articles as original research articles, short communication, reviews, and mini-reviews from anyone without any discrimination, as long as they submit articles that meet scientific principles. Indonesian Journal of Science and ...