Use as emulsifying agent, dispersing agent.
Use asFoam stabilizing agent,Foaming agent.
Saponins Revolutionize Drug Delivery with Natural Surfactant Technologies
Liao, Yuyao, et al. International journal of pharmaceutics 603 (2021): 120709.
Challenge: Conventional synthetic surfactants used in drug delivery systems (DDS) have undesirable biocompatibility, side effects and environmental concerns, and are therefore needed to develop a high-performance, safe, and environmentally friendly alternative for the delivery of the therapeutic agents.
Solution: Natural saponins, plant glycosides, with triterpene/spirostan aglycones and hydrophilic sugar chains, are natural amphiphiles, which inherently possess biocompatibility and safety (Self-assemble into micelles/vesicles because of the lipophilic aglycones and hydrophilic sugars) and functionality (As solubilizers, emulsifiers, and stabilizers).
Application & Practices:
· Drug Delivery Enhancement: Micellar encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs improves solubility and bioavailability (e.g., lutein esters in food matrices). Nanosize to form stable nanoemulsions (e.g., thymol oil-in-water) with enhanced antioxidant activity.
· Versatile Carrier Systems: Replace synthetic surfactants in microemulsions, liposomes, and micelles. Synergistic drug-saponin interactions lead to enhanced therapeutic activity (e.g., lower dose).
· Cross-Industry Benefits: Pharma-Green carrier material for targeted DDS (controlled release and less tissue damage). Food-Emulsifiers/natural preservatives (Quillaja saponins). Cosmetics/Chemicals-Foaming agents, wetting fluids, and flow improvers.
Study on the Adsorption of Saponin/Nonionic Surfactant Mixtures at the Air-Water Interface
Tucker, I. M., et al. Journal of colloid and interface science 574 (2020): 385-392.
Challenge: Plant-derived saponins offer eco-friendly foaming/emulsifying benefits for food, cosmetic, and industrial applications. A systematic understanding of saponin-surfactant mixing behavior was critical to unlock advanced performance.
Investigation: This study analyzed escin (a model saponin) mixed with two nonionic polyethylene glycol (PEG) surfactants, including C12EO5 (pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, compact headgroup) and C12EO8 (octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, bulky headgroup). Method: Neutron reflectometry assessed adsorption dynamics at air-water interfaces.
Key Findings:
· Mixing Behavior: Escin + C12EO5: Near-ideal mixing with slight attraction (synergistic). Escin + C12EO8: Strongly repulsive, nearing demixing due to steric clashes.
· Drivers of Non-Ideality: C12EO8's large ethylene oxide headgroup created severe packing constraints vs. C12EO5. Minimal affinity between saponin glycosides and PEG chains amplified repulsion.
· Saponin/nonionic blends show sterically driven behavior, while aponin/ionic combinations exhibit electrostatic synergy.
Conclusion: The interfacial behavior of saponins with nonionic surfactants is controlled by steric compatibility, not charge. By choosing compact-head surfactants (e.g., C12EO5), researchers can extract saponin's intrinsic performance without causing demixing.