Formation and Characterization of a Useful Biological Microemulsion System Using Mixed Oil (Ricebran and Isopropyl Myristate), Polyoxyethylene(2)oleyl Ether (Brij 92), Isopropyl Alcohol,and Water

A ‘biological microemulsion’ prepared using mixed oil (ricebran oil and isopropylmyristate), mixed amphiphiles (Brij 92 and isopropyl alcohol), and water has been studied with respect to phase behavior, shear viscosity, droplet dimension, and energetics of formation. The viscosity measured at different shear rates and temperatures has been analyzed for understanding the internal consistency of the system, and the activation parameters for its viscous flow. The hydrodynamic diameter, diffusion coefficient, and polydispersity of the dispersed droplets of both water-in-oil and oil-in-water samples have been determined from dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments. The energetics of formation have been evaluated from calorimetric measurements.