Nanoemulsion Composition of Citrus Peel Oil for Promoting Gut Health in Livestock

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nanoemulsion composition comprising citrus peel oil, a non-ionic surfactant, and water, wherein the surfactant comprises Tween-80 and is present at a surfactant-tooil ratio of approximately 1.5:1. The citrus peel oil is present in an amount of 5% to 10% by volume. The composition is processed by high-speed homogenization to produce a nanoemulsion having a mean droplet size in the range of 70-85 nm, preferably about 76 nm. The nanoemulsion exhibits enhanced physical stability and remains resistant to phase separation under standard storage and centrifugation conditions. The invention further demonstrates a significant and unexpected enhancement in antibacterial activity, wherein the nanoemulsion achieves at least 80% reduction in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, compared to non-emulsified citrus peel oil. The improved efficacy is attributed to the critical combination of surfactant-to-oil ratio and controlled droplet size, which enhances dispersion and interaction with microbial cell membranes. The composition is particularly suitable for aqueous delivery systems and is useful for reducing intestinal pathogenic bacteria in livestock, thereby providing a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.