Microemulsion composition and preparation and application thereof
Microemulsions comprising glycerol esters and fatty acid salts provide a stable, antibacterial, and antiviral solution for treating bacterial diseases in animal feeds and human conditions, addressing the antibiotic reduction challenge post-Chinese feed exclusion policy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LONGYAN XINAO BIOTECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
AI Technical Summary
The implementation of the Chinese feed exclusion policy in 2020 led to a higher incidence of bacterial diseases such as diarrhea and ileitis due to the reduction in the use of antibiotics, necessitating the need for alternative products with antibacterial and antiviral properties.
The development of microemulsions comprising glycerol esters of fatty acids and fatty acid salts, along with surfactants and cosurfactants, which form a stable, transparent emulsion system with antibacterial and antiviral properties, suitable for use in animal feeds and pharmaceutical compositions.
The microemulsions effectively inhibit the growth of pathogens, replace antibiotics, promote intestinal health, and treat conditions like diarrhea, while maintaining stability and reducing the rancid odor of butyrate, facilitating their use in feeds and pharmaceutical applications.
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Figure CN2025133979_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
MICROEMULSION COMPOSITION AND PREPARATION AND APPLICATION THEREOFREFERENCE TO AN ELECTRONIC SEQUENCE LISTINGThe contents of the electronic sequence listing (860282.401WO_SEQUENCE_LISTING. xml; Size: 12, 474 bytes; and Date of Creation: October 14, 2025) is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUNDTechnical FieldThe present disclosure relates generally to microemulsions and methods of preparing microemulsions. The disclosure also relates to application of the microemulsions in pharmaceutical compositions, feeds, and health products and application of the microemulsions as food preservatives.Description of the Related ArtAfter the Chinese feed exclusion policy in 2020 was implemented, the reduction in using antibiotics leads to the higher incidence of bacterial diseases, especially diarrhea, ileitis and the like. Products using alternative antibiotics are in greater need.BRIEF SUMMARYIn one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a microemulsion, comprising, in percentage by weight, 5%to 35%of glycerol ester of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid and 15%to 40%of a fatty acid salt.In certain embodiments, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid has a number of glycerol units of 1 to 5. In certain preferred embodiments, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid comprises diglycerol laurate, triglycerol laurate, or a combination thereof.In certain embodiments, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of glycerol monobutyrate, glycerol dibutyrate, glycerol tributyrate (tributyrin) , and combinations thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid is glycerol tributyrate.In certain embodiments, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid comprises tributyrate and polyglycerol monolaurate.In certain embodiments, the fatty acid salt comprises a salt of butyric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, or linoleic acid. In certain preferred embodiments, the fatty acid salt comprises butyric acid, or lauric acid. In certain more preferred embodiments, the fatty acid salt comprises a butyrate salt. In even more certain preferred embodiments, the fatty acid salt comprises sodium butyrate, calcium butyrate, potassium butyrate, and / or magnesium butyrate.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion further comprises a surfactant. In certain preferred embodiments, the microemulsion further comprises a Tween surfactant with an HLB (hydrophilic–lipophilic balance) value of 8-18 and / or a Span surfactant with an HLB value of 4.3-8.6.In certain embodiments, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Tween 20,Tween 40, Tween 60, Tween 80, Span 20, Span 40, Span 60, and Span 80, and combinations thereof.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion further comprises a cosurfactant. In certain preferred embodiments, the cosurfactant comprises absolute ethanol, 95%ethanol, and / or n-butanol.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, 5%to 35%of surfactant, and 1%to 8%of cosurfactant.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, 10%to 30%of butyrate, 20%to 35%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid, 10%to 30%of surfactant, 3%to 6%of cosurfactant, and water.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, about 30%of butyrate, about 25%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid, about 10%of surfactant, about 2%of cosurfactant, and water to 100%.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, about 30%of sodium butyrate, about 12.5%tributyrin, about 12.5%polyglycerol monolaurate, about 10%of surfactant, about 2%of cosurfactant, and water to 100%.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, about 30%of sodium butyrate, about 12.5%tributyrin, about 12.5%polyglycerol monolaurate, about 10%Tween 80, about 2%of 95%ethanol, and water to 100%.In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a microemulsion, comprising, in percentage by weight, about 30%of sodium butyrate, about 12.5%tributyrin, about 12.5%polyglycerol monolaurate, about 10%Tween 80, about 2%of 95%ethanol, and water to 100%.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion has a pH of 4 to 6.8. In certain preferred embodiments, the microemulsion has a pH wherein 100-1000-fold dilution of the microemulsion with water reduces the pH to 5 to 5.8.In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of preparing a microemulsion, comprising: (a) dissolving butyrate in water, adjusting pH value to 8 to 11, and adding a cosurfactant to obtain Solution 1, (b) mixing a polyglycerol ester of fatty acid with a surfactant to obtain Solution 2, and (c) mixing Solution 1 with Solution 2 to obtain the microemulsion. In certain preferred embodiments, the cosurfactant is alcohol. In more preferred certain embodiments, the cosurfactant is ethanol. In certain preferred embodiments, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid is tributyrin, and optionally polyglycerol monolaurate. In certain preferred embodiments, the surfactant is Tween 80.In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of preparing a microemulsion, comprising: (a) dissolving butyrate in water, adjusting pH value to 8 to 11, and adding 95%ethanol as a cosurfactant to obtain Solution 1, (b) mixing tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate (at an about 1: 1 ratio) with Tween 80 as a surfactant to obtain Solution 2, and(c) mixing Solution 1 with Solution 2 to obtain the microemulsion.In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a feed comprising the microemulsion according to any of the above embodiments in an amount of 1 kg to 20 kg per ton of feed. In certain preferred embodiments, the feed comprises the microemulsion of any one of the embodiments above in an amount of 2 kg to 15 kg, 2 kg to 10 kg, 2 kg, or 4 kg per ton of feed.In certain embodiments, the feed further comprises soybean oil.In certain embodiments, the feed further comprises corn, bean cake, wheat bran, fish meal, bone meal, shell meal, salt, vitamin additives, and / or mineral additives.In certain embodiments, the feed comprises in percentage by weight: 64.5%to 68.5%of corn, 8%to 12%of bean cake, 6%to 10%of wheat bran, 1%to 5%of fish meal, 0.3%to 2.3%of bone meal, 0.5%to 0.9%of shell powder, 0.3%to 0.7%of salt, and 3%to 7%of vitamin, and / or mineral additive. In certain preferred embodiments, the feed comprises in percentage by weight: 66.5%of corn, 10%of bean cake, 8%of wheat bran, 3%of fish meal, 1.3%of bone meal, 0.7%of shell powder, 0.5%of salt, and 5%of vitamin, and / or mineral additive.In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for treating or preventing microorganism infection, comprising: administering an effective amount of the microemulsion according to any of the above embodiments or the feed according to any of the above embodiments to a subject in need thereof.In certain embodiments, the method is for treating or preventing infection by a bacterium.In certain embodiments, the bacterium is Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Clostridium, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, or Staphylococcus aureus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Diplococcus pneumoniae.In certain embodiments, the method is for treating or preventing infection by a virus.In certain embodiments, the virus is avian influenza, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) , porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) , porcine rotavirus (PoRV) , transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TEGV) , or African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) .In certain embodiments, the subject is a bird or a mammal. In certain preferred embodiments, the subject is a food animal. In certain embodiments, the food animal is selected from the group consisting of swine, cattle, turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, and goats.In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a tea bag comprising, in percentage by weight, the microemulsion according to any of the above embodiments in an amount of 0.5%to 5%, and 95%to 99.5%dried powder of Houttuynia cordata. In certain preferred embodiments, the microemulsion is present in an amount of 1%to 3%. In certain more preferred embodiments, the microemulsion is present in an amount of 2%. In certain preferred embodiments, dried powder of Houttuynia cordata is present in an amount of 97%to 99%. In certain more preferred embodiments, dried powder of Houttuynia cordata is present in an amount of 98%.In certain embodiments, the dried powder of Houttuynia cordata has a moisture content of 20%or less. In certain preferred embodiments, the dried powder of Houttuynia cordata has a moisture content of 10%or less.In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for treating or preventing a disease or condition in a human subject, comprising administering an effective amount of the microemulsion according to any of the above embodiments or the tea bag according to any of the above embodiments to a human subject in need thereof.In certain embodiments, the administering the tea bag comprises steeping the teabag in a sufficient amount of water at 100°F-212°F (37℃-100℃) for at least five minutes to form a brewed beverage wherein the brewed beverage is consumed by the human subject in need thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the administering the tea bag comprises steeping the teabag in a sufficient amount of water at 190°F to 212°F (88℃ to 100℃) for at least five minutes to form a brewed beverage wherein the brewed beverage is consumed by the human subject in need thereof.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion is administered as a liquid solution comprising, in percentage by weight, 1%-3%microemulsion and 97%-99%of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.In certain embodiments, the disease or condition is diarrhea, anxiety, odontalgia, oral ulcer, inflammation due to internal heat, gastroenteritis, abscesses, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) , and / or carbuncle.In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a microemulsion according to any of the above embodiments and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGSFIG. 1 is a photograph of the microemulsion of Example 1 before centrifugation (a) and after centrifugation (b) .FIG. 2 is a photograph of the microemulsion of Example 2 before centrifugation (a) and after centrifugation (b) .FIG. 3 is a photograph of the microemulsion of Example 3 before centrifugation (a) and after centrifugation (b) .FIG. 4 is a photograph of the microemulsion of Comparative Example 1 before centrifugation (a) and after centrifugation (b) .FIG. 5 is a photograph of the microemulsion of Comparative Example 2 before centrifugation (a) and after centrifugation (b) .FIG. 6 shows photographs of the microemulsion provided in Example 1 after being subjected to different temperatures.FIG. 7 shows photographs of the microemulsion provided in Example 1 after being subjected to a freeze-thaw test.FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the concentration and pH of the microemulsion of Example 5 after the microemulsion was diluted with chicken manure water to various concentrations.FIG. 9 shows the relationship between pH and amounts of bacteria killed of the microemulsion of Example 5 after the microemulsion was diluted with chicken manure water to various concentrations.FIG. 10 shows the relationship between concentration and amounts of bacteria killed of the microemulsion of Example 5 after the microemulsion was diluted with chicken manure water to various concentrations.FIG. 11 shows viability of Vero81 cells treated with microemulsion 1. Vero81 cells were incubated with 2-fold gradient dilutions of microemulsion 1 for 24 hours. Viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay wherein cells were treated with CCK-8 solution for 1.5 hours.FIG. 12 shows viability of MA104 cells treated with microemulsion 1. MA104 cells were incubated with 2-fold gradient dilutions of microemulsion 1 for 24 hours. Viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay wherein cells were treated with CCK-8 solution for 1.5 hours.FIG. 13 shows viability of ST cells treated with microemulsion 1. ST cells were incubated with 2-fold gradient dilutions of microemulsion 1 for 24 hours. Viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay wherein cells were treated with CCK-8 solution for 1.5 hours.FIGS. 14A-14C show viability of Vero81 cells treated with microemulsion 1 using different durations of incubation with CCK-8 solution. Vero81 cells were incubated with 2-fold gradient dilutions of microemulsion 1 for 24 hours. Viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay wherein cells were treated with CCK-8 solution for 0.5h (FIG. 14A) , 1.0h (FIG. 14B) , or 2.0h (FIG. 14C) .FIG. 15 shows cell morphology of Vero81 cells treated with microemulsion 1. Morphological effects of microemulsion 1 on Vero81 cells were observed after incubation with 2-fold gradient dilutions of sample for 2h.FIG. 16 shows the experimental groups for detecting the inhibitory effect (TCID50) of microemulsion 1 on porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) proliferation. In the Experimental Groups, 0, 1, 10, 11, 12 represent dilution factors 20, 21, 210, 211, and 212.FIG. 17 shows TAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR results for PEDV content in Vero81 cells.FIGS. 18A and 18B show evaluation of the inhibitory effect (TCID50) of microemulsion 1 on PEDV proliferation. FIG. 18A shows 20, 21, 210, 211, and 212 dilution factors of microemulsion 1. FIG. 18B shows 210, 211, and 212 dilution factors of microemulsion 1.FIGS. 19A-19C show viability of MA104 cells treated with microemulsion 1. Cytotoxic effects of microemulsion 1 on MA104 cells were observed after performing a 2-fold gradient dilution of sample for 0.5h (FIG. 19A) , 1.0h (FIG. 19B) , or 2.0h (FIG. 19C) using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay.FIG. 20 shows cell morphology of MA104 cells treated with microemulsion 1. Morphological effects of microemulsion 1 on MA104 were observed after incubation with 2-fold gradient dilutions of sample for 2h.FIG. 21 shows the experimental groups for detecting the inhibitory effect (TCID50) of microemulsion 1 on porcine rotavirus (PoRV) proliferation. In the Experimental Groups, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 12 represent dilution factors 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212.FIG. 22 shows TAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR results for PoRV content in MA104 cells.FIGS 23A and 23B show evaluation of the inhibitory effect (TCID50) of microemulsion 1 on PoRV proliferation. FIG. 23A shows 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212 dilution factors of microemulsion 1. FIG. 23B shows a 212 dilution factor of microemulsion 1.FIGS. 24A-24C show viability of ST cells treated with microemulsion 1. Cytotoxic effects of microemulsion 1 on ST cells were observed after performing a 2-fold gradient dilution of sample for 0.5h (FIG. 24A) , 1.0h (FIG. 24B) , or 2.0h (FIG. 24C) using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay.FIG. 25 shows cell morphology of ST cells treated with microemulsion 1. Morphological effects of microemulsion 1 on ST were observed after performing a 2-fold gradient dilution of sample for 0.5h.FIG. 26 shows the experimental groups for detecting the inhibitory effect (TCID50) of microemulsion 1 on transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TEGV) proliferation in ST cells. In the Experimental Groups, 0, 1, 2, 3, and 12 represent dilution factors 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212.FIG. 27 shows TAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR results for TGEV content in ST cells.FIGS. 28A and 28B show evaluation of the inhibitory effect (TCID50) of microemulsion 1 on TGEV proliferation. FIG. 28A shows 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212 dilution factors of microemulsion 1. FIG. 28B shows a 212 dilution factor of microemulsion 1.FIG. 29 shows a schematic diagram of three approaches for treatment with microemulsion 1. From left to right, the three arrows represent pre-treatment, co-treatment, and post-treatment, respectively. In the pre-treatment group, cells were treated with the sample for 24 hours prior to viral infection. In the co-treatment group, cells were simultaneously treated with both the sample and the virus, followed by medium replacement. In the post-treatment group, the sample was added after viral infection of the cells.FIG. 30 shows cell viability of Vero cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1. ****P<0.001; NS indicates no significant difference.FIG. 31 shows cell viability of Marc-145 cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1. ***P<0.001; **P<0.01; *P<0.05; NS indicates no significant difference.FIG. 32 shows the effect of different dilutions of microemulsion 1 on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) viral copy number in MARC-145 cells in the co-treatment assay. ***P<0.001; **P<0.01; *P<0.05; NS indicates no significant difference.FIG. 33 shows cytopathic effects of PRRSV in MARC-145 cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1 in the co-treatment assay (40X magnification) . A: Cell control; B: Virus control; C: Treatment with 1: 1300 dilution of microemulsion 1; D: Treatment with 1: 1600 dilution of microemulsion 1; E: Treatment with 1: 1800 dilution of microemulsion 1.FIG. 34 shows the effect of different dilutions of microemulsion 1 on PRRSV viral copy number in MARC-145 cells in the pre-treatment assay. NS indicates no significant difference.FIG. 35 shows cytopathic effects of PRRSV in MARC-145 cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1 in the pre-treatment assay (40X magnification) . A: Cell control; B: Virus control; C: Treatment with 1: 1300 dilution of microemulsion 1; D: Treatment with 1: 1600 dilution of microemulsion 1; E: Treatment with 1: 1800 dilution of microemulsion 1.FIG. 36 shows the effect of different dilutions of microemulsion 1 on PRRSV viral copy number in MARC-145 cells in the post-treatment assay. **P<0.01; *P<0.05; NS indicates no significant difference.FIG. 37 shows cytopathic effects of PRRSV in MARC-145 cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1 in the post-treatment assay (40X magnification) . A: Cell control; B: Virus control; C: Treatment with 1: 1300 dilution of microemulsion 1; D: Treatment with 1: 1600 dilution of microemulsion 1; E: Treatment with 1: 1800 dilution of microemulsion 1.FIG. 38 shows cell viability of Vero cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1 and infected with PEDV****P<0.001; ***P<0.001; **P<0.01; *P<0.05; NS indicates no significant difference.FIG. 39 shows relative PEDV expression in Vero cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1 and infected with PEDV****P<0.001; ***P<0.001; **P<0.01; *P<0.05; NS indicates no significant difference.FIG. 40 shows cytopathic effects in Vero cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1 and infected with PEDV (40X magnification) . C: Cell status in the 0.1× (1 / 2) 9 experimental group; D: Cell status in the 0.1× (1 / 2) 10 experimental group; E: Cell status in the 0.1× (1 / 2) 11 experimental group; F: Cell status in the 0.1× (1 / 2) 12 experimental group; G: Cell status in the viral control group; H: Cell status in the blank control group.FIG. 41 shows fecal viral shedding in piglets after PEDV viral challenge quantified by Ct (cycle threshold) value.FIG. 42 shows viral load in intestinal tissue and mesenteric lymph nodes of piglets after PEDV viral challenge, quantified by viral copies (×1 / g) .FIG. 43 shows typical PEDV symptoms in piglets after viral challenge. Panels A, B and C, show typical PEDV symptoms in piglets after viral challenge, including emaciation, lethargy, reduced appetite, rough hair coat, and the excretion of yellow watery feces with a foul odor. Panel D shows healthy piglets in the virus-free control group.FIG. 44 shows histological images of intestinal tissue from piglets receiving PEDV viral challenge. Panels A, B, and C show intestinal villus lesions in Group A, B, and C. Panels D and E show intestinal villus lesions in piglets from Group A. Panel F shows normal intestinal morphology (Group B) .FIGS. 45A-45F show blood cytokine levels in piglets on the day of PEDV challenge (Day 0) and on day 3 post-challenge.FIG. 46 shows body temperature over time in piglets receiving PRRSV challenge.FIG. 47 shows vial shedding over time in piglets receiving PRRSV challenge, as quantified by TCID50.FIG. 48 shows viral loads in lung and hilar lymph node tissues of piglets receiving PRRSV challenge, as quantified in viral copies / g. Samples were collected at necropsy following euthanasia at 14 days-post PRRSV challenge.FIG. 49 shows macroscopic pulmonary lesions in piglets post-PRRSV challenge. Samples were collected at necropsy following euthanasia at 14 days-post PRRSV challenge. Panel A shows marked congestion, hemorrhage, edema, and interstitial thickening; Panel B shows mild congestion and interstitial thickening; and Panel C shows no visible lesions (normal lung tissue) .FIG. 50 shows histopathological observation of lung tissue in piglets post-PRRSV challenge. Samples were collected at necropsy following euthanasia at 14 days-post PRRSV challenge. Panels A and B show extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells and red blood cells, with interstitial thickening; Panels C and D show mild infiltration of inflammatory cells and interstitial thickening; no obvious pathological changes are observed in Panels E and F.FIGS. 51A-51F show blood cytokine levels in piglets on the day of PRRSV challenge (Day 0) and on day 3 post-challenge.FIG. 52 shows viability of PAM cells treated with microemulsion 1. PAM cells were incubated with 2-fold gradient dilutions of microemulsion 1 for 72 hours. Viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay according to the manufacturer’s instructions.FIG. 53 shows fluorescence microscopy images of PAM cells at 48 hours and 72 hours post-African swine fever virus (ASFV) challenge.FIG. 54 shows inhibition rate (%) of microemulsion 1 against ASFV on PAM cells.FIG. 55 shows RT-PCR results of ASFV P72 gene (CT values) . EP=experimental group; CA=Control Group A; CB=Control Group B; BC=blank control group.FIG. 56 shows copy numbers of the ASFV P72 gene (copies / mL) . EP=experimental group; CA=Control Group A; CB=Control Group B; and BC=blank control group.FIGS. 57A and 57B show detection of PRRSV by RT-PCR (FIG. 57A) and ELISA (FIG. 57B) in Group 1 piglets following 26 days’ administration of microemulsion 1 at 1 kg / t in drinking water.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONEmbodiments of the present disclosure are based in pertinent part on the discovery that microemulsions comprising butyrate have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Specifically, the microemulsions provided herein can be used in animal feeds and health products, and used as food preservatives. Additionally, the microemulsions can be administered as pharmaceutical compositions to human subjects for the treatment and prevention of disease and conditions, including but not limited to, diarrhea, anxiety, odontalgia, and / or carbuncle.The compositions and methods described in the present disclosure have one or more of the following advantages. The microemulsions form a uniform, stable, transparent, isotropic and thermodynamically stable emulsion system, and can effectively avoid phase separation due to thermodynamic instability. The microemulsions have antibacterial and / or antiviral activities and may replace antibiotics. Generally, butyrate, comprised in certain preferred embodiments of the microemulsions described herein, has phagostimulant properties, improves digestion and absorption capacity, enhances immunity, inhibits the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, replaces partial antibiotics, promotes intestinal development, and prevents and treats diarrhea. Butyrate, comprised in certain preferred embodiments of the microemulsions described herein, has a rancid cheese odor / flavor and the present microemulsions comprising butyrate effectively reduce this odor, facilitating use of the microemulsions in animal feeds for antibacterial and / or antiviral activities, e.g., to replace antibiotics. Moreover, butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that serves as a rapid source of energy. Lauric acid, comprised in certain preferred embodiments of the microemulsions described herein, is a medium-chain fatty acid which can be directly absorbed without bile emulsification and also serves as a rapid source of energy.I. GlossaryPrior to setting forth this disclosure in more detail, it may be helpful to an understanding thereof to provide definitions of certain terms to be used herein. Additional definitions are set forth throughout this disclosure.Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the present specification and claims, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising, ” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to” . The term “consisting of” in the context of consisting of one or more components or steps shall mean include only the one or more components or steps. The term “consisting essentially of” in the context of consisting essentially of one or more components or steps limits the components or steps to the specified materials or steps, or to those that do not materially affect the basic characteristics of a claimed invention.In the present description, the term “about” means±20%of the indicated range, value, or structure, unless otherwise indicated.It should be understood that the terms “a” and “an” as used herein include “one or more” of the enumerated components unless stated otherwise. The use of the alternative (e.g., “or” ) should be understood to mean either one, both, or any combination thereof of the alternatives, and may be used synonymously with “and / or” . As used herein, the terms “include” and “have” are used synonymously, which terms and variants thereof are intended to be construed as non-limiting.The word “substantially” does not exclude “completely” ; e.g., a composition which is “substantially free” from Y may be completely free from Y. Where necessary, the word “substantially” may be omitted from definitions provided herein.II. Microemulsion CompositionsIn one aspect, described herein are microemulsions, comprising, in percentage by weight, 5%to 35%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid and 15%to 40%of a fatty acid salt.As used herein, the term “microemulsion” refers to a thermodynamically stable, isotropic liquid system comprising (1) a polyglycerol ester of fatty acid and (2) a fatty acid salt and having droplet sizes in the range of 10 to 100 nanometers. A microemulsion may further comprise one or more surfactants. Optionally, a microemulsion may further comprise one or more co-surfactants. Typically, microemulsions appear optically transparent or translucent. Unlike conventional emulsions, microemulsions form spontaneously under appropriate conditions and do not require high shear or mechanical energy for their formation. The principles underlying the formation of microemulsions are well understood in the art and described in: Hoar and Schulman. Transparent Water-in-Oil Dispersions: the Oleopathic Hydro-Micelle. Nature 152, 102–103 (1943) ; Shinoda and Kunieda. Conditions to produce so-called microemulsions: Factors to increase the mutual solubility of oil and water by solubilizer. Journal of Colloid andInterface Science (42) 2: 381-387(1973) ; Bardhan et. al. The Schulman Method of Cosurfactant Titration of the Oil / Water Interface (Dilution Method) : A Review on a Well-Known Powerful Technique in Interfacial Science for Characterization of Water-in-Oil Microemulsions. JSurfact Deterg, 547–567 (2015) ; and Tenjarla et al. Microemulsions: an overview and pharmaceutical applications. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst. 16 (5) : 461-521 (1999) .As used herein, the term “polyglycerol ester of fatty acid” refers to a compound formed by esterifying a glycerol or polyglycerol with one or more fatty acids. The number of glycerol units in a polyglycerol ester of fatty acid as defined herein may be from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 5. Because the glycerol unit may be 1, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid as defined herein includes glycerol ester of fatty acid, a compound formed by the esterification of a single glycerol with one, two, or three fatty acids, such as glycerol monobutyrate (i.e., monobutyrin) , glycerol dibutyrate (i.e., dibutyrin) , glycerol tributyrate (i.e., tributyrin) , and combinations thereof, preferably glycerol tributyrate (tributyrin) . The fatty acid moiety of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid may comprise saturated or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acids containing from C6 to C24 carbon atoms.In certain embodiments, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid has an average number of glycerol units of 2 to 5 (i.e., 2, 3, 4, or 5) . In certain embodiments, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid is a polyglycerol monolaurate, for example, diglycerol laurate, triglycerol laurate, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid is one or a combination of several of monobutyric acid ester, dibutyric acid ester, tributyrin ester, monolaurin, diglycerollaurate, and triglycerlaurate.In certain embodiments, the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid is tributyrin. In certain preferred embodiments, the polyglycerol esters of fatty acid are tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate.As used herein, “fatty acid salt” refers to a compound formed by the neutralization of a fatty acid with a base, resulting in the formation of a carboxylate salt. The fatty acid may be saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, and typically contains from 4 to 24 carbon atoms. The base may be an alkali metal (e.g., sodium, potassium) , alkaline earth metal (e.g., calcium, magnesium) , ammonium, or an organic amine. Examples include sodium butyrate, potassium laurate, and calcium stearate.In certain embodiments, the fatty acid salt comprises a salt of butyric acid (e.g., sodium butyrate) , caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid (e.g., potassium laurate) , myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid (e.g., calcium stearate) , oleic acid, or linoleic acid. In certain embodiments, the fatty acid salt comprises a butyrate salt. In certain preferred embodiments, the butyrate salt comprises one or a combination of several of sodium butyrate, calcium butyrate, potassium butyrate, and / or magnesium butyrate. In certain more preferred embodiments, the fatty acid salt comprises sodium butyrate.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion may further comprise one or more surfactants. As used herein, the term “surfactant” refers to a chemical compound or mixture of chemical compounds that reduces the surface tension or interfacial tension between two phases, such as between a liquid and a gas, a liquid and a solid, or between two immiscible liquids. Surfactants typically contain both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions, and may function as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, or dispersants. Surfactants may be classified as anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric, depending on the nature of the hydrophilic group.In certain embodiments, the one or more surfactants is a TWEENTM surfactant with an HLB (hydrophilic–lipophilic balance) value of 8-18 or a SPANTM surfactant with an HLB value of 4.3-8.6. In certain embodiments, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of TWEENTM 20 (2- [2- [3, 4-Bis (2-hydroxyethoxy) tetrahydrofuran-2-yl] -2- (2-hydroxyethoxy) ethoxy] ethyl dodecanoate; polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate) , TWEENTM 40 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate) , TWEENTM 60 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate) , TWEENTM 80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate) , SPANTM 20 (sorbitan monolaurate) , SPANTM 40 (sorbitan monopalmitate) , SPANTM 60 (sorbitan monostearate) , and SPANTM 80 (1, 4-Anhydro-D-glucitol 6- [ (9Z) -octadec-9-enoate] ; sorbitan monooleate) , and combinations thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the surfactant is TWEENTM 80.In certain embodiments, the one or more surfactants is a TWEENTM surfactant with an HLB (hydrophilic–lipophilic balance) value of 8-18 and a SPANTM surfactant with an HLB value of 4.3-8.6. In some embodiments, the mass ratio of the TWEENTM surfactant to the SPANTM surfactant is 10: 1-10. In certain preferred embodiments, the mass ratio of the TWEENTM surfactant to the SPANTM surfactant is 1: 1. In certain embodiments, the surfactants are selected from the group consisting of TWEENTM 20, TWEENTM 40, TWEENTM 60, TWEENTM 80, SPANTM 20, SPANTM 40, SPANTM 60, and SPANTM 80, and combinations thereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the surfactants are TWEENTM 80 and SPANTM 80. In certain preferred embodiments, the surfactants are TWEENTM 80 and SPANTM 80, mixed in an about 1: 1 ratio.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion may further comprise one or more cosurfactants. As used herein, the term “cosurfactant” refers to a chemical compound that, in combination with one or more primary surfactants, contributes to the reduction of surface or interfacial tension between phases, or enhances the performance or stability of a surfactant system. A cosurfactant may assist in the formation or stabilization of micelles, microemulsions, emulsions, or other colloidal structures. Cosurfactants may include amphiphilic molecules, short-chain alcohols, glycols, or other compounds capable of modifying interfacial properties, and may be ionic, nonionic, or zwitterionic in nature. A cosurfactant typically does not function effectively as a surfactant on its own under the same conditions but synergistically enhances the activity or stability of the primary surfactant system.In certain preferred embodiments, the cosurfactant is at least one of absolute ethanol, 95%ethanol, and / or n-butanol.In some embodiments, the microemulsion comprises a surfactant and a cosurfactant. In some embodiments, the surfactant is a TWEENTM surfactant with an HLB (hydrophilic–lipophilic balance) value between 8 and 18 and / or a SPANTM surfactant with an HLB value between 4.3 and 8.6. In some embodiments, the mass ratio of the TWEENTM surfactant to the SPANTM surfactant is 10: 1-10. In certain preferred embodiments, the mass ratio of the TWEENTM surfactant to the SPANTM surfactant is 1: 1. In some embodiments, the surfactant is one or more of TWEENTM 20, TWEENTM 40, TWEENTM 60, TWEENTM 80 or SPANTM 20, SPANTM 40, SPANTM 60, and SPANTM 80. In some embodiments, the cosurfactant is at least one of absolute ethanol, 95%ethanol, and / or n-butanol.In certain embodiments, the surfactants are TWEENTM 80 and SPANTM 80, mixed in a 1: 1 ratio and the cosurfactant is n-butanol. In certain embodiments, the surfactant is TWEENTM 80 and the cosurfactant is absolute ethanol. In certain preferred embodiments, the surfactant is TWEENTM 80 and the cosurfactant is 95%ethanol.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, 5%to 35%of butyrate, 15%to 40%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid, 5%to 35%of surfactant, 1%to 8%of cosurfactant, and water to 100%.In certain preferred embodiments, the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, 10%to 30%of butyrate, 20%to 35%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid, 10%to 30%of surfactant, 3%to 6%of cosurfactant, and water to 100%.In certain preferred embodiments, the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, about 30%of butyrate, about 25%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid, about 10%of surfactant, about 2%of cosurfactant, and water to 100%.In certain more preferred embodiments, the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, about 30%of sodium butyrate, about 12.5%tributyrin, about 12.5%polyglycerol monolaurate, about 10%of surfactant, about 2%of cosurfactant, and water to 100%.In certain even more preferred embodiments, the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, about 30%of sodium butyrate, about 12.5%tributyrin, about 12.5%polyglycerol monolaurate, about 10%of TWEENTM 80, about 2%of 95%ethanol, and water to 100%.In some embodiments, the microemulsion composition has a pH of 4 to 6.8, preferably wherein 100-1000-fold dilution of the microemulsion with water reduces the pH to 5 to 5.8.III. Methods of Preparing MicroemulsionsIn a second aspect, described herein are methods of preparing microemulsions comprising: (a) dissolving butyrate in water and adding a cosurfactant to obtain Solution 1, (b) mixing a polyglycerol ester of fatty acid with at least one surfactant to obtain Solution 2; and (c) mixing Solution 1 with Solution 2 to obtain the microemulsion.In certain embodiments, the method of preparing a microemulsion comprises: (a) dissolving butyrate in water and adding a n-butanol (a cosurfactant) to obtain Solution 1, (b) mixing tributyrin with a surfactant mixture comprising TWEENTM 80 and SPANTM 80 at a mass ratio of about 1: 1; and (c) mixing Solution 1 with Solution 2 to obtain the microemulsion.In certain embodiments, the method of preparing a microemulsion comprises: (a) dissolving butyrate in water and adding 95%ethanol (a cosurfactant) to obtain Solution 1, (b) mixing a mixture of tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate (at a mass ratio of 1: 1) with TWEENTM 80 (a surfactant) ; and (c) mixing Solution 1 with Solution 2 to obtain the microemulsion.In certain embodiments, the method of preparing a microemulsion comprises: (a) dissolving butyrate in water and adding anhydrous ethanol (a cosurfactant) to obtain Solution 1, (b) mixing a mixture of tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate (at a mass ratio of about 1: 1) with TWEENTM 80 (a surfactant) ; and (c) mixing Solution 1 with Solution 2 to obtain the microemulsion.One method known in the art for preparing microemulsions is the phase titration method (also referred to as the water titration or dilution method) . This method is a widely used, low-energy technique for preparing microemulsions and mapping their phase behavior. In this method, a mixture of oil, surfactant, and often a cosurfactant is prepared, and water (or an aqueous phase containing additives like fatty acid salts) is added gradually, dropwise, under constant stirring at room or controlled temperature. As water is titrated into the system, the mixture is visually monitored for clarity, transparency, viscosity, and phase changes. The formation of a clear, isotropic, low-viscosity solution indicates the presence of a microemulsion. Methods for preparing microemulsions are well understood in the art and described in: Hoar and Schulman, Nature 152, 102–103 (1943) ; Shinoda and Kunieda, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science (42) 2: 381-387 (1973) ; Bardhan et. al. JSurfact Deterg, 547–567 (2015) ; Tenjarla et al. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst. 16 (5) : 461-521 (1999) ; and Tartaro et al. Microemulsion Microstructure (s) : A Tutorial Review. Nanomaterials (Basel) . 24; 10 (9) : 1657 (2020) .In certain preferred embodiments, the method of preparing a microemulsion further comprises, in step (a) adjusting the pH value to 8 to 11 after dissolving butyrate in water, prior to adding a cosurfactant to obtain Solution 1.Methods of adjusting the pH of a liquid composition are known to those in the art. Adjusting the pH comprises the controlled addition of an acidic or basic agent to the composition while continuously monitoring the pH until a desired target pH is achieved. The acidic agents suitable for lowering the pH include, but are not limited to, dilute mineral acids such as hydrochloric acid, or organic acids such as citric acid or acetic acid. The basic agents suitable for raising the pH include, but are not limited to, dilute solutions of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or ammonium hydroxide. The addition of said agents is performed gradually, preferably dropwise, under continuous stirring to ensure homogeneity and to prevent local over-adjustment. The process may further employ buffer systems to maintain the pH within a narrow range during subsequent processing or storage. pH measurement is conducted using a calibrated pH meter to provide precise control over the adjustment process. This method enables accurate and reproducible pH modification suitable for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial formulations.IV. Feeds Comprising MicroemulsionsIn a third aspect, described herein are feeds comprising microemulsions, comprising, in percentage by weight, 5%to 35%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid and 15%to 40%of a fatty acid salt.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion comprises an amount of 2 kg to 40 kg per ton of feed, 4 kg to 30 kg per ton of feed, 4 kg to 20 kg per ton of feed, or 4 kg to 8 kg per ton of feed. In certain preferred embodiments, the microemulsion comprises an amount of 1 kg to 20 kg per ton of feed, 2 kg to 15 kg per ton of feed, 2 kg to 10 kg per ton of feed, 2 kg per ton of feed, or 4 kg per ton of feed.In certain embodiments, the feed comprising the microemulsion further comprises a premix. As used herein, “premix” refers to a uniform mixture of one or more micro-ingredients (such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and / or medications) blended with a carrier and added to animal feed in small quantities. It is used to ensure that animals receive all the essential nutrients they need in the right amounts.In some embodiments, the feed comprising the microemulsion further comprises soybean oil.In certain embodiments, the feed comprising the microemulsion further comprises, corn, bean cake, wheat bran, fish meal, bone meal, shell meal, salt, vitamin additives, and / or mineral additives. Examples of vitamin additives include but are not limited to vitamin A, vitamin D3, vitamin E, and vitamin K3, along with B-complex vitamins such as B1 (thiamine) , B2 (riboflavin) , B3 (niacin) , B5 (pantothenic acid) , B6 (pyridoxine) , B7 (biotin) , B9 (folic acid) , and B12 (cobalamin) . Examples of mineral additives include but are not limited to calcium (such as calcium carbonate or dicalcium phosphate) , phosphorus, sodium, chloride (as salt) , magnesium, potassium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, and chromium. Minerals may be provided in sulfate, oxide, or chelated forms. In certain embodiments feeds are formulated based upon species to ensure balanced nutritional intake.In some embodiments, the feed comprises, any mass percentage of corn, bean cake, wheat bran, fish meal, bone meal, shell powder, salt, and / or vitamin and / or mineral additives.In certain embodiments, the feed comprises one or more of the following components, independently and / or in combination, in mass percentage based on the total weight of the feed: corn in an amount from 50%to 80%, such as from 55%to 75%or from 60%to 70%or from 64.5%to 68.5%; bean cake in an amount from 2%to 20%, such as from 4%to 16%, from 6%to 14%, or from 8%to 12%; wheat bran in an amount from 2%to 15%, such as from 4%to 12%or from 6%to 10%; fish meal in an amount from 0.1%to 10%, such as from 0.5%to 8%or from 1%to 5%; bone meal in an amount from 0.1%to 5%, such as from 0.3%to 3%or from 0.3%to 2.3%; shell powder in an amount from 0.1%to 2%, such as from 0.3%to 1.5%or from 0.5%to 0.9%; salt in an amount from 0.05%to 1.5%, such as from 0.1%to 1.0%or from 0.3%to 0.7%; and vitamin and / or mineral additive in an amount from 1%to 12%, such as from 2%to 10%, from 3%to 9%, or from 3%to 7%; wherein each of the foregoing components may be included or omitted independently.In certain embodiments, the feed comprises, in mass percentage: 64.5%to 68.5%corn, 8%to 12%bean cake, 6%to 10%wheat bran, 1%to 5%fish meal, 0.3%to 2.3%bone meal, 0.5%to 0.9%shell powder, 0.3%to 0.7%salt and 3%to 7%vitamin and / or mineral additive; wherein each of the foregoing components may be included or omitted independently..In certain preferred embodiments, the feed comprises, in mass percentage: about 66.5%corn, about 10%bean cake, about 8%wheat bran, about 3%fish meal, about 1.3%bone meal, about 0.7%shell powder, about 0.5%salt, and about 5%vitamin and / or mineral additive; wherein each of the foregoing components may be included or omitted independently.Animal feed and feed ingredients may serve as vectors for the transmission of various pathogenic organisms to livestock (e.g., swine, cattle, turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, and goats) , including but not limited to bacteria, viruses, and parasites capable of surviving in raw or processed feed materials.In some embodiments, the feed may be used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms contaminating a feed, e.g., bacteria, viruses, and / or parasites.In certain embodiments, the feed may be contaminated with one or more bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella spp. (including S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, and S. Choleraesuis) , pathogenic Escherichia coli (including shiga-toxin-producing strains and E. coli O157: H7) , Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinum, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacterjejuni, Bacillus cereus, Mycobacterium avium complex, and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) .In certain embodiments the bacteria are gram positive or gram negative bacteria. In certain embodiments the bacteria are not viable at pH 5-6.In certain preferred embodiments, the bacteria are from one or more of the genera of Salmonella, Clostridium, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, or the species of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Diplococcus pneumoniae.In further embodiments, the feed may be contaminated with viral pathogens including Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) , Porcine Delta Coronavirus (PDCoV) , African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) , Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) , Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) , Pseudorabies Virus (PRV) , Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) , Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) , Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) , Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) , Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) , and enveloped viruses, including but not limited to viruses of the genera Influenzavirus, Pestivirus, Alphacoronavirus, Deltacoronavirus, Arterivirus, Rubulavirus, Avulavirus, Herpesvirus, Varicellovirus, Lentivirus, Betacoronavirus, and Ephemerovirus. Additionally, prions associated with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) may be transmitted via feed containing contaminated animal-derived protein sources.V. Health Products Comprising MicroemulsionsIn a fourth aspect, described herein are tea bags comprising microemulsions of the present application wherein the teabag comprises in percentage by weight, 0.5%to 5%microemulsion and 99.5%to 95%dried powder of Houttuynia cordata.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion is present in an amount ranging from about 0.5%to about 5%, such as from about 0.75%to about 4%, from about 1%to about 3%, preferably about 2%by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, and the dried powder of Houttuynia cordata is present in an amount ranging from about 95%to about 99.5%, such as from about 96%to about 99%, from about 97%to about 99%by weight, preferably about 98%based on the total weight of the composition.In certain preferred embodiments, the microemulsion is present in an amount of about 2%by weight, and the dried powder of Houttuynia cordata is present in an amount of about 98%based on the total weight of the composition.In certain embodiments, the dried powder of Houttuynia cordata has a moisture content of 30%or less, such as 25%or less, 20%or less, or preferably 10%or less.In certain embodiments, tea bags comprising microemulsions of the present application wherein the teabag comprises in percentage by weight, 0.5%to 5%microemulsion and 99.5%to 95%dried powder of Houttuynia cordata may be used in methods for treating or preventing a disease or condition in a human subject.VI. Methods of Treatment and Prevention Using MicroemulsionsIn a fifth aspect, described herein are methods for treating or preventing microorganism infection, comprising administering an effective amount of the microemulsion or the feed comprising the microemulsion to a subject in need thereof, wherein the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, 5%to 35%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid and 15%to 40%of a fatty acid salt.As used herein, “treating a microorganism infection” refers to administering the microemulsion, or a composition comprising the microemulsion (e.g., a feed) , of the present application to a subject (e.g., a human or animal) in an amount effective to reduce, inhibit, suppress, or eliminate a pathogenic microorganism present in or on the subject, or a disease associated therewith, thereby alleviating infection by the microorganism. The microorganism may include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the microorganism is understood to encompass parasites. Reduction of the microorganism may be quantified by clinical symptoms, microbial load (e.g., colony‐forming units) , biomarker levels, or other recognized measures of infection. Reduction of the disease associated with the microorganism may be quantified by assessment of clinical symptoms, biochemical or molecular markers, imaging techniques, histopathology, functional tests, disease progression metrics, mortality and / or morbidity rates, or other recognized measures of the disease.In specific embodiments, “treating a microorganism infection” by administering the microemulsion, or a composition comprising the microemulsion (e.g., a feed) , of the present application to a subject (e.g., a human or animal) results in one or more of the following effects: (i) the reduction or amelioration of the severity of a microorganism infection or a disease or a symptom caused by or associated therewith; (ii) the reduction in the duration of a microorganism infection or a disease or a symptom caused by or associated therewith; (iii) the regression of a microorganism infection or a disease or a symptom caused by or associated therewith; (iv) the reduction of the particles / titer of a microorganism; (v) the reduction in organ failure associated with a microorganism infection or a disease caused by or associated therewith; and / or (vi) the increase in the survival of a subject; (vii) the elimination of a microorganism infection or a disease or a symptom caused by or associated therewith; (viii) the inhibition of the progression of a microorganism infection or a disease or a symptom caused by or associated therewith; (ix) the prevention of the spread of a microorganism from a cell, tissue, organ or subject to another cell, tissue, organ or subject; and / or (x) the enhancement or improvement the therapeutic effect of another therapy.As used herein, “preventing a microorganism infection” refers to administering the microemulsion, or a composition comprising the microemulsion (e.g., a feed) , of the present application to a subject (e.g., a human or animal) in an amount effective to induce a prophylactic effect that reduces the likelihood, incidence, or severity of an infection caused by a microorganism, or disease associated therewith. The microorganism may include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the microorganism is understood to encompass parasites. Presence and / or reduction of the microorganism may be quantified by clinical symptoms, microbial load (e.g., colony‐forming units) , biomarker levels, or other recognized measures of infection. Presence and / or reduction of the disease associated with the microorganism may be quantified by assessment of clinical symptoms, biochemical or molecular markers, imaging techniques, histopathology, functional tests, disease progression metrics, mortality and / or morbidity rates, or other recognized measures of the disease. Such assessments may be performed in a subject who has not yet developed clinically detectable symptoms of infection or a disease associated therewith. It is understood that “preventing infection” does not require absolute protection but includes any statistically or clinically meaningful reduction in infection risk.In specific embodiments, “preventing a microorganism infection” by administering the microemulsion, or a composition comprising the microemulsion (e.g., a feed) , of the present application to a subject (e.g., a human or animal) results in one or more of the following effects: (i) the inhibition of the development or onset of a disease caused by or associated with a microorganism infection or a symptom thereof; (ii) the inhibition of the recurrence of a disease caused by or associated with a microorganism infection or a symptom associated therewith; and (iii) the reduction or inhibition in microorganism infection and / or replication.As used herein, the term “effective amount” refers to an amount of an agent (e.g., amicroemulsion or feed comprising a microemulsion) , that is sufficient to generate a desired response, such as to reduce or eliminate infection and / or a sign or symptom of a condition or disease. In some examples, an “effective amount” is one that treats (including prophylaxis) one or more symptoms and / or underlying causes of any of an infection, condition, or disease. An effective amount may be a therapeutically effective amount, including an amount that prevents infection, and / or one or more signs or symptoms of a particular disease or condition from developing, such as one or more signs or symptoms associated with infection.As used herein, the term “administration” means to provide or give a subject an agent, such as a composition comprising an effective amount of an microemulsion by any effective route. Exemplary routes of administration include, but are not limited to, injection (such as subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal, intraperitoneal, and intravenous) , oral, sublingual, rectal, transdermal, topical, intranasal, vaginal and inhalation routes. A feed composition comprising a microemulsion may be self-administered orally.As used herein, a “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” of use is conventional. Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences, by E. W. Martin, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 19th Edition, 1995, describes compositions and formulations suitable for pharmaceutical delivery of the compositions disclosed herein. In general, the nature of the carrier will depend on the particular mode of administration being employed. For instance, parenteral formulations usually comprise injectable fluids that include pharmaceutically and physiologically acceptable fluids such as water, physiological saline, balanced salt solutions, aqueous dextrose, glycerol, or the like as a vehicle. For solid compositions (such as powder, pill, tablet, or capsule forms) , conventional non-toxic solid carriers may include, for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, or magnesium stearate. In addition to biologically neutral carriers, pharmaceutical compositions to be administered may contain minor amounts of non-toxic auxiliary substances, such as wetting or emulsifying agents, preservatives, and pH buffering agents and the like, for example sodium acetate or sorbitan monolaurate.In certain embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprising microemulsions may be administered via various delivery forms depending on the intended therapeutic use and formulation properties. Exemplary routes of administration include oral, transdermal, topical, ocular, or nasal routes. Microemulsions can be delivered via (1) oral administration by encapsulating the microemulsion within a capsule (e.g., gelatin-based) to facilitate ingestion of liquid lipophilic agents; (2) parenteral administration as a sterile oil-in-water injectable composition (e.g., pre-packaged in vials or pre-filled syringes) for systemic bioavailability; (3) topical application, wherein said microemulsions are incorporated into creams, gels, lotions, or sprays for localized dermal or mucosal delivery, such as directly applied on a diseased surface, for example, boil, eczema, athletic foot, endometritis in human or animals; or (4) nasal or ocular administration in the form of sprays or drops to enhance mucosal absorption. Delivery forms of microemulsions are selected based upon the microemulsion’s particular stability and solubility characteristics, as well as the pharmacokinetic requirements of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.Doses are often expressed in relation to bodyweight. Thus, a dose which is expressed as [g, mg, or other unit] / kg (or g, mg, etc. ) may refer to [g, mg, or other unit] “per kg (or g, mg, etc. ) bodyweight” , even if the term “bodyweight” is not explicitly mentioned. Alternatively, doses may be expressed in “unit dosage form” (or “unit dose form” ) , which is the form of a pharmaceutical product, including, but not limited to, the form in which the pharmaceutical product is marketed for use. Examples include pills, tablets, capsules, and liquid solutions and suspensions.In certain embodiments the method is for treating or preventing infection in a subject by a bacterium, or a disease associated therewith.In certain embodiments, the bacterium is any bacterium known to infect animals (e.g., swine, cattle, turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, and goats) including but not limited to the following bacterial genera: Actinobacillus, Actinomyces, Aeromonas, Bacillus, Bibersteinia, Bordetella, Brucella, Campylobacter, Chlamydia, Clostridium, Corynebacterium, Dermatophilus, Diplococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Erysipelothrix, Fusobacterium, Haemophilus, Histophilus, Lawsonia, Leptospira, Listeria, Mannheimia, Moraxella, Mycobacterium, Mycoplasma, Ornithobacterium, Pasteurella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Treponema, Trueperella, and / or Yersinia.In certain preferred embodiments, the bacterium is from one or more of the following genera: Salmonella, Clostridium, Campylobacter, and / or Enterococcus, and / or the species of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and / or Diplococcus pneumoniae.In certain embodiments the method is for treating or preventing infection in a subject by a virus, or a disease associated therewith.In certain embodiments, the virus is any virus known to infect animals (e.g., swine, cattle, turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, and goats) including but not limited to the following viral genera: Alphavirus, Aviadenovirus, Avulavirus, Bocaparvovirus, Bovineatadenovirus, Capripoxvirus, Circovirus, Coronavirus, Enterovirus, Epsilonpapillomavirus, Flavivirus, Foot-and-mouth disease virus (genus Aphthovirus) , Gammaherpesvirus, Hepatovirus, Herpesvirus (including Suid herpesvirus, Bovine herpesvirus, and Gallid herpesvirus) , Influenza A virus, Lentivirus, Lyssavirus, Morbillivirus, Nodavirus, Orthobunyavirus, Orthopoxvirus, Orthoreovirus, Orthonairovirus, Orbivirus, Parvovirus, Pestivirus, Picornavirus, Pneumovirus, Polyomavirus, Poxvirus, Retrovirus, Rhabdovirus, Rotavirus, Rubulavirus, Sapovirus, Senecavirus, Teschovirus, and Torque teno virus.In certain preferred embodiments, the virus is avian influenza, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) , porcine rotavirus (PoRV) , transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TEGV) , porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) , and / or African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) .Avian influenza refers to an infectious disease caused by influenza A viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae, which primarily infect avian species, including but not limited to chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. Influenza A viruses can also infect multiple species, including birds, pigs, and humans. The disease is characterized by respiratory, gastrointestinal, and / or systemic clinical signs, and is caused by viral subtypes distinguished by the antigenic properties of their hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface glycoproteins. Avian influenza viruses include both low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) strains, which typically cause mild clinical symptoms, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains, which can result in severe disease and high mortality in poultry. The virus is capable of interspecies transmission and may pose zoonotic risk. For the purposes of this disclosure, “avian influenza” encompasses all subtypes of influenza A viruses capable of infecting avian hosts, including but not limited to H5, H7, and H9 subtypes.Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) refers to viruses belonging to the Betaarterivirus genus. PRRSV causes a disease characterized primarily by reproductive failure in breeding pigs and respiratory illness in piglets and growing pigs. In breeding animals, symptoms include late-term abortions, stillbirths, mummified fetuses, weak-born piglets, and reduced fertility. Young pigs often exhibit respiratory signs such as coughing, labored breathing, nasal discharge, and fever, which can lead to slower growth and increased mortality, especially when complicated by secondary infections. General signs across affected animals include lethargy and loss of appetite. PRRSV infections can persist in herds, causing ongoing health issues and significant economic losses in the swine industry (Fiers et al. A Comprehensive Review on Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus with Emphasis on Immunity. Vaccines (Basel) 12 (8) : 942 (2024) ) .Porcine rotavirus (PoRV) refers to members of the genus Rotavirus that can infect pigs. Rotaviruses that infect swine primarily include Rotavirus A (RVA) , Rotavirus B (RVB) , Rotavirus C (RVC) , and Rotavirus H (RVH) . PoRV is associated with enteric disease in pigs, particularly in neonatal and weaning-age piglets, and are characterized by acute onset of watery diarrhea, dehydration, and reduced growth performance. RVA is the most prevalent group implicated in porcine rotaviral enteritis, while RVC and RVB are also frequently detected, often in co-infections with RVA or other enteric pathogens. RVH has been identified more recently in swine populations and is believed to contribute to the overall burden of rotavirus-associated disease, although its pathogenic role remains under investigation. Multiple rotavirus groups may be present in swine herds (lasova et al. Porcine Rotaviruses: Epidemiology, Immune Responses and Control Strategies. Viruses. 9 (3) : 48 (2017) ; Kumar et al. Rotavirus Infection in Swine: Genotypic Diversity, Immune Responses, and Role of Gut Microbiome in Rotavirus Immunity. Pathogens. 11 (10) : 1078 (2008) ) .Transmissible gastroenteritis virus or Transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV) refers to members of the genus Alphacoronavirus within the family Coronaviridae, particularly, the species Alphacoronavirus suis (also referred to as “Alphacoronavirus 1” ) . TGEV infects swine and causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. The virus is transmitted via the fecal-oral route and can result in high morbidity and mortality, particularly in neonatal piglets. TGEV primarily infects the epithelial cells of the small intestine, leading to villous atrophy, malabsorption, and diarrhea. For purposes of this disclosure, TGEV includes all antigenic variants and strains capable of causing transmissible gastroenteritis in swine (Liu and Wang. Porcine enteric coronaviruses: an updated overview of the pathogenesis, prevalence, and diagnosis. Vet Res Commun. 45 (2-3) : 75-86 (2021) ) .Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) refers to members of the Alphacoronavirus of the family Coronaviridae, particularly the species Alphacoronavirus porci. PEDV infects swine and causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Transmission occurs predominantly via the fecal–oral route, with aerosolized transmission via the fecal–nasal pathway also contributing to pig-to-pig and farm-to-farm spread. The virus targets villous epithelial cells primarily in the jejunum and ileum, inducing severe atrophic enteritis and systemic effects such as viremia, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. For purposes of this disclosure, “PEDV” includes all antigenic variants and strains capable of causing porcine epidemic diarrhea in swine (Zhang et al. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus: An Updated Overview of Virus Epidemiology, Virulence Variation Patterns and Virus-Host Interactions. Viruses. 14 (11) : 2434 (2022) ) .Both Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus (TGEV) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) are distinct alphacoronaviruses that induce clinically similar enteric diseases characterized by severe diarrhea primarily affecting neonatal swine. Despite their phenotypic similarities, TGEV and PEDV are genetically and antigenically distinct entities, exhibiting limited cross-reactivity. Notably, PEDV has emerged more recently as a significant global pathogen, associated with increased severity and mortality in affected populations, whereas TGEV has been recognized for a longer duration and its prevalence has diminished in certain geographic regions.African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) refers to members of the family Asfarviridae, genus Asfivirus. ASFV is the etiological agent responsible for African swine fever (ASF) , a highly contagious and often fatal hemorrhagic disease affecting domestic pigs and wild swine. ASFV transmission occurs via direct contact, fomites, ingestion of contaminated material, or through soft tick vectors of the genus Ornithodoros. The virus is characterized by its ability to induce severe immunopathological effects, including hemorrhagic fever, lymphoid depletion, and high mortality rates, leading to significant economic losses in the swine industry worldwide. (Dixon et al. African swine fever. Antiviral Res. 165: 34-41 (2019) ; et al. African swine fever: A re-emerging viral disease threatening the global pig industry. Vet J. 233: 41-48 (2018) ) .In certain embodiments the method is for treating or preventing infection in a subject by a parasite, or a disease associated therewith.In certain embodiments, the parasite is any parasite known to infect animals (e.g., swine, cattle, turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, and goats) including but not limited to the following genera: Ostertagia, Haemonchus, Cooperia, Trichostrongylus, Fasciola, Moniezia, Eimeria, Babesia, Theileria, Ascaridia, Heterakis, Histomonas, Raillietina, Davainea, Sarcoptes, Haematopinus, Bovicola, Dermanyssus, Ornithonyssus, Echidnophaga, Argas, Ascaris, Oesophagostomum, Trichuris, Strongyloides, Isospora, Taenia, Stomoxys, Rhipicephalus, and Amblyomma; and the following species: Ostertagia ostertagi, Haemonchus contortus, Cooperia oncophora, Trichostrongylus axei, Fasciola hepatica, Moniezia expansa, Eimeria tenella, Eimeria bovis, Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, Theileria parva, Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Histomonas meleagridis, Raillietina tetragona, Davainea proglottina, Sarcoptes scabiei, Haematopinus suis, Haematopinus eurysternus, Bovicola bovis, Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, Echidnophaga gallinacea, Argaspersicus, Ascaris suum, Oesophagostomum dentatum, Trichuris suis, Strongyloides ransomi, Isospora suis, Taenia solium, Stomoxys calcitrans, Rhipicephalus microplus, and Amblyomma variegatum.In certain embodiments the subject is a bird or a mammal. In certain preferred embodiments, the subject is a food animal. In certain more preferred embodiments, the food animal is selected from the group consisting of swine, cattle, turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, goats, horses, buffaloes, and rabbits.In a sixth aspect, described herein are methods for treating or preventing a disease or condition in a human subject, comprising administering an effective amount of the microemulsion or teabag comprising the microemulsion to a subject in need thereof, wherein the microemulsion comprises, in percentage by weight, 5%to 35%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid and 15%to 40%of a fatty acid salt.In certain embodiments the disease or condition is an oral ulcer, inflammation due to internal heat, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, abscesses, and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) .As used herein, the terms “treat” , “treatment” , “treating” , or “amelioration” when used in reference to a disease, disorder, or medical condition, refer to therapeutic treatments for a condition, wherein the object is to reverse, alleviate, ameliorate, inhibit, slow down, or stop the progression or severity of a symptom or condition. The term “treating” includes reducing or alleviating at least one adverse effect or symptom of a condition. Treatment is generally “effective” if one or more symptoms or clinical markers are reduced. Alternatively, treatment is “effective” if the progression of a condition is reduced or halted. That is, “treatment” includes not just the improvement of symptoms or markers, but also a cessation or at least slowing of progress or worsening of symptoms that would be expected in the absence of treatment. Beneficial or desired clinical results may include, but are not limited to, alleviation of one or more symptom (s) , diminishment of extent of the deficit, stabilized (i.e., not worsening) state of disease or symptom, and an increased lifespan as compared to that expected in the absence of treatment.As used herein, “preventing” refers to administering the microemulsion, or a composition comprising the microemulsion, of the present application to a subject (e.g., a human or animal) in an amount effective to induce a prophylactic effect that reduces the likelihood, incidence, or severity of a disease or condition. It is understood that “preventing a disease or condition” does not require absolute protection but includes any statistically or clinically meaningful reduction in the risk of the disease or condition.Detailed description of the terms “effective amount” and “administration” are provided above and also apply to the methods for treating or preventing a disease or condition in a human subject described herein.In certain embodiments, administering the teabag comprises steeping the teabag in a sufficient amount of water at a temperature of about 100°F to about 212°F (about 37℃ to about100℃) , such as about 150°F to about 212°F (about 66℃ to about100℃) , about 180°F to about 212°F (about 82℃ to about 100℃) , preferably about 190°F to about 212°F (about 88℃ to about 100℃) for at least five minutes to form a brewed beverage wherein the brewed beverage is consumed by the human subject in need thereof.In certain embodiments, the microemulsion is administered to the human subject as a liquid solution comprising, in percentage by weight, about 0.1%to about 10%, such as from about 0.5%to about 5%, preferably about 1%to about 3%microemulsion, wherein the remaining weight of solution comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In certain preferred embodiments, the microemulsion is administered to the human subject as a liquid solution comprising 1%to 3%microemulsion and 97-99%pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In certain other preferred embodiments, the microemulsion is directly administered without any dilution, for example, directedly applied on the surface where diseases such as boil, eczema, athletic foot, endometritis both in animals and human occur.Detailed description of “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, ” dosing methods, and methods of microemulsion delivery are provided above and also apply to the methods for treating or preventing a disease or condition in a human subject described herein.As used herein, the disease or condition to be treated or prevented may include any infectious or non-infections condition that would benefit from the antibacterial and antiviral activity of the microemulsions (or teabags comprising microemulsions) described herein. These include, but are not limited to, respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza with bacterial superinfection, and COVID-19 with bacterial co-infection) , gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., viral or bacterial gastroenteritis, diarrhea of infectious or functional origin, Helicobacterpylori-associated disorders, and post-viral or antibiotic-associated dysbiosis) , genitourinary infections (e.g., urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and viral cystitis) , oral or dental conditions (e.g., odontalgia (toothache) , gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth abscesses) , and dermatological infections and lesions such as carbuncles, boils, acne, and impetigo (which may be of bacterial, viral, or mixed etiology) . Additionally, the condition to be treated or prevented may include systemic or immunocompromised states, including HIV / AIDS, cancer-related immunosuppression, and post-transplant infections, where co-infection risk is elevated. Also contemplated are neurological or psychosomatic conditions with an infectious or inflammatory component, such as anxiety disorders, stress-related somatic symptoms, and central sensitization syndromes. Finally, the condition to be treated or prevented may include bacterial or viral infections exacerbating a chronic illness, such as COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetic ulcers, sepsis, or hospital-acquired infections.In certain preferred embodiments, the disease or condition to be treated or prevented is diarrhea, anxiety, odontalgia, and / or carbuncle.VII. Pharmaceutical CompositionsIn a seventh aspect, described herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising any microemulsion of the present disclosure and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions of the disclosure are useful to stimulate an antibacterial, antiviral, and / or anti-inflammatory response resulting in the prevention or treatment of a disease or condition.Detailed description of “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, ” dosing methods, and methods of microemulsion delivery are provided above and also apply to the methods for treating or preventing a disease or condition in a human subject described herein.Experimental materials and sourcesN-butanol, Tween 80, 95%ethanol, and absolute ethanol purchased from Xilong Science Co. Ltd.Sodium butyrate, tributyrin, polyglycerol monolaurate, commercially available from Longyan Singao Biotech Co., Ltd.EXAMPLE 1Example 1 provides an exemplary microemulsion of the present disclosure having antibacterial and bactericidal properties. The microemulsion has no odor and a high butyrate content. It comprises, in percentage of weight, 30%of a surfactant (TWEENTM 80 and SPANTM 80 are mixed according to a mass ratio of 1: 1) , 3%of a cosurfactant (n-butanol) , 15%of tributyrin, 25%of sodium butyrate, and water (for the remaining 27%) .The preparation method comprised dissolving sodium butyrate powder in water, adding cosurfactant n-butanol, and stirring thoroughly. Meanwhile, the surfactant (TWEENTM 80 and SPANTM 80 are mixed according to the mass ratio of 1: 1) was mixed and dissolved in a stirring pot at the temperature of 40℃ to 60℃, the oil phase tributyrin was added into the mixed surfactant and fully stirred and mixed to be in a uniform state. And finally, the aqueous solution of sodium butyrate dissolved with the n-butanol was gradually dripped into the mixture of the surfactant and oil phase and fully stirred for more than 30 minutes to obtain clear and transparent microemulsion with stable property and better water solubility (shown in FIG. 1a) .EXAMPLE 2Example 2 provides another exemplary microemulsion of the present disclosure having antibacterial and bactericidal properties. The microemulsion has no odor and a high butyrate content. It comprises, in percentage by weight, 10%of a surfactant, 2%of a cosurfactant, 25%of tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate (tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate are mixed in a mass ratio of 1: 1) , 30%of sodium butyrate, and water as the remaining component.The preparation method comprised dissolving sodium butyrate powder in water, adding 95%ethanol as cosurfactant, and stirring thoroughly. Meanwhile, the surfactant TWEENTM 80 was dissolved in a stirring pot at the temperature of 40℃ to 60℃, and the oil phase consisting of tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate (the tributyrin and the polyglycerol monolaurate are mixed according to the mass ratio of 1: 1) was added into the dissolved surfactant and fully stirred and mixed into a uniform state. And finally, the mixed aqueous solution of sodium butyrate dissolved with 95%ethanol was gradually dripped into the mixture of the surfactant and oil phase and fully stirred for more than 30 minutes to obtain clear and transparent microemulsion with stable property and better water solubility (shown in FIG. 2a) .EXAMPLE 3Example 3 provides a further exemplary microemulsion of the present disclosure having antibacterial and bactericidal properties. The microemulsion has no odor and a high butyrate content. It comprises, in percentage by weight, 11.8%of surfactant, 2.12%of cosurfactant, 22.22%of tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate (tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate are mixed in a mass ratio of 1: 1) , 32%of sodium butyrate, and water as the remaining component.The preparation method comprises dissolving sodium butyrate powder in water, adding anhydrous ethanol as cosurfactant, and stirring thoroughly. Meanwhile, the surfactant TWEENTM 80 was dissolved in a stirring pot at the temperature of 40℃ to 60℃, and the oil phase consisting of tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate (the tributyrin and the polyglycerol monolaurate are mixed according to the mass ratio of 1: 1) was added into the dissolved surfactant and were fully stirred and mixed into a uniform state. And finally, the mixed aqueous solution of sodium butyrate dissolved in the absolute ethyl alcohol was gradually dripped into the mixture of the surfactant and the oil phase, and fully stirring for more than 30 minutes to obtain clear and transparent microemulsion with stable property and better water solubility (shown in FIG. 3A) .Comparative Example 1Comparative Example 1 differs from Example 1 in that sodium butyrate was not added to the aqueous solution of Comparative Example 1, and the rest of the preparation process was the same as in Example 1, and the resulting microemulsion is shown in FIG. 4A.Comparative Example 2Comparative Example 2 differs from Example 2 in that 95%ethanol was not added to the aqueous solution of Comparative Example 2, and the remaining preparation method was the same as Example 2, and the resulting microemulsion is shown in FIG. 5a.Performance testingThe following stability tests were performed on the microemulsions of Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-2:1) Centrifuging for 30min at 3000 rpm in a centrifuge;2) High temperature testing, namely placing the microemulsion in a 48℃ to 52℃ oven for 2 months;3) Freeze thawing test, wherein the microemulsion was thawed after being frozen in a refrigerator at-18℃ for 24 hours.The test results are shown in Table 1 below:Table 1. Microemulsion Performance test resultsThe centrifugal tests of Examples 1-3 and Comparative Examples 1-2 are shown in FIGs. 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, and 5b, the high temperature test of the microemulsion provided in Example 1 is shown in FIG. 6, and the freeze thawing test of the microemulsion provided in Example 1 is shown in FIG. 7. The performance test results show that the microemulsion prepared by the present disclosure did not show phase separation after centrifugation and has good stability under high temperature and repeated freeze thawing.EXAMPLE 4The aqueous pH of the microemulsion provided in Example 1 was reduced from 7.72 to 5.42 after dilution with distilled water at a ratio of 1: 100-1000, and the details are given in Table 2.Table 2. pH change of microemulsion after dissolution in waterThe pH value of the microemulsion provided by the microemulsion provided in Example 1 was reduced to be within the range of 5.42 to 5.46 after dilution, and when the pH value is within the range, the microemulsion provided by the invention can play a role in broad-spectrum bacteriostasis.EXAMPLE 5The microemulsion provided in Example 1 was mixed and diluted with chicken manure water (50%chicken manure, 50%water) according to the mass ratio of 3: 1, 2: 1, 1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 3, 1: 6, 1: 24, 1: 48, 1: 96, 1: 192, 1: 384, 1: 768 and 1: 1536. An ATP instrument was used to check the effects of sterilization and bacteriostasis, wherein the relationship between the concentration and the pH value is shown in FIG. 8. The ATP fluorescence detector is based on the firefly luminescence principle and utilizes a luciferase-luciferin system to rapidly detect Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) . Because all living cells contain a constant amount of ATP, the ATP content shows the amount of the residual microorganisms and other organisms in the sample, and the results are shown in Table 3. The relationship between the pH values and the amounts of bacteria killed are shown in FIG. 9, and the relationship between the microemulsions with different percentages and the amounts of bacteria killed are shown in FIG. 10.Table 3. Results of bactericide and bacteriostasis of the microemulsion at different concentrationsConclusion:1) The microemulsion reached a minimum pH of 5.5 at the dilution ratio of 1: 6 (i.e., 14.29%) and then started to rise to assume a hooked shape ( “√” ) regardless of the rise and fall in concentration.2) The pH of the microemulsion diluted at 1: 6 (i.e., 14.29%) was also the optimal concentration for bactericidal effect.EXAMPLE 6Example 6 describes using the microemulsion provided in Example 1 in feed processing.1. Preparation of experiments1.1 Experimental production area, Guangdong Jiada Industrial Co., Ltd.1.2 Experimental feed, namely a lactation sow feed, comprises 66.5%of corn, 10%of bean cake, 8%of wheat bran, 3%of fish meal, 1.3%of bone meal, 0.7%of shell powder, 0.5%of salt and 5%of vitamin mineral additive premix feed, soybean oil and microemulsion of Embodiment 1 (the addition ratio is shown in the experimental design of the table below) .2. Experiment design:Experiments were repeated twice for each group.3. Experimental results:3.1 Feed quality:The microemulsion provided by the disclosure can replace part of soybean oil in the feed for the lactating sow, and the feed quality has no obvious change, and meanwhile, the microemulsion provided by the invention can realize broad-spectrum bacteriostasis in the feed application, and the obvious rancidity caused by using sodium butyrate in the feed is reduced.EXAMPLE 7Example 7 is a case report of avian influenza infection in white ducks.1. Basic Information and Clinical SymptomsAt a White Duck farm in Liancheng, Fujian Province, China, some laying ducks exhibited clinical signs including fever, depression, reduced feed intake, decreased egg production, green watery diarrhea, recumbency, and neurological symptoms such as paddling movements in the air. Some ducks showed respiratory sounds, complete loss of appetite, and sporadic mortality. The disease then spread rapidly within the flock, with daily egg production dropping by 40%to 70%. By the sixth day of the outbreak, egg production had fallen to zero. Laying hens and ducklings were more susceptible to the disease, showing higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to young and male ducks. The peak mortality rate (2.35%) occurred on the fourth day after the onset of clinical signs, with an average daily mortality rate of 1.1%.2. Necropsy FindingsNecropsy revealed tracheal necrosis with cheese-like caseous exudate. The myocardium showed necrosis, with hemorrhagic spots observed on the endocardium. Petechial hemorrhages were present on the serosal surface of the proventriculus, along with mild hemorrhage of some proventricular papillae. The liver was enlarged with slightly rounded edges, accompanied by hepatic lobe necrosis, a distended gallbladder, and bile reflux. In male ducks, congestion and hemorrhage were observed in the right testis.3. Laboratory DiagnosisBased on the clinical symptoms and necropsy findings, a preliminary diagnosis of avian influenza virus infection was made. To confirm the causative agent, two blood samples were randomly collected from affected ducks on the second day of the outbreak and submitted to Fujian Mingde Testing&Inspection Co., Ltd. for avian influenza pathogen detection. Both samples tested positive for avian influenza virus, later characterized as H5N1 “H5N1 bird flu. ”4. Treatment and Control MeasuresTo prevent further spread and deterioration of the outbreak, the following measures were implemented:4.1 Disinfection of the Entire FarmThe entire farm was disinfected daily using hypochlorous acid while ducks remained on site.4.2 Disposal of Dead DucksDead ducks were disposed to prevent the further spread of the virus.4.3 TreatmentsStarting on the second day after the onset of the outbreak, treatment was administered using an exemplary microemulsion. The microemulsion ( “microemulsion 1” ) was prepared according to Example 2 above. The treatment regimen for the first six days is shown in Table 4.Table 4. Treatment regimen within 6 days*Nutritional Supplement I is a microemulsion prepared according to the method described in paragraph
[0018] . Nutritional Supplement I contains: about 20%deep-sea fish oil, about 10%sodium butyrate, about 50μg / kg 2, 5-dihydroxy vitamin D3, about 30%Span 80, 30%Tween 80, and about 10%water.**Nutritional Supplement II is a microemulsion prepared according to the method described in
[0018] . Nutritional Supplement II contains: about 19%caprylic / capric triglyceride, about 3%red palm oil, about 8%sodium butyrate, about 30%Tween 80, 30%MCT, and about 10%water.By the sixth day of treatment, feed intake had significantly recovered, reaching approximately 70%of pre-outbreak levels (Table 5) , and the mortality rate dropped to 0.82%. From the seventh day onward, the dosage of the Singao NAE lipid protocol was reduced by half (Table 6) .Table 5. Situation in white duck farmTable 6. Treatment regimen after 6 daysOn the eighth day after the onset of the outbreak, blood samples were again collected from affected ducks and submitted to Fujian Mingde Testing&Inspection Co., Ltd. for avian influenza pathogen testing. All samples tested negative (Table 7) .Table 7. Pathogen testing resultEXAMPLE 8Example 8 is a report describing activities of an exemplary microemulsion against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) , porcine rotavirus (PoRV) , and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) in in vitro assays.In accordance with the Guidelines for Biosafety Risk Management of Pathogenic Microorganism Laboratories (RB / T 040-2020) , Animal Cell Culture Techniques (Chemical Industry Press, 2012 edition) , Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices-Part 5: Tests for in Vitro Cytotoxicity (GB / T 16886.5-2017) , Quarantine Technical Specification for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (SN / T 1699-2017) , and other relevant standards, combined with the testing requirements provided by the entrusting party, a testing protocol was formulated and the experimental procedures were carried out accordingly. The detailed test report is as follows:I. Experimental MaterialsPorcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) , Porcine Rotavirus (PoRV) , Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus (TGEV) , Vero81 cells, MA104 cells, ST cells, and the primers and probes required for TAQMANTM fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) were all preserved and provided by the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Drugs. The CCK-8 cell proliferation and cytotoxicity detection kit was purchased from Biosharp Company (Heifei, China) . One Step PRIMESCRIPTTM ⅢRT-PCR Mix was purchased from Takara Bio (Kyoto, Japan) . The primers and probes were synthesized by Sangon Biotech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China) .Table 8. Sequence information of primers and probes.II. Cytotoxicity Test2.1 Cell resuscitation and activationRetrieve one vial each of Vero81 cells, MA104 cells, and ST cells from liquid nitrogen and rapidly dissolve them in a 37℃ water bath. After dissolution, centrifuge the cells at 1,000 r / min for 5 minutes, discard the supernatant, and resuspend the cells in fresh complete culture medium containing 10%serum. Then, add the cell suspension to a T25 cell culture flask and adjust the volume to 5 mL with complete culture medium containing 10%serum. Incubate the cells at 37℃, 5%CO2in an incubator. Once the cells reach a monolayer, treat them with enzyme digestion using 0.25%trypsin enzyme and perform subculturing. The cells were continuously passaged for three generations.2.2 Cytotoxicity Assay2.2.1 Cell PreparationAfter treatment with pancreatic enzyme, the cells were diluted to a concentration of 1.0×105 cells / mL with DMEM medium. Then the cells were seeded into a 96-well plate along with 100μL of DMEM medium to each well. The cells were incubated in a 5%CO2incubator at 37℃ until the cell confluency reached approximately 80%.2.2.2 Preparation of Microemulsion 1Microemulsion 1 was prepared according to Example 2. The solution of microemulsion 1 was subjected to two-fold serial dilutions using maintenance medium containing 2%serum to prepare dilutions of 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 210, 211, and 212. The pH value of each dilution gradient was measured using a pH meter. The prepared microemulsion 1 dilutions were then added to the previously seeded 96-well plates and designated as the treatment groups, with five replicates for each dilution. A blank control group (containing only culture medium and CCK-8 without cells) and a 0-drug control group (containing cells, culture medium, and CCK-8, without the microemulsion 1 sample) were also set. All plates were incubated in a 5%CO2incubator at 37℃ for 24 hours. Subsequently, 100μL of 10% (w / v) CCK-8 solution was added to each well. After further incubation for 0.5, 1, and 2 hours, the optical density at 450 nm (OD450) of each well was measured using an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay) analyzer. Cell viability was then calculated according to the formula provided in the CCK-8 Cell Proliferation and Cytotoxicity Assay Kit manual.According to Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices-Part 5: Testsfor In Vitro Cytotoxicity (GB / T 16886.5-2017) , a cell viability below 70%compared to the blank control group is considered cytotoxic. Based on this criterion, the cytotoxicity of different concentrations of microemulsion 1 on cells was evaluated, and the safe concentration range for its use was determined. Cell viability (%) was calculated using the following formula:Cell Viability (%) = ( (OD450, Drug Group-OD450, Blank Group) / (OD450, 0-Drug Group-OD450, Blank Group) ) ×100%Note where:OD450, Drug Group is the absorbance of the wells treated with the drug.OD450, 0-Drug Group is the absorbance of the wells without the drug but with cells.OD450, Blank Group is the absorbance of wells without cells (medium and CCK-8 only) .III. Analysis of the inhibitory effect of microemulsion 1 on viral proliferation in cells.3.1 Preparation of viral solutionThe virus lyophilized powder was reconstituted with DMEM medium. PEDV was inoculated into Vero81 cells, PoRV into MA104 cells, and TGEV into ST cells, respectively. The cultures were incubated in a 5%CO2incubator at 37℃ until 80%cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed. Subsequently freezing-thawing cycle were conducted three times, followed by centrifugation and filtration to collect the viral supernatant. Then the virus titers were determined by the TCID50 method, and the viral stocks were stored at-80℃ for future use.3.2 Assessment of viral proliferation activity3.2.1 Grouping of experiments and inoculationPEDV, PoRV, and TGEV were inoculated into Vero81 cells, MA104 cells, and ST cells respectively, each at a dose of 100 TCID50. According to the previously determined safe concentration range of microemulsion 1, the sample was added to the cell maintenance medium at each selected concentration, with three replicates for each concentration. A virus control group (without sample, virus inoculation only) was also set up. The cultures were incubated in a 5%CO2 incubator at 37℃ for 48 hours. After incubation, freezing-thawing cycles were performed three times, followed by centrifugation and filtration to collect the viral supernatants from each group. The viral stocks were stored at-80℃ for future analysis.3.2.2 Viral titer determinationThe virus titers of PEDV, PoRV and TGEV were determined by TAQMANTM quantitative PCR and TCID50method, and the effect of microemulsion 1 on viral proliferation in cells was compared and analyzed.Table 9. TAQMANTM Real-time quantitative PCR reaction system and conditions3.3 Data AnalysisGraphs and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 29 (IBM, Armonk, New York, USA) and GRAPHPAD PRISMTM 8.2 (Dotmatics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA) . Statistical significance was analyzed by one-way ANOVA, where*P<0.05 and**P<0.01 indicate statistical significance.IV. Test Results4.1 Results of the Preliminary Cytotoxicity Test for Microemulsion 1 (Experiment I)4.1.1 pH test results for microemulsion 1According to the operating conditions required for the pH meter, the pH values of microemulsion 1 at different dilution factors were measured at room temperature (25℃) . The results are shown in Table 10.Table 10. Measurement results of pH values at different dilutions of microemulsion 14.1.2. Cytotoxicity test resultsCytotoxic effects for microemulsion 1 on different cells were observed after performing a 2-fold gradient dilution of sample. All cell cultures were treated for 1.5 hours by using CCK-8. The results show that:Vero81 cells: Sample exhibited cytotoxicity at all dilution factors, but at certain concentrations, the cell viability approached 70% (FIG. 11) . This may be attributed to the relatively short incubation time with the CCK-8 reagent, suggesting that the processing time could be optimized in future experiments.MA104 cells: When sample was diluted to 22, 23, 210, and 212, cell viability remained above 70% (FIG. 12) .ST cells: When sample was diluted to 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 212, cell viability was above 70% (FIG. 13) .In summary, follow-up studies related to microemulsion 1 can be conducted.4.2 Evaluation Results of the In Vitro Inhibitory Effect of Microemulsion 1 Against PEDV Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (Experiment II) .4.2.1. Cytotoxicity Test Results of Microemulsion 1.4.2.1.1 Optimization of CCK-8 Treatment Time.Based on preliminary test results, the treatment time of CCK-8 with cell cultures was optimized. OD450 values were measured after 0.5h, 1h, and 2h of CCK-8 treatment, combined with observations of cell morphology. According to the consistency between cell adhesion status and cell viability, the optimal CCK-8 treatment time was selected. It was found that when CCK-8 was applied to Vero81 cell cultures for 0.5h and 1h, the cell viability results did not correspond with the observed cell adhesion status (FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 15) . However, after 2h of treatment, the cell viability results were consistent with the cell adhesion condition (FIGS. 14C and 15) . Therefore, the optimal CCK-8 treatment time was determined to be 2 hours.4.2.1.2 Safe Usage Range of Microemulsion 1 in Vero81 Cells.After treating Vero81 cell cultures with CCK-8 for 2 hours, the OD450 values of each group were measured. It was found that when microemulsion 1 was diluted at ratios of 20, 21, 210, 211, and 212, cell viability remained≥70% (FIG. 14C, CCK-8 treatment for 2 hours) . Therefore, the safe usage range of microemulsion 1 in Vero81 cells was determined to be at these dilution factors: 20, 21, 210, 211, and 2124.2.2. Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect of Microemulsion 1 on PEDV Proliferation4.2.2.1 TaqMan Real-Time Quantitative PCR ResultsMicroemulsion 1 was two-fold serially diluted at ratios 20, 21, 210, 211, and 212, and its effect on PEDV proliferation in Vero81 cells was evaluated. It was observed that the viral load in all treatment groups was significantly lower than that in the control group, wherein the p values were P <0.01 (FIG. 17) .4.2.2.2 TCID50 Assay Test ResultsUsing the TCID50 assay to measure the viral titers in each group, it was found that at dilution factors of 20and 21, the oil-based nature of microemulsion 1 interfered with the observation of test results, leading to unstable viral titer measurements and poor repeatability among groups. However, at dilution factors of 210, 211, and 212 the differences between the experimental groups had statistically significant p values of p<0.01 (see FIGS. 18A and 18B) .Conclusion:(1) Cytotoxicity Test of Microemulsion 1The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the viability of Vero81 cells treated with microemulsion 1. The optimal treatment time was 2 hours. The safe usage concentration range of microemulsion 1 in Vero81 cells was at dilution factors of 20, 21, 210, 211, and 212.(2) Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect of Microemulsion 1 on PEDV ProliferationTAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR assay: It was found that adding microemulsion 1 at dilution factors of 20, 21, 210, 211, and 212in maintenance solution could inhibit the proliferation of PEDV in Vero81 cells.TCID50 assay: Adding microemulsion 1 at a 210, 211, and 212dilution in maintenance solution inhibits PEDV proliferation in Vero81 cells.There were differences between the results of the TAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR assay and the TCID50 assay, possibly because the oil-based nature of microemulsion 1 affected the accuracy of the TCID50 results at lower dilution factors. Therefore, it is recommended that final conclusions be drawn based on the results of the TAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR assay and the TCID50 assay at the 210, 211, and 212 dilution level.4.3 Evaluation Results of the In Vitro Inhibitory Effect of Microemulsion 1 against PoRV Porcine Rotavirus (Experiment III) .4.3.1. Cytotoxicity Test Results of Microemulsion 14.3.1.1 Optimization of CCK-8 Treatment TimeBased on preliminary test results, the treatment time of CCK-8 with cell cultures was optimized. OD450 values were measured after 0.5h, 1h, and 2h of CCK-8 treatment, combined with observations of cell morphology. According to the consistency between cell adhesion status and cell viability, the optimal CCK-8 treatment time was selected. It was found that when CCK-8 was applied to MA104 cell cultures for 0.5 h and 1 h, the cell viability results did not correspond with the observed cell adhesion status (FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 20) . However, after 2 h of treatment, the cell viability results were consistent with the cell adhesion condition (FIGS. 119C and 20) . Therefore, the optimal CCK-8 treatment time was determined to be 2 hours.4.3.1.2 Safe Usage Range of Microemulsion 1 in MA104 Cells.After treating MA104 cell cultures with CCK-8 for 2 hours, the OD450 values of each group were measured. It was found that when microemulsion 1 was diluted at ratios of 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212, cell viability remained≥70% (FIG. 19C, CCK-8 treatment for 2 hours) . Therefore, the safe usage range of microemulsion 1 in MA104 cells was determined to be at these dilution factors: 20, 21, 22,23, and 212.4.3.2. Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect of Microemulsion 1 on PoRV Proliferation4.3.2.1 TAQMANTM Real-Time Quantitative PCR Resultsmicroemulsion 1 was two-fold serially diluted at ratios 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212, and its effect on PoRV proliferation in MA104 cells was evaluated. It was observed that the viral load in all treatment groups was statistically significantly lower than that in the control group, with differences having p values of P<0.01 (FIG. 22) .4.3.2.2 TCID50 Assay Test ResultsThe viral titers in each group were determined using the TCID50 method. It was found that when microemulsion 1 was diluted at 20, 21, and 23, the oily nature of microemulsion 1 interfered with the observation of detection results, leading to unstable viral titer measurements and poor repeatability among groups. However, when microemulsion 1 was diluted at 210, 211, and 212, the differences between the experimental groups had p values of P<0.01 (FIG. 23A and 23B) .Conclusion:(1) Cytotoxicity Test of Microemulsion 1The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the viability of MA104 cells treated with microemulsion 1. The optimal treatment time was 2 hours. The safe usage concentration range of microemulsion 1 in MA104 cells was at dilution factors of 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212.(2) Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect of Microemulsion 1 on PoRV ProliferationTAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR assay: It was found that adding microemulsion 1 at dilution factors of 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212 in maintenance solution could inhibit the proliferation of PoRV in MA104 cells.TCID50assay: Adding microemulsion 1 at a 212 dilution in maintenance solution could inhibit PoRV proliferation in MA104 cells.There were differences between the results of the TAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR assay and the TCID50 assay, possibly because the oil-based nature of microemulsion 1 affected the accuracy of the TCID50 results at lower dilution factors. Therefore, it is recommended that final conclusions be drawn based on the results of the TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR assay and the TCID50 assay at the 212 dilution level.4.4 Evaluation Results of the In Vitro Inhibitory Effect of Microemulsion 1 Against TGEV Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus (Experiment IV) .4.4.1. Cytotoxicity Test Results of Microemulsion 1.4.4.1.1 Optimization of CCK-8 Treatment Time.Based on preliminary test results, the treatment time of CCK-8 with cell cultures was optimized. OD450 values were measured after 0.5h, 1h, and 2h of CCK-8 treatment, combined with observations of cell morphology. According to the consistency between cell adhesion status and cell viability, the optimal CCK-8 treatment time was selected. It was found that when CCK-8 was applied to ST cell cultures for 1h and 2h, the cell viability results did not correspond with the observed cell adhesion status (FIGS. 24B, 24C, and 25) . However, after 0.5h of treatment, the cell viability results were consistent with the cell adhesion condition (FIGS. 24A and 25) . Therefore, the optimal CCK-8 treatment time was determined to be 0.5 hours.4.3.1.2 Safe Usage Range of Microemulsion 1 in ST CellsAfter treating ST cell cultures with CCK-8 for 0.5 hours, the OD450 values of each group were measured. It was found that when microemulsion 1 was diluted at ratios of 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,25, 26, 27, and 212, cell viability remained≥70% (FIG. 24C, CCK-8 treatment for 2 hours) , among which severe cell detachment was observed in groups 24, 25, 26, and 27. Therefore, the safe usage range of microemulsion 1 in ST cells was determined to be at these dilution factors: 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212.4.3.2. Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect of Microemulsion 1 on TGEV Proliferation4.3.2.1 TaqMan Real-Time Quantitative PCR ResultsMicroemulsion 1 was two-fold serially diluted at ratios 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212, and its effect on TGEV proliferation in ST cells was evaluated. It was observed that the viral load in all treatment groups was significantly lower than that in the control group, with differences having p values of P<0.01 (FIG. 27) .4.3.2.2 TCID50 Assay Test ResultsThe viral titers in each group were determined using the TCID50method. It was found that when microemulsion 1 was diluted at 20, 21, and 23, the oily nature of microemulsion 1 interfered with the observation of detection results, leading to unstable viral titer measurements and poor repeatability among groups. However, when microemulsion 1 was diluted at 212, the differences between the experimental groups and the control group had p values of P<0.01 (FIGS. 28A and 28B) .Conclusion:(1) Cytotoxicity Test of Microemulsion 1The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the viability of ST cells treated with microemulsion 1. The optimal treatment time was 0.5 hours. The safe usage concentration range of microemulsion 1 in ST cells was at dilution factors of 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212.(2) Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect of Microemulsion 1 on TGEV ProliferationTAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR assay: It was found that adding microemulsion 1 at dilution factors of 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212in maintenance solution could inhibit the proliferation of TGEV in ST cells.TCID50 assay: Adding microemulsion 1 at a 212 dilution in maintenance solution could inhibit TGEV proliferation in ST cells.There were differences between the results of the TAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR assay and the TCID50 assay, possibly because the oil-based nature of microemulsion 1 affected the accuracy of the TCID50 results at lower dilution factors. Therefore, it is recommended that final conclusions be drawn based on the results of the TAQMANTM real-time quantitative PCR assay and the TCID50 assay at the 212 dilution level.SUMMARY:Test Result:1.Results of the safe usage concentration screening of the sampleAfter performing a 2-fold gradient dilution of microemulsion 1 and treating the cells, the cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 method. The results showed that dilutions of 20, 21, 210, 211, and 212 exhibited no cytotoxicity to Vero81 cells. For MA104 cells, dilutions of 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212 were non-toxic. Similarly, for ST cells, dilutions of 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212 showed no cytotoxicity.2. Inhibitory Effects on the Proliferation of PEDV, PoRV, and TGEV.TAQMANTM Fluorescent Quantitative PCR:Dilute microemulsion 1 to a safe usage concentration and evaluate its antiviral effects. The results demonstrated that adding microemulsion 1 at dilutions of 20, 21, 210, 211, and 212 times to the maintenance medium effectively inhibited the proliferation of PEDV in Vero81 cells; adding microemulsion 1 at dilutions 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212 time inhibited the proliferation of PoRV in MA104 cells; adding microemulsion 1 at dilutions 20, 21, 22, 23, and 212 time inhibited the proliferation of TGEV in ST cells.TCID50 method:When microemulsion 1 was added to the maintenance medium at dilutions of 210, 211, and 212 times, it inhibited the proliferation of PEDV in Vero81 cells; a212 times diluted sample inhibited the proliferation of PoRV in MA104 cells; similarly, a212 times diluted sample inhibited the proliferation of TGEV in ST cells.EXAMPLE 9Example 9 is a report describing activities of an exemplary microemulsion against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and PEDV in in vitro assays.Evaluation ConclusionThis study evaluated the in vitro antiviral effects of microemulsion 1 against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) . Cytotoxicity assays (CCK-8 method) and viral inhibition tests were performed to assess the effects of microemulsion 1 at different concentrations on Vero and Marc-145 cells, and to analyze its inhibitory activity against PEDV and PRRSV.In the anti-PEDV experiments, microemulsion 1 at a dilution of 1: 10, 240 exhibited a significant cytoprotective effect, markedly improving the survival rate of Vero cells. Meanwhile, qPCR results showed that microemulsion 1 at this concentration significantly reduced PEDV RNA copy numbers, demonstrating its antiviral effect through the inhibition of PEDV replication.In the anti-PRRSV experiments, microemulsion 1 at dilutions ranging from 1: 1, 280 to 1: 2, 560 showed a certain direct virucidal effect and effectively suppressed PRRSV proliferation. However, at these concentrations, microemulsion 1 was unable to prevent PRRSV infection of Marc-145 cells, indicating that its inhibitory effect on PRRSV was limited, mainly reflected in the suppression of viral replication rather than blocking initial infection.In summary, microemulsion 1 demonstrated strong inhibitory activity against PEDV, particularly at specific concentrations where it significantly reduced viral load and improved cell survival. In contrast, for PRRSV, microemulsion 1 exhibited some inhibitory effect but could not prevent the initial infection, with its antiviral activity mainly acting at the stage of viral proliferation.1. Experimental Materials1.1 Experimental Cells, Viruses, and AnimalsAll cells (Vero and Marc-145) and viruses (PRRSV and PEDV) used in this experiment were proliferated and preserved by the Animal Biotechnology Technology Center (ABTC) , College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University.1.2 Experimental Equipment and ReagentsFetal bovine serum (FBS) , cell culture medium (DMEM) , trypsin, and PBS buffer were provided by ABTC. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (Burlington, Massachusetts, USA) . The CCK-8 assay kit was obtained from Beyotime Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Catalog No. : Beyotime. C0038; Haimen, China) . Microemulsion 1 was prepared according to Example 2 supplied by Singao Biotech Co., Ltd. (Xiamen, China) . The complete cell culture medium (growth medium) consisted of DMEM supplemented with 10%FBS, while the cell maintenance medium (maintenance medium) consisted of DMEM supplemented with 2%FBS for PRRSV and FBS-free DMEM for PEDV.2. Experimental Methods2.1 Cell Resuscitation, Culture, and Monolayer Cells PreparationAccording to experimental requirements, Vero and Marc-145 cells were resuscitated and cultured separately in growth medium in a 5%CO2incubator at 37℃. After 1–2 passages, cells were digested with trypsin enzymes and seeded into four 96-well plates. The cells were incubated with 5%CO2at 37℃ for 24–36 hours until monolayer cells were formed.2.2 Determination of Median Cytotoxic Concentration (CC50) and Maximum Non-Toxic Dose (MNTD)One milliliter of microemulsion 1 stock solution was mixed with 9 mL of maintenance medium to prepare a 10-1 stock solution. This was then subjected to 2-fold serial dilutions using maintenance medium to obtain 11 concentration gradients as sample solutions.Once confluency of the monolayer was reached, the supernatant was discarded and replaced with 100μL of each sample solution per well. The medium replacement was performed 4 times and 4 wells were cultured for each concentration tested. Four wells containing 1%DMSO in maintenance medium were used as control group A and four wells where cells were cultured only in maintenance medium were used as control group B. The plates were then incubated with 5%CO2 at 37℃ for 48 hours.Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Cell viability was calculated, and the maximum non-toxic dose (MNTD) was determined using GRAPHPAD PRISMTM 8.2 (Dotmatics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA) . Concentrations with cell viability greater than 90%were considered non-toxic, and the maximum non-toxic dose of microemulsion 1 was selected for the subsequent experiments.2.3 In vitro experiment against PEDVVero cells were seeded into 96-well plates and incubated with 5%CO2at 37℃ until the monolayers reached confluency. The frozen PRRSV and PEDV virus stocks were thawed on ice, and the virus suspensions were diluted with maintenance medium to a final concentration of 200 TCID50 (200 times 50%Tissue Culture Infectious Dose) . Simultaneously, the test sample solutions were diluted with maintenance medium to 2×MNTD.Equal volumes of the diluted virus suspension and test sample solution were mixed to obtain a final mixture containing 1×MNTD of the test sample and 100 TCID50 (50%Tissue Culture Infectious Dose) of virus. The mixtures were mixed evenly using a Vortex mixer, labeled with the corresponding virus type code, and stored at-20℃ for later use.As a control, equal volumes of maintenance medium containing 2%DMSO and the virus suspension diluted to 200 TCID50were mixed, vortexed, labeled according to virus type, and stored at-20℃.Additionally, the mother solutions of the test sample and virus suspensions were diluted with maintenance medium to a final concentration of 1×MNTD and stored at-20℃ respectively as another control for future use. All prepared solutions were used within the same day.Four gradient experimental groups, one viral control group, and one blank control group were set up, with six replicates per group. When the 96-well plates filled reached a confluent monolayer of cell, the supernatant was removed, and 100μL of sample solution at concentrations of 0.1× (1 / 2) 9, 0.1× (1 / 2) 10, 0.1× (1 / 2) 11, and 0.1× (1 / 2) 12was added to the four experimental groups, respectively. For the viral control group and the blank control group, 100μL of maintenance medium was added to each well, followed by incubation at 37℃ with 5%CO2for 2 h.After incubation, the supernatant was discarded. A virus solution of 200 TCID50 was prepared and mixed in equal volume with the sample solutions at concentrations of 0.2× (1 / 2) 9, 0.2× (1 / 2) 10, 0.2× (1 / 2) 11, and 0.2× (1 / 2) 12. A total of 100μL of each mixture was added to the respective experimental wells. For the viral control group, 100μL of 100 TCID50 virus solution was added per well. For the blank control group, 100μL of maintenance medium (containing the same amount of trypsin used for virus infection in the experimental and viral groups) was added per well. The plates were incubated at 37℃ with 5%CO2for 1 h to allow viral adsorption.After incubation, the supernatant was discarded. Then, 100μL of the corresponding concentration of sample solution was added to each experimental well, while 100μL of maintenance medium was added to the viral and blank control wells. The plates were incubated at 37℃ with 5%CO2for 36–72 h. During this period, cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed at regular intervals. When obvious CPE appeared in the viral control group, incubation was terminated, and the supernatant of each well was collected. Cell viability was measured using the CCK-8 assay at OD450 nm, and qPCR was used to determine the viral CT values andβ-actin CT values in each group to calculate relative expression levels.2.4 In vitro experiment against PRRSVThree treatment approaches were employed in the antiviral experiments: pre-treatment, co-treatment, and post-treatment, as illustrated in Figure 29. All subsequent experiments were conducted within the established safe concentration range.Co-treatment assayThe co-treatment assay was conducted to evaluate the direct virucidal effect of microemulsion 1 on PRRSV. MARC-145 cells were seeded in 96-well plates and cultured to 80–90%confluence. The culture medium was removed, and mixtures of microemulsion 1 at different dilutions with 100 TCID of PRRSV were applied to the cells for 2h. After incubation, the supernatant was discarded, cells were washed twice with PBS, and maintenance medium was added. A blank control group and a viral control group were included. Plates were incubated at 37℃ for up to 72 h, during which cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed, and changes in PRRSV load were measured in both the drug-treated and viral control groups.Pre-treatment assayThe pre-treatment assay was designed to assess the ability of microemulsion 1 to block viral infection. MARC-145 cells were seeded in 96-well plates and cultured to 80–90%confluence, followed by two PBS washes. Microemulsion 1 at different dilutions was applied to the cells for 2 h, then removed, and the cells were washed twice with PBS. Subsequently, 100 TCID of PRRSV was added and incubated at 37℃ for 2 h. After incubation, the supernatant was removed, cells were washed twice with PBS, and maintenance medium was added. Blank and viral control groups were included. Plates were incubated at 37℃ for up to 72 h, with CPE observed during the period, and PRRSV load was determined at the end of the assay.Post-treatment assayThe post-treatment assay was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effect of microemulsion 1 on viral replication. MARC-145 cells were seeded in 96-well plates and cultured to 80–90%confluence. The culture medium was removed and cells were washed twice with PBS. Then, 100 TCID of PRRSV was added and incubated at 37℃ for 2 h. After incubation, the supernatant was removed, cells were washed twice with PBS, and microemulsions at different dilutions were applied for 2–6 h. Blank and viral control groups were included. Plates were then incubated at 37℃ for up to 48 h, after which PRRSV load was measured in both the drug-treated and viral control groups.3. Experimental results3.1 Determination of the Maximum Non-Toxic Dose (MNTD)A n-fold serial dilution method and CCK-8 assay kit were used to evaluate the effect of microemulsion 1 on the viability of Vero cells and to determine the maximum non-toxic dose (MNTD) . As shown in Figure 30, when the concentration of microemulsion 1 was 0.1× (1 / 2) 9, the cell viability showed no significant difference compared with the control group. However, at this concentration, morphological changes in the cells were observed. Therefore, the safe concentration of microemulsion 1 for Vero cells should be lower than 0.1× (1 / 2) 9, corresponding to a 1: 5120 dilution.The maximum non-toxic dose (MNTC) of microemulsion 1 on Marc-145 cells was determined using a two-fold serial dilution method combined with a CCK-8 assay. As shown in Figure 31, when the dilution factor of microemulsion 1 reached 1: 1280, the cell viability showed no significant difference compared to the control group. However, morphological alterations of the cells were observed at this concentration. Therefore, the safe dilution factor of microemulsion 1 for Marc-145 cells should be greater than 1280 times.3.2 In vitro experiment against PRRSV results3.2.1 Co-treatment assay resultWhen the dilution factor of microemulsion 1 was between 1: 1280 and 1: 2560, the viral copy numbers in the treated groups were significantly different from those in the viral control group, indicating that within this concentration range, microemulsion 1 markedly inhibited PRRSV and exerted a certain direct virucidal effect, although it could not completely eliminate the virus (Figure 32) . At a dilution of 1: 1280, the viral load was approximately 103.08 copies / μL; at a dilution of 1: 2560, the viral load was 104.06copies / μL; whereas in the viral control group, the viral load was 108.56 copies / μL. Figure 33 shows cytopathic effects in MARC-145 cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1 in the co-treatment assay.3.2.2 Pre-treatment assay resultsMARC-145 cells were treated with microemulsion 1 at different concentrations for 2h. After removing the supernatant, 100 TCID50 of PRRSV was added and incubated for 1 h, followed by removal of the virus solution and addition of maintenance medium for cultivation up to 72 h.Based on the changes in viral load, the effect of pre-treatment showed no significant difference compared with the viral control group (FIG. 34) . Microemulsion 1 was unable to block PRRSV infection of MARC-145 cells in this period. Figure 35 shows cytopathic effects in MARC-145 cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1 in the pre-treatment assay.3.2.3 Post-treatment assay resultsIn the post-treatment assay, microemulsion 1 at dilution factors between 1: 1280 and 1: 2560 exhibited a certain inhibitory effect on PRRSV replication (FIG. 36) . At a dilution of 1: 1280, the viral load was approximately 105.27copies / μL; at a dilution of 1: 2560, the viral load was 108.20copies / μL; whereas in the viral control group, the viral load was 108.94copies / μL. Figure 37 shows cytopathic effects in MARC-145 cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1 in the post-treatment assay.3.3 In vitro experiment against PEDV resultsAs shown in Figure 38, within a specific concentration range, microemulsion 1 exhibited significant protective effects on Vero cells infected with PEDV. The cell viability in the 0.1× (1 / 2) 10 (1: 10, 240 dilution) and 0.1× (1 / 2) 11 (1: 20, 480 dilution) groups was significantly higher than that of the viral control group (p<0.05) , with the 0.1× (1 / 2) 10 (1: 10, 240 dilution) group showing the most pronounced protective effect.qPCR analysis of PEDV viral load (FIG. 39) revealed that the viral RNA copy numbers in the 1: 10, 240, 1: 20, 480, and 1: 40, 960 dilution groups were all significantly lower than those in the viral control group (p<0.05) , with the 1: 10, 240 dilution group exhibiting the strongest viral inhibition, consistent with the results of the cell viability assay. Figure 40 shows cytopathic effects in Vero cells treated with different dilutions of microemulsion 1 and infected with PEDV4.Conclusion(1) The experimental results showed that microemulsion 1 at dilution factors between 1: 1280 and 1: 2560 exerted a direct virucidal effect and inhibited PRRSV replication. However, within the safe concentration range for cells, microemulsion 1 was unable to block PRRSV infection of the cells.(2) The results indicated that microemulsion 1, within a specific concentration range, significantly inhibited PEDV infection of Vero cells and increased cell viability. Among the tested dilutions, 1: 10, 240 provided the most effective protection. At this dilution, PEDV viral load measured by qPCR was also significantly reduced, suggesting that microemulsion 1 may exert its anti-PEDV effect by inhibiting viral replication.EXAMPLE 10Example 10 is a report describing activities of an exemplary microemulsion against PEDV in an in vivo assay.Evaluation Conclusion:To evaluate the in vivo antiviral effect of microemulsion 1 against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) , this study designed an antiviral treatment trial in piglets infected with PEDV. The in vivo experiment assessed the antiviral efficacy of microemulsion 1 against PEDV. The experiment was divided into five groups: Groups A1, A2, and A3 were treatment groups, in which microemulsion 1 was administered at the time of viral challenge, on the second day after challenge, and two days prior to challenge, respectively. Group B served as the negative control group, and Group C as the viral control group.In the in vivo antiviral efficacy evaluation, piglets were subjected to viral challenge, followed by monitoring of clinical symptoms, viral shedding, viremia, tissue viral load, and mortality. The results showed that microemulsion 1 exhibited significant therapeutic effects after PEDV infection, with the best outcome observed in the pre-treatment group (A3) . In this group, microemulsion 1 effectively alleviated diarrhea, improved survival rate, reduced viral load, and mitigated pathological damage. Simultaneous administration (A1 group) and delayed administration (A2 group) also demonstrated certain antiviral effects, though relatively weaker. Particularly under delayed treatment, some inflammatory responses remained pronounced and the therapeutic effect was less favorable. Piglets in the control group (B) showed no PEDV-related symptoms, while those in the viral control group (C) exhibited worsening symptoms that eventually led to death.In summary, microemulsion 1 demonstrated a strong inhibitory effect against PEDV, especially when administered prophylactically, as it effectively alleviated clinical symptoms, reduced viral load, and improved pathological damage, indicating potential clinical application value.1.1 Experimental Materials1.1.1 ReagentThe PRIMESCRIPTTM RT reagent Kit (Perfect Real Time) , DNA / RNA extraction kits, and TB GREEN PREMIX EX TAQTM (Tli RNaseH Plus) were purchased from TaKaRa Bio (Dalian) Engineering Co., Ltd (Dalian, China) . Microemulsion 1 was prepared according to Example 2 and supplied by Singao Biotech Co., Ltd. (Xiamen, China) .1.1.2 Virus Strain and Experimental AnimalsThe PEDV SC strain was provided by the Animal Biotechnology Center of Sichuan Agricultural University. Twenty piglets and their feed were purchased from Chengdu Wangjiang Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd (Chengdu, China) .1.2 Experimental Methods1.2.1 Piglet Grouping, Viral Change, and Drug Administration.Before the experiment, the facilities were thoroughly disinfected by formaldehyde fumigation overnight, followed by spraying with Virkon-S. After purchasing the piglets, they were raised under standardized farm conditions to prevent stress and bacterial infection. Careful attention was given to maintaining hygiene, and the piglets were fed a complete diet suitable for their growth. The animals were observed for 3 days, and ifno abnormalities occurred, viral challenge and oral drug (microemulsion 1) administration were carried out.A total of 20 weaned piglets were randomly divided into 5 groups, with 4 piglets per group. Detailed grouping information is shown in Table 11.Table 11. Grouping, Viral Challenge, and Drug Administration Information for Piglets1.2.2 Clinical Symptom ObservationThe clinical symptoms of piglets in each group were monitored daily and fecal samples were collected for PEDV detection. When piglets exhibited severe diarrhea and were moribund, they were euthanized immediately, followed by necropsy and small intestine collection. The observation period lasted for 7 consecutive days.Seven days after the viral challenge, all piglets were euthanized for necropsy. Samples of intestinal tissues and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected, with some preserved by snap-freezing and others fixed in 4%paraformaldehyde for further analysis.1.2.3 RT-qPCR Quantification of PEDV Viral Load in TissuesIntestinal tissues, mesenteric lymph nodes, and fecal samples were collected, homogenized, and mixed thoroughly with 3.0 mL of PBS (phosphate buffered saline) . The mixtures were centrifuged at 12,000 rpm for 3 minutes. The supernatants were collected, and total RNA was extracted according to the instructions of the RNAiso kit (Takara Bio; Kyoto, Japan) . The extracted RNA was then reverse-transcribed into cDNA. The primers used for PEDV detection were as followsPEDV-F: AAATGGGAAGTCGGCAGAPEDV-R: GTTTTGTTGTGGCGGTAGQuantification of PEDV viral load was performed using Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) with the reaction system shown in Table 12. The reaction program and cycling conditions were as follows:Pre-denaturation at 95℃ for 30s→Denaturation at 95℃ for 5s→Annealing at 60℃ for 30℃→Cycles 40times.A melting curve analysis was performed as follows: heating to 95℃, cooling to 65℃, and then increasing the temperature to 95℃ at a rate of 0.5℃ per second.Table 12. Reaction System for Real-time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR)1.2.4 Histopathological Observation of Piglet Intestinal TissuesIntestinal tissues fixed in 4%paraformaldehyde were processed through dehydration, clearing, embedding, sectioning, deparaffinization, rehydration, staining, and mounting to prepare hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained sections. The pathological changes of the intestinal tissues were then observed under a light microscope.1.2.5 Cytokine MeasurementVenous blood samples were collected from piglets on Day 0 and Day 3 after viral challenge. Commercial assay kits were used to determine the levels of cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-αin the serum.1.3 Experimental Results1.3.1 Mortality of Piglets After Viral ChallengePiglets in all groups were continuously observed for seven days following viral challenge and treatment. The results as seen in Table 13 showed that in Group A, one piglet in subgroup A2 died on Day 6, with no further deaths recorded thereafter. No piglets died in Group B. In Group C, one piglet died on Day 4.Table 13. Number of Piglet Deaths in Each Group After Viral Challenge1.3.2 Observation of Clinical Symptoms in Piglets After Viral ChallengeAfter the viral challenge, piglets in both Group A and Group C exhibited clinical symptoms such as diarrhea, anorexia, and depression. However, as the disease progressed, notable differences emerged between the two groups. The piglets in Group A showed gradual alleviation of diarrhea, with steady recovery in appetite and mental status. Among them, the recovery in groups A1 and A3 was similar, while group A2 recovered more slowly. In contrast, the condition of the piglets in Group C continued to deteriorate. No obvious abnormalities were observed in Group B, and the piglets maintained a consistently healthy state throughout the experiment.Table 14. Clinical Symptom Statistics of Each Group After Viral ChallengeAnal swab fecal samples were collected daily, and the Ct values of PEDV were measured. The results (FIG. 41) showed that the Ct values in Groups A1 and A3 reached their lowest point on Day 1 post-challenge, followed by a continuous increase. In Group A2, the Ct values began to rise after drug administration, indicating that the compound exerted an inhibitory effect on PEDV replication. No PEDV was detected in Group B. In contrast, the Ct values in Group C continued to decrease, indicating a progressive increase in viral load over time, peaking at the time of death. The details are shown in Table 15.Table 15. Changes in Fecal Viral Shedding in Piglets After Challenge (Mean Values Within Groups)1.3.4 Effect of Microemulsion 1 on Viral Load in Piglet Tissues Post ChallengeMoribund piglets and those surviving piglets until Day 7 post-challenge were euthanized, and samples of intestinal tissues and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected. The viral loads in these tissues were determined by RT-qPCR. As shown in Figure 42, the viral loads in both tissues from Groups A1-A3 were significantly lower than those in Group C, with comparable levels between the mesenteric lymph nodes and intestinal tissues in Groups A1-A3. In contrast, in Group C, the viral load in the mesenteric lymph nodes was markedly higher than that in the intestinal tissues. These results indicate that microemulsion 1 can effectively reduce viral load in both intestinal tissues and mesenteric lymph nodes. The details are shown in Table 16.Table 16. Viral Loads in Intestinal Tissues and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes of Piglets Post Challenge (Mean Values)1.3.5 Necropsy and Pathological Observation of PigletsIn Group C (viral challenge control group) , all piglets exhibited typical clinical symptoms of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) within 48 hours virus inoculation, including emaciation, lethargy, reduced appetite, rough hair coat, and the excretion of yellow watery feces with a foul odor (Figure 43) . Some piglets became unable to stand due to severe diarrhea and dehydration. Piglet deaths began on Day 3 post-challenge, from which one death was recorded. Necropsy revealed that intestinal lumens filled with yellow fluid contents and gas; intestinal walls showed thin, translucent, and lacked elasticity; and markedly enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes-consistent with the typical pathological changes of PEDV infection. No obvious abnormalities were found in other organs.The clinical symptoms in Group A (microemulsion 1-treated group) were gradually alleviated compared with Group C. Among them, diarrhea occurred in Groups A1 and A3, but no piglet deaths were observed. In Group A2, one piglet died on day 6, while the remaining piglets survived until day 7. No obvious abnormalities were observed in Group B (Fig. 43, panel D) .Histopathological examination showed that piglets in Group C exhibited intestinal villi that were fractured, shortened, or atrophied (FIG. 44, Panel A) , with widened gaps between villi, necrosis and detachment among areas of epithelial cell, and infiltration of inflammatory cells (FIG. 44, Panels B, C) . In Group A, the intestinal villi displayed slight damage, fusion of adjacent villi, and infiltration of inflammatory cells (FIG. 44, Panels D and E) . In Group B, intestinal morphology appeared normal, with neatly arranged villi, clearly visible goblet cells, and intact small intestinal tissue structures (FIG. 44, Panel F) .Based on the cytokine measurements in piglets from each group (FIG. 45A-45F) , it was observed that in the viral control group (C) , almost all pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β) showed a sharp increase at 3 days post-infection, displaying the typical features of a cytokine storm (FIG. 45A-45E) . At the same time, IL-10 levels also increased, indicating the activation of the host’s anti-inflammatory regulatory mechanisms (FIG. 45F) .In the treatment groups, A1 (simultaneous administration) and A3 (pre-administration) suppressed the excessive elevation of IL-8 and IL-1β. Although TNF-α, IL-8, and other cytokines still increased, their levels were lower than those in the viral control group. Notably, A3 exhibited cytokine profiles closer to a controlled state as compared to A1, suggesting its superior efficacy in preventing inflammatory responses. In contrast, in A2 (delayed administration) , most cytokines showed partial alleviation, but IL-1βincreased abnormally, indicating that intervention after the onset of inflammation had limited efficacy and might even exacerbate the inflammatory response.In the negative control group (B) , cytokine levels remained stable with only minor fluctuations, confirming the reliability of the baseline levels.Overall, viral infection induced a strong pro-inflammatory cytokine storm, whereas drug intervention alleviated inflammation to varying degrees. Integrating the findings from clinical symptoms, histopathology, and cytokine levels, prophylactic administration (A3) proved most effective, simultaneous administration (A1) showed moderate efficacy, while delayed administration (A2) had little effect. Meanwhile, the consistent increase in IL-10 indicated that the host continuously engaged negative feedback regulation during the inflammatory process in an attempt to maintain immune homeostasis.Table 16. Cytokine Levels in Each Group After Viral Challenge (Mean Values Within Groups)Compact Letter Display (CLD) is used to show significance. Within each “Item” (i.e., cytokine) , each treatment group (e.g., A1) is assigned a combination of letters. Groups that share the same letter combination are not significantly different (absence of letters also indicates no significant difference (P>0.05) ) , while groups with different combinations are significantly different. In the two-letter code used here, the first (uppercase) letter represents high significance (p<0.01) and the second (lowercase) letter represents significance (p<0.05) .For example, for IL-8 at Day 3, treatment groups A1, A2, and A3 have no significant differences between them and are all labeled “Bb” . Treatment group B is highly significantly different (p<0.01) from groups A1-A3, thus it is labeled with a different first (uppercase) letter “Cc” . Treatment group C is highly significantly different (p<0.01) from all of groups A1-A3 and B, thus it is labeled with a different first (uppercase) letter “Aa” .In another example, for TNF-αat Day 0, treatment groups A1, A2, B, and C have no significant differences between them and are all labeled “Aa” . Treatment group A3 is significantly different (p<0.05) from treatment groups A1, A2, B, and C but does not reach the level of highly significant difference (p<0.01) . Therefore, the uppercase letter remains the same, while the lowercase letter is different, and the superscript is Ab.The statistical analysis in Table 16 applies only to compare data within each individual row. Comparisons between different cytokines are not applicable for significance testing. The data with the largest absolute value in each row is labeled “Aa, ” and the remaining values are assigned labels in descending order, such as “Bb, ” “Cc, ” and so on.EXAMPLE 11Example 11 is a report describing activities of an exemplary microemulsion against PRRSV in in vivo assays.Evaluation Conclusion:This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antiviral effect of microemulsion 1 against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) . Twenty-four piglets were challenged with PRRSV and assigned to multiple groups (microemulsion 1-treated group, blank control group, viral control group, and oil control group) , receiving oral administration at different doses and treatment times.The results showed that microemulsion 1 exhibited significant effects in preventing PRRSV infection and reducing viral burden. Clinically, piglets in the microemulsion 1-treated groups showed milder symptoms, with later onset and less severity. Notably, in Group A2 (high-dose microemulsion 1group) , symptoms resolved more rapidly, and no piglet deaths occurred. In contrast, piglets in the viral control group (Group C) displayed severe symptoms and higher mortality.Moreover, microemulsion 1significantly reduced viral shedding, with the peak shedding in Group A markedly lower than in Group C and of shorter duration. Viral load measurements indicated that microemulsion 1effectively inhibited PRRSV replication in vivo, particularly in the lungs and pulmonary lymph nodes, where viral loads were significantly lower than those in the viral control group, whereas the effect of the oil control group was limited.Pathological examination confirmed that lung tissue damage in the microemulsion 1-treated groups was less severe than in the viral control group, showing reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and alveolar injury. Cytokine analysis suggested that microemulsion 1 exerted a suppressive effect on inflammation, significantly reducing the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Additionally, at high doses, microemulsion 1 enhanced cellular immune responses, promoting an increase in IFN-γ.In conclusion, microemulsion 1 demonstrated clear in vivo antiviral effects against PRRSV infection, effectively alleviating clinical symptoms, reducing viral load, and modulating immune responses. High-dose administration showed superior antiviral and immunoregulatory effects.1.1 Experimental Materials1.1.1 ReagentThe PRIMESCRIPTTM RT reagent Kit (Perfect Real Time) , DNA / RNA extraction kits, and TB GREEN PREMIX EX TAQTM (Tli RNaseH Plus) were purchased from TaKaRa Bio (Dalian) Engineering Co., Ltd (Dalian, China) . Microemulsion 1 was prepared according to Example 2 and supplied by Singao Biotech Co., Ltd. (Xiamen, China) .1.1.2 Virus Strain and Experimental AnimalsThe PRRSV NJ strain was provided by the Animal Biotechnology Center of Sichuan Agricultural University. Twenty-four piglets and their feed were purchased from Chengdu Wangjiang Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd. (Chengdu, China) .1.2 Experimental Methods1.2.1 Piglet Grouping, Viral Change, and Drug Administration.Before the experiment, the facilities were thoroughly disinfected by formaldehyde fumigation overnight, followed by spraying with Virkon-S. After purchasing the piglets, they were raised under standardized farm conditions to prevent stress and bacterial infection. Careful attention was given to maintaining hygiene, and the piglets were fed a complete diet suitable for their growth. The animals were observed for 3 days, and ifno abnormalities occurred, viral challenge and oral drug (microemulsion 1) administration were carried out.Detailed grouping information is shown in Table 17.Table 17. Grouping, Viral Challenge, and Drug Administration Information for Piglets1.2.2 Clinical Symptom ObservationThe clinical symptoms of piglets in each group were observed daily, and nasal swabs were collected for PRRSV detection. Body temperature was measured, and blood samples were collected daily. When piglets exhibited pronounced dyspnea and were moribund, they were immediately euthanized and necropsied, with lung tissues and hilar lymph nodes collected.The observation lasted for 14 consecutive days. At 14 days post-challenge, all remaining piglets were euthanized and necropsied. Lung tissues and hilar lymph nodes were harvested, snap-frozen, and fixed in 4%paraformaldehyde.1.2.3 RT-qPCR Quantification of PRRSV Viral Load in TissuesThe collected lung and hilar lymph node tissues were homogenized and thoroughly mixed with 3.0 mL of PBS. The mixture was centrifuged at 12,000 r / min for 3 minutes. The supernatant was collected, and total RNA was extracted according to the RNAiso reagent instructions (Takara Bio; Kyoto, Japan) . The obtained RNA was reverse-transcribed into cDNA. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect PRRSV viral load using the reaction system described in Table 18. The reaction program and PCR cycling conditions were as follows:Pre-denaturation at 95℃ for 30 seconds→Denaturation at 95℃ for 5 seconds→Annealing at 60℃ for 30 seconds→Cycles 40times.The melting curve analysis was performed as follows: heating to 95℃, cooling to 65℃, and then increasing the temperature to 95℃ at a rate of 0.5℃ per second.Table 18. Reaction System for Real-time Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR)1.2.4 Histopathological Observation of Piglet Pulmonary TissuesThe lung and hilar lymph node tissues fixed in 4%paraformaldehyde were processed through dehydration, clearing, embedding, sectioning, deparaffinization, rehydration, staining, and mounting to prepare hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained sections. The pathological changes were then examined under a light microscope.1.2.5 Cytokine MeasurementVenous blood samples were collected from piglets on Day 0 and Day 3 after viral challenge. Commercial assay kits were used to determine the levels of cytokines including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-αin the serum.1.3 Experimental Results1.3.1 Mortality of Piglets After Viral ChallengePiglets in all groups were continuously observed for fourteen days following viral challenge and treatment. The results as seen in Table 19 showed that in Group A, one piglet in group A1 died on day 9, while no deaths occurred in group A2. No piglet deaths were observed in Group B during the observation period. In Group C, one piglet died on days 5, 9, 10, and 13 respectively, with a total of four deaths. In Group D1, one piglet died on days 1 and 13, and in Group D2, one piglet died on days 8 and 13, with a total of two deaths. Additionally, all surviving piglets in Groups A, B, and D were euthanized for necropsy on day 14, while no surviving piglets remained in Group C for necropsy.Table 19. Number of Piglet Deaths in Each Group After Viral Challenge1.3.2 Observation of Clinical Symptoms in Piglets After Viral ChallengeAfter the viral challenge, all groups of piglets exhibited clinical symptoms including fever, sneezing, dyspnea, neurological signs, and anorexia, though differences were observed among groups in terms of onset time, severity, and symptom profiles (as shown in Table 20) .Group A (medication treatment group) displayed notable clinical signs of fever, respiratory symptoms, and reduced feed intake, but the overall severity was milder, with a later onset and fewer symptoms. Among them, group A2 recovered faster than A1, and no deaths occurred. Compared to Group C, feed intake in Group A remained consistently higher, fever symptoms were milder, and the frequency of respiratory symptoms was lower.Group B (virus free control group) showed no clinical symptoms throughout the observation period.Group C (medication free control group) exhibited the most severe clinical signs, with an earlier onset, more numerous symptoms, and frequent piglet deaths.Group D (oil treatment control group) showed a gradual appearance of clinical symptoms, with a later onset than Group C. The severity of symptoms was between that of Group A and Group C, and both groups D1 and D2 experienced two piglet deaths.Table 20. Clinical Symptom Statistics of Each Group After Viral Challenge1.3.3 Changes in Piglet Body Temperature During the Experimental PeriodThe body temperature changes of piglets in each group after challenge are shown Table 21 and Figure 46. In medication treatment Group A (A1 and A2) , body temperatures also increased on Day 3 post-challenge. In group A1, the temperature rose from 38.423℃ to 40.060℃, continued to increase between Days 4–6, peaking at 41.160℃, and then declined markedly from Day 7, approaching normal levels by Day 8. Group A2 showed a similar temperature trend to A1, rising to 40.187℃ on Day 3, fluctuating between 40.1℃ and 40.5℃ during Days 4–6, and gradually returning to normal after Day 8. In the virus free control Group B, body temperature fluctuations were minor, consistently remaining within the range of 38.1–39.3℃, without any notable fever response. In the medication free control Group C, piglet body temperatures began to rise on Day 2 post-challenge, reaching 39.260℃, and rapidly increased to 40.810℃ on Day 3, maintaining a continuous high fever state thereafter (with a maximum of 41.183℃) . Oil treatment control Group D (D1 and D2) exhibited temperature increases as early as Day 3 post-challenge. In subgroup D1, the highest temperature reached 41.120℃, while D2 also exceeded 40℃. The temperature peaks in Group D occurred slightly earlier than in Group A, and temperature recovery was relatively slower, returning to the normal range around Days 9–10.Table 21. Changes in Piglet Body Temperature in each group1.3.4 Viral Shedding Changes During the Experimental PeriodThe changes in PRRSV shedding levels in each group of piglets post intranasal challenge are shown in Table 22 and Figure 47. In the medication free control group (Group C) , a high level of viral shedding was maintained from Day 7 to Day 12, peaking on Day 12 (TCID50 of 5.56) . Shedding gradually declined after Day 14, but high viral titers persisted up to Day 11, indicating a continuous and pronounced shedding pattern. In contrast, the medication treatment groups A (A1 and A2) exhibited a relatively milder shedding trend. Both groups reached their peak shedding around Day 6, with peak TCID50 values of 4.78 for A1 and 4.03 for A2, notably lower than those of Group C. Additionally, the rate of viral decline was faster in the treatment groups. From Day 10 onward, the TCID50 values for both A1 and A2 decreased significantly, with A2 showing undetectable virus levels by Day 14 and A1 reduced to 0.54, indicating near-complete cessation of viral shedding after 10 days. No viral shedding was detected in the virus free control group (Group B) throughout the experiment, with TCID50 values consistently at zero, confirming no infection occurred. The shedding patterns of oil treatment control groups D (D1 and D2) were relatively similar to those of Group C. Peak shedding occurred on Day 8 (D1) and Day 7 (D2) , with peak TCID50 values of 5.18 (D1) and 4.97 (D2) , slightly lower than Group C but higher than the experimental groups. Moreover, viral shedding in these groups remained relatively prolonged, with detectable viral levels still present on Day 14 (D1 at 2.31, D2 at 2.01) .Table 22. Viral Shedding Changes in Piglets in Each Group1.3.5 Viral Load in Lungs and Hilar Lymph Nodes After ChallengeFollowing viral challenge and treatment, moribund piglets were necropsied to collect lung and pulmonary hilar lymph node samples. PRRSV viral loads in the tissues were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. The results are shown in Table 23 and Figure 48.In the medication free control group (Group C) , viral loads were significantly higher than those in the other groups. The PRRSV copy number in the lung tissue reached 31,427.1 copies / g, while the viral load in the hilar lymph nodes was even higher at 68,776.5 copies / g, indicating extensive viral replication in the respiratory tissues and a severe pathological state. In contrast, the viral loads in medication treatment Group A (A1 and A2) were markedly lower. In the A1 subgroup, viral loads in the lung and hilar lymph nodes were 5,145.3 copies / g and 15,512.3 copies / g, respectively. In the A2 subgroup, the levels were slightly lower, at 4,813.5 copies / g and 14,547.3 copies / g, with no significant difference between the two, suggesting that microemulsion 1 effectively suppressed viral replication with stable performance across individual animals. No virus was detected in the virus free control group (Group B) (0.0 copies / g) , confirming no infection occurred and providing a reliable baseline for comparison. Group D (D1 and D2) exhibited viral loads between those of Group A and Group C. Lung viral loads were 6,964.5 copies / g for D1 and 6,612.1 copies / g for D2, while hilar lymph node viral loads reached 18,363.8 copies / g and 17,485.8 copies / g, respectively. This indicates a moderate inhibitory effect on viral replication in these groups, though not as pronounced as in Group A.Table 23. Average Viral Loads in Lung and Hilar Lymph Node Tissues of Piglets in Each Group1.3.6 Necropsy and Pathological Observation of PigletsNecropsy observations are shown in Figure 49. Group C exhibited the most severe lung lesions, characterized by extensive pulmonary congestion, hemorrhage, edema, and interstitial thickening (FIG. 49, Panel A) . These were accompanied by a large infiltration of inflammatory cells, alveolar epithelial cell shedding and necrosis-typical features of PRRSV infection-indicating high viral replication and significant tissue damage in vivo. Lungs from groups A and D also showed some degree of edema and interstitial thickening, with mild localized congestion and hemorrhage, but overall lesions were significantly less severe than those in group C (FIG. 49, Panel B) . The lung tissue structure in group B piglets remained intact without obvious pathological changes, consistent with the absence of detected viral shedding and tissue viral load (FIG. 49, Panel C) .Further histopathological examination (FIG. 50) revealed extensive inflammatory cell infiltration and red blood cell extravasation in the lung tissues of group C (FIG. 50, Panels A and B) , reflecting a strong immune response and tissue destruction. In contrast, lung tissue sections from groups A and D were relatively intact (FIG. 50, Panels C and D) , showing only mild cellular infiltration or hemorrhagic foci, while group B (FIG. 50, Panels E and F) showed no signs of viral infection.2.3.7 Cytokine Assay ResultsAs shown in Figures 51A-51F, on Day 0, the levels of various cytokines (IL-8, IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) in piglets from all experimental and control groups remained at normal baseline levels. By Day 3 post-challenge, inflammatory cytokine levels increased to varying degrees in all experimental groups (A1, A2, D1, D2) and the challenge control group C.In terms of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, group C exhibited the most severe inflammatory response, with significantly elevated levels of IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Notably, IL-6 and IL-1βreached peak values in group C (264.96 pg / mL and 439.79 pg / mL, respectively) , indicating a severe cytokine storm induced by the virus in the absence of intervention.In comparison, the increases in cytokine levels of IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1βin groups A1 and A2 were markedly lower than those in group C. Among them, group A1 generally showed higher levels than group A2, suggesting that microemulsion 1 exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on inflammatory responses.Regarding IFN-γ, levels significantly increased in all challenged groups, with group A2 showing the largest increase, indicating that the treatment could enhance the activation of cellular immune responses. As for IL-10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine) , its levels increased in all treatment groups after the challenge. Group D and group C reached levels of 200–300 pg / mL, indicating an attempt by the host to regulate the inflammatory response during its later phase. However, the increase in IL-10 in group A was relatively modest, suggesting that the drug may exert a suppressive effect on the anti-inflammatory feedback mechanism.No significant fluctuations in cytokine levels were observed in the blank control group B throughout the study, confirming the reliability of the experimental results.EXAMPLE 12Example 12 is a report describing activities of an exemplary microemulsion against African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) in in vitro assays.1. Objective of the StudyTo conduct an independent, objective, and scientifically comprehensive evaluation of the performance of microemulsion 1, focusing on its cytotoxicity to primary porcine cells and its inhibitory effect on African swine fever virus. This study aims to provide a foundational reference for the prevention and control of ASFV.2. Experimental Materials2.1 SPF PigletsSPF (Specific Pathogen Free) piglets were provided by the SPF Experimental Pig Standardization Research Center of the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The SPF piglets tested negative for African swine fever virus antigen and antibody, and were also negative for antigens of other major porcine pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) , porcine circovirus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, classical swine fever virus, and pseudorabies virus.2.2 Porcine Primary Alveolar MacrophagesPorcine primary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) were prepared by the National African Swine Fever Laboratory at the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.Operation Procedures were as follows:1. SPF piglets (1-month-old) were anesthetized via intramuscular injection below the ear and exsanguinated.2. Lungs were excised and placed on a sterile tray.3. Lungs were washed thoroughly with PBS containing 10%chloramphenicol and penicillin. Muscle tissues near the trachea were carefully removed.4. Lungs were infused 3 times with 400–500 mL of PBS (containing 10%chloramphenicol and penicillin) per infusion.5. Post each infusion, lungs were gently massaged to release cells and collect the lavage fluid.6. Lavage fluid was filtered through a 100-μm membrane.7. Lavage fluid was centrifuged at low speed for 10 min at 4℃; the supernatant was discarded.8. The cell pellet was resuspended in a small volume of PBS and centrifuged again; the supernatant was discarded.9. The final pellet (containing porcine PAMs) was either suspended in culture medium for immediate use, or snap-frozen at≤-70℃ for future experiments.2.3 African Swine Fever Virus StrainA recombinant attenuated infectious African swine fever virus (ASFV) strain carrying a GFP tag was constructed based on the highly pathogenic Pig / HLJ / 2018 strain. An in vitro assay method using this strain was established to evaluate the inhibitory effects of bioactive small molecules against ASFV.2.4 Bioactive Substance Microemulsion 1The microemulsion 1 liquid sample was prepared according to Example 2 and provided by Singao (Longyan) Biotech Co., Ltd. (Longyan City, China) .3. Experimental Methods3.1 Determination of the Cytotoxicity of Microemulsion 1 at Different Dilution Concentrations on PAM CellsOne milliliter of microemulsion 1 stock solution was mixed with 9 mL of cell culture medium to prepare a 10-1 mother solution. This mother solution was then subjected to a series of two-fold serial dilutions with cell culture medium to create 10 concentration gradients: 1: 2, 1: 4, 1: 8, 1: 16, 1: 32, 1: 64, 1: 128, 1: 256, 1: 512, and 1: 1024 (volume ratio of mother solution to cell culture medium) . The diluted solutions were added to a 96-well culture plate containing PAM cells that had grown to nearly confluent monolayers. After discarding the supernatant, 100μL of each sample dilution was added to the wells. For each concentration, three replicate wells were set up. Additionally, three wells containing only cell culture medium were set as blank controls, and three wells containing cells and medium without the sample solution were set as cell controls. All groups were incubated in a 5%CO2 incubator at 37℃ for 72 hours. The cell status was observed every 24 hours to determine the maximum non-toxic concentration (MNTD) of microemulsion 1 for the cells.Cell viability was assessed using the CCK8 assay according to the kit instructions, and the cell surviving rate was calculated. GRAPHPAD PRISMTM 5 (Dotmatics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA) was used to determine the maximum non-toxic dose (MNTD) . A concentration at which the cell survival rate was greater than 90%was considered non-toxic, and the MNTD of microemulsion 1 was selected for use in subsequent experiments.3.2 Determination of the Antiviral Effect of Microemulsion 1 against African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV)A 96-well plate was divided into an experimental group, control group A, control group B, and a blank control group, with four replicates for each group. PAM cells were seeded into the 96-well plate and incubated at 37℃ with 5%CO2 until a monolayer formed. After removing the supernatant from the wells, 100μL of microemulsion 1 sample solution at the MNTD concentration was added to the wells of the experimental group, control group A, and control group B. Meanwhile, 100μL of cell culture medium was added to the wells of the blank control group. The plate was then incubated at 37℃ with 5%CO2 for 2 hours.After incubation, the supernatant was discarded. A mixture containing the sample solution at a final concentration of 1×MNTD and 100 TCID50 of ASFV was added to the experimental group wells. Control group A wells received 100 TCID50of ASFV alone. Control group B wells received the sample solution at a final concentration of 1×MNTD without virus. The blank control group wells were supplemented with cell culture medium only.All groups were incubated at 37℃ with 5%CO2for virus adsorption for 1 hour. After adsorption, the supernatant was removed, and 100μL of sample solution at the MNTD concentration was added to the experimental, control A, and control B wells, while 100μL of cell culture medium was added to the blank control wells. The plate was then incubated at 37℃ with 5%CO2 for 36–72 hours.When significant cytopathic effects (CPE) appeared in control group A, incubation was terminated. Fluorescence was observed under a fluorescence microscope, and the cells were collected for viral genomic DNA extraction. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to determine the copy number of the ASFV P72 gene, and the virus inhibition rate was calculated accordingly.4. Experimental InstrumentsReal-time Quantitative PCR Instrument: QUANTSTUDIOTM 5 Real-time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, USA) . Fully Automated Microplate Reader: ELX808 Microplate Reader (BioTek Instruments, Inc., USA)5. Experimental Results5.1 Cytotoxicity of Different Dilutions of Microemulsion 1 on PAM CellsAccording to the instructions of the CCK8 assay kit, the cytotoxicity of various dilutions of microemulsion 1 on primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) was determined, and cell viability was calculated. As shown in Table 24, when microemulsion 1 was diluted 1: 2560 with cell culture medium, the OD450 value was close to that of the control wells. At this concentration, cell viability exceeded 90% (FIG. 52) . Therefore, the maximum non-toxic concentration (MNTC) of microemulsion 1 for PAM cells was determined to be a 2560-fold dilution of the stock solution.Table 24. Cytotoxicity Results of Different Dilutions of Microemulsion 1 on PAM CellsNote: Blank well refers to wells containing only cell culture medium; Control well refers to wells containing both cells and culture medium. No sample solution included.According to the results of experiment 5.1, when the dilution ratio of the original microemulsion 1 solution was≥2560 (V / V) , the viability of PAM cells remained above 90%. Therefore, we selected three dilutions of the microemulsion 1 sample solution-1: 2560, 1: 5120, and 1: 10240-to evaluate their inhibitory effects on African swine fever virus (ASFV) . Using a fluorescence microscope, we observed the cellular status of the experimental groups, Control Group A, Control Group B, and the blank control group at 48 hours and 72 hours. As shown in Figure 53, significant green fluorescence was observed in Control Group A at 72 hours, indicating the validity of the experimental results. In the experimental groups treated with 1: 2560, 1: 5120, and 1: 10240 dilutions, sparse green fluorescence was observed at 48 hours, which slightly increased at 72 hours but remained markedly lower than that of Control Group A. No green fluorescence was detected in Control Group B or the blank control group at either 48 hours or 72 hours.These results indicate that co-incubation of ASFV with the microemulsion 1 sample solutions at dilution factor of 2560, 5120, and 10240 for 1 hour effectively inhibited viral replication, with inhibition rates of approximately 90%, 74%, and 50%, respectively (as shown in Figure 54) . Following the observation period, cellular DNA was extracted from all groups, and the copy number of the ASFV structural protein P72 gene was quantified using the fluorescent real-time PCR method recommended by WOAH (King et al., 2003) . The Ct values of the P72 gene in the experimental groups were significantly higher than those in Control Group A (FIG. 55) , while the copy numbers of the P72 gene in the experimental groups were significantly lower than those in Control Group A (FIG. 56) . These findings demonstrate that the microemulsion 1 sample solutions at dilutions of 1: 2560, 1: 5120, and 1: 10240 can effectively inhibit ASFV replication in PAM cells, with the 1: 2560 dilution exhibiting the strongest inhibitory effect, achieving an inhibition rate of approximately 90%.We conducted toxicity tests of microemulsion 1 provided by Singao (Longyan) Biotech Co., Ltd. on pig primary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and evaluated its inhibitory effect on African swine fever virus (ASFV) infection in PAMs.The results of Table 24 and Figure 52 showed that when the dilution ratio of the microemulsion 1 stock solution was no less than 1: 2560, the viability of primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) remained above 90%. The results of Figures 53-56 demonstrated that the microemulsion 1 sample solutions, diluted at 1: 2560, 1: 5120, and 1: 10240 and co-incubated with African swine fever virus (ASFV) for 1 hour, were all capable of inhibiting ASFV replication in PAM cells. Moreover, the inhibition rate gradually decreased with increasing dilution. Among them, the 1: 2560 dilution exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on ASFV infection in PAM cells, with an inhibition rate of approximately 90%.In conclusion, the microemulsion 1 stock solution diluted at 1: 2560 had no negative effect on PAM cell viability and was able to effectively inhibit ASFV replication in PAM cells at this concentration.EXAMPLE 13Example 13 describes activities of an exemplary microemulsion against PRRSV at a piglet farm.Seven piglet farms testing positive for PRRSV were identified. Microemulsion 1 (prepared according to Example 2) has been administered at the farms and the percentage of negative piglets has been increasing. microemulsion 1 is being dosed in drinking water at 1 kg / t. At each farm, every piglet was tested and screened by ELISA and RT-PCR. Two farms ( “Group 1” and “Group 2” ) were completed and data from the five remaining farms (Groups 3-7) are forthcoming. Following 26 days’ administration of microemulsion 1 alone, the percentage of negative piglets has been increasing. The data suggests that microemulsion 1 treatment can contain or stop the horizontal transmission of PRRSV.RT-PCR and ELISA data for Group 1 and 2 are shown in Figures 57A and 57B, respectively.EXAMPLE 14Example 14 describes preparation and activities of exemplary tea bags comprising microemulsions of the present disclosure against diseases and conditions in human subjects.Cultivation of Houttuynia cordataHouttuynia cordata was cultivated using a hydroponic system, or under an enclosed or covered (e.g., by plastic sheeting) greenhouse. Houttuynia cordata was harvested and dried with minimal exposure to sunlight. Powder of Houttuynia cordata was obtained by finely chopping and grinding the dried Houttuynia cordata and processing it through a size 60 (60 openings per inch) or 120 (120 openings per inch) sieve.Preparation of teabag with microemulsion.The dried Houttuynia cordata powder and microemulsion were combined and placed in a tea bag at a ratio of 98%dried Houttuynia cordata powder to 2%microemulsion 1 microemulsion, by weight.Properties of the teabag with microemulsionThe flavor of dried Houttuynia cordata is generally considered to be poorly palatable due to its strong flavor. Adding 2%of microemulsion 1 was found to mask the unfavorable flavor of Houttuynia cordata and improve its palatability while improving preservation of the dried Houttuynia cordata powder. Typically, dried Houttuynia cordata as prepared above has a moisture content of around 10%. Thus, without preservation, as achieved by microemulsion 1, the powder can spoil, develop mold, and / or deteriorate. In summary, microemulsion 1 improves flavor of Houttuynia cordata and aids in preservation.Applications of the teabag with microemulsionThe teabag containing the microemulsion was found to reduce diarrhea, anxiety, and odontalgia.The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and / or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.Accordingly,the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
Claims
A microemulsion, comprising, in percentage by weight, 5%to 35%of glycerol ester of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid and 15%to 40%of a fatty acid salt.The microemulsion of claim 1, wherein the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid has a number of glycerol units of 1 to 5, preferably diglycerol laurate, triglycerol laurate, or a combination thereof.The microemulsion of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid is selected from the group consisting of glycerol monobutyrate, glycerol dibutyrate, glycerol tributyrate (tributyrin) , and combinations thereof; preferably glycerol tributyrate.The microemulsion of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polyglycerol ester of fatty acid comprises tributyrate and polyglycerol monolaurate.The microemulsion of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fatty acid salt comprises a salt of butyric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, or linoleic acid, preferably, butyric acid, or lauric acid; preferably a butyrate salt; more preferably, sodium butyrate, calcium butyrate, potassium butyrate, and / or magnesium butyrate.The microemulsion of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a surfactant, preferably a Tween surfactant with an HLB (hydrophilic–lipophilic balance) value of 8-18 and / or a Span surfactant with an HLB value of 4.3-8.6.The microemulsion of claim 6, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Tween 20, Tween 40, Tween 60, Tween 80, Span 20, Span 40, Span 60, and Span 80, and combinations thereof.The microemulsion of claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising a cosurfactant, preferably absolute ethanol, 95%ethanol, and / or n-butanol.The microemulsion according to claim 8, comprising, in percentage by weight, 5%to 35%of surfactant, and 1%to 8%of cosurfactant.The microemulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising, in percentage by weight, 10%to 30%of butyrate, 20%to 35%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid, 10%to 30%of surfactant, 3%to 6%of cosurfactant, and water.The microemulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising, in percentage by weight, about 30%of butyrate, about 25%of polyglycerol ester of fatty acid, about 10%of surfactant, about 2%of cosurfactant, and water to 100%.The microemulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising, in percentage by weight, about 30%of sodium butyrate, about 12.5%tributyrin, about 12.5%polyglycerol monolaurate, about 10%of surfactant, about 2%of cosurfactant, and water to 100%.The microemulsion according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising, in percentage by weight, about 30%of sodium butyrate, about 12.5%tributyrin, about 12.5%polyglycerol monolaurate, about 10%Tween 80, about 2%of 95%ethanol, and water to 100%.A microemulsion, comprising, in percentage by weight, about 30%of sodium butyrate, about 12.5%tributyrin, about 12.5%polyglycerol monolaurate, about 10%Tween 80, about 2%of 95%ethanol, and water to 100%.The microemulsion of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the microemulsion has a pH of 4 to 6.8, preferably wherein 100-1000-fold dilution of the microemulsion with water reduces the pH to 5 to 5.8.A method of preparing a microemulsion, comprising:a. dissolving butyrate in water, adjusting pH value to 8 to 11, and adding a cosurfactant (preferably alcohol, more preferably ethanol) to obtain Solution 1,b. mixing a polyglycerol ester of fatty acid (preferably comprising tributyrin and optionally polyglycerol monolaurate) with a surfactant (preferably Tween 80) to obtain Solution 2, andc. mixing Solution 1 with Solution 2 to obtain the microemulsion.A method of preparing a microemulsion, comprising:a. dissolving butyrate in water, adjusting pH value to 8 to 11, and adding 95%ethanol as a cosurfactant to obtain Solution 1,b. mixing tributyrin and polyglycerol monolaurate (at an about 1: 1 ratio) with Tween 80 as a surfactant to obtain Solution 2, andc. mixing Solution 1 with Solution 2 to obtain the microemulsion.A feed comprising the microemulsion of any one of claims 1 to 17 in an amount of 1 kg to 20 kg per ton of feed; preferably, 2 kg to 15 kg, 2 kg to 10 kg, 2 kg, or 4 kg per ton of feed.The feed of claim 18, further comprising soybean oil.The feed of claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising corn, bean cake, wheat bran, fish meal, bone meal, shell meal, salt, vitamin additives, and / or mineral additives.The feed of claim 20, wherein the feed comprises in percentage by weight:64.5%to 68.5%of corn, 8%to 12%of bean cake, 6%to 10%of wheat bran, 1%to 5%of fish meal, 0.3%to 2.3%of bone meal, 0.5%to 0.9%of shell powder, 0.3%to 0.7%of salt, and 3%to 7%of vitamin, and / or mineral additive;preferably, the feed comprises the following substances in percentage by weight:66.5%of corn, 10%of bean cake, 8%of wheat bran, 3%of fish meal, 1.3%of bone meal, 0.7%of shell powder, 0.5%of salt, and 5%of vitamin, and / or mineral additive.A method for treating or preventing microorganism infection, comprising: administering an effective amount of the microemulsion according to any of claims 1 to 15 or the feed according to any of claims 18 to 21 to a subject in need thereof.The method of claim 22, wherein the method is for treating or preventing infection by a bacterium.The method of claim 23, wherein the bacterium is Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Clostridium, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Diplococcus pneumoniae.The method of claim 22, wherein the method is for treating or preventing infection by a virus.The method of claim 25, wherein the virus is avian influenza, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) , porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) , porcine rotavirus (PoRV) , transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TEGV) , or African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) .The method of any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the subject is a bird or a mammal.The method of any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the subject is a food animal.The method of claim 28, wherein the food animal is selected from the group consisting of swine, cattle, turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese, sheep, and goats.A tea bag comprising, in percentage by weight, the microemulsion of any one of claims 1 to 15 in an amount of 0.5%to 5% (preferably 1%to 3%, more preferably 2%) , and 95%to 99.5% (preferably 97%to 99%, more preferably 98%) dried powder of Houttuynia cordata.The tea bag of claim 30, wherein the dried powder of Houttuynia cordata has a moisture content of 20%or less, preferably 10%or less.A method for treating or preventing a disease or condition in a human subject, comprising administering an effective amount ofthe microemulsion according to any of claims 1 to 15 or the tea bag of claims 30 and 31 to a human subject in need thereof.The method of claim 32, wherein administering the tea bag comprises steeping the teabag in a sufficient amount of water at 100°F-212°F (37℃-100℃) , preferably 190°F to 212°F (88℃ to 100℃) for at least five minutes to form a brewed beverage wherein the brewed beverage is consumed by the human subject in need thereof.The method of claim 32, wherein the microemulsion is administered as a liquid solution comprising, in percentage by weight, 1%-3%microemulsion and 97%-99%of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.The method of claims 32-34, wherein the disease or condition is diarrhea, anxiety, odontalgia, oral ulcer, inflammation due to internal heat, gastroenteritis, abscesses, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) , and / or carbuncle.A pharmaceutical composition comprising a microemulsion according to any one of claims 1-15 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.