Roy, Arpita, Rupam Dutta, and Nilmoni Sarkar. Chemical Physics Letters 665 (2016): 14-21.
Sorbitan stearate (Span 60), a nonionic surfactant, is used for the preparation of cationic ionic liquid (IL)-based vesicles in combination with 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C16mim]Cl), enabling the formation of hybrid nanostructures with tunable morphology and encapsulation capacity. This study explores the effect of trehalose on the structural and photophysical properties of such [C16mim]Cl-Span 60 vesicles, particularly in modulating the behavior of curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenolic compound.
Vesicular assemblies were formed by sonicating mixtures of [C16mim]Cl and varying molar ratios (R = 0-0.9) of Span 60 at 298 K. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that Span 60 modulates vesicle size and morphology, contributing to a more stable and organized nanoenvironment. Notably, the presence of trehalose significantly influenced aggregate formation and curcumin's photophysical behavior.
Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated that trehalose enhances the stability and quantum yield of curcumin when encapsulated within the Span 60-containing vesicles, indicating a favorable microenvironment for photophysical modulation. These findings suggest the promising role of Sorbitan stearate in designing soft nanocarriers for hydrophobic drug delivery and optical probe applications.
In conclusion, Sorbitan stearate is used for the preparation of ionic liquid-based vesicles, enabling curcumin encapsulation and offering potential in tunable nanostructure design for drug delivery and photonic applications.
Bagini, Simon Ubengi Elnour, et al. Industrial Crops and Products 210 (2024): 118156.
Sorbitan stearate (Span 60), a nonionic surfactant, is used for the improvement of cold-flow properties in shea butter biodiesel fuel (SB-BDF) through an additive winterization process. In this study, biodiesel was produced from shea butter via a two-step esterification-transesterification reaction, yielding a high methyl ester conversion rate of 99.54 wt% using 0.5 wt% H₂SO₄ and 1.2 wt% KOH. Despite the high conversion, the biodiesel exhibited poor low-temperature performance due to the high melting point of saturated fatty acids.
To overcome this limitation, additive winterization was performed using sorbitan stearate at concentrations of 0.5-1.5 wt%. The SB-BDF/additive mixtures were heated, then cooled between the pour point (288 K) and cloud point (301 K), followed by visual assessment of phase separation. The results showed that sorbitan stearate effectively improved the cold-flow properties, achieving a significant cloud point reduction of 8-10 K at 294 K with 0.5-1.0 wt% additive loading.
Compared to sorbitan palmitate (Span 40), sorbitan stearate demonstrated superior performance, yielding higher liquid recovery rates and more pronounced reductions in cloud point. This study highlights the application of sorbitan stearate as a cold-flow improving agent in biodiesel systems, supporting its use in enhancing biodiesel operability in cold climates.
Sorbitan stearate is used for the preparation of cold-resistant biodiesel through additive winterization techniques.
Xing, Zhanwen, et al. Acta biomaterialia 6.9 (2010): 3542-3549.
Span 60 (sorbitan monostearate) is used for the preparation of stabilized perfluorocarbon (PFC)-filled microbubbles as a novel ultrasound contrast agent. In this study, a high-power ultrasonication method was employed to fabricate microbubbles using a surfactant blend of Span 60 and polyoxyethylene 40 stearate (PEG40S) in aqueous media. The optimized 1:9 PEG40S/Span 60 formulation produced microbubbles with an average diameter of 2.08 ± 1.27 μm, with over 99% of particles measuring below 8 μm-suitable for intravenous administration.
The stabilization mechanism was elucidated using Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer studies. The π-A isotherms confirmed strong molecular interactions between Span 60 and PEG40S. Three key stabilization mechanisms were identified: (1) the formation of a low surface tension monolayer that counteracts Laplace pressure, (2) the monolayer acting as a gas diffusion barrier, and (3) enhanced encapsulation elasticity resisting dissolution. These mechanisms collectively impart long-term stability to the microbubble shells.
Preparation involved autoclaving a mixture of Span 60, PEG40S, and NaCl in phosphate-buffered saline, followed by probe sonication under PFC gas to generate a polydisperse bubble suspension. Microbubbles were isolated via flotation and extensively washed before final dispersion in PBS.
in vivo imaging demonstrated that Span 60-based microbubbles achieved excellent contrast enhancement under grey-scale and Doppler ultrasound modes, confirming their potential as a clinically relevant diagnostic tool.
What is the CAS number of Sorbitan stearate?
The CAS number of Sorbitan stearate is 1338-41-6.
What are the synonyms of Sorbitan stearate?
The synonyms of Sorbitan stearate include Span 60, Sorbitan monooctadecanoate, Sorbitan monostearate, and Anhydrosorbitol monostearate.
What is the molecular weight of Sorbitan stearate?
The molecular weight of Sorbitan stearate is 430.62.
What is the molecular formula of Sorbitan stearate?
The molecular formula of Sorbitan stearate is C24H46O6.
What is the IUPAC name of Sorbitan stearate?
The IUPAC name of Sorbitan stearate is [(2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl] octadecanoate.
What is the boiling point of Sorbitan stearate?
The boiling point of Sorbitan stearate is 465 °C.
What is the melting point of Sorbitan stearate?
The melting point of Sorbitan stearate is 54-57 °C (lit.).
What is the purity of Sorbitan stearate?
The purity of Sorbitan stearate is 99%+.
What are the typical applications of Sorbitan stearate?
The typical applications of Sorbitan stearate include use as a lubricant, dispersing agent, emulsifying agent, and plasticizer.
What is the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of Sorbitan stearate?
The hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of Sorbitan stearate is 4.7.