Exploring the Potential of Pangasius Catfish Oil as a Base Oil for Nanoemulsion Products: Optimization and Characterization

Pangasius catfish, also known as striped catfish, is a high-fat fish compared to other freshwater fish like snakehead fish and carp. The oil extracted from this fish contains unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial for health. The quality of the oil is affected by the extraction method, especially the preliminary heating temperature for the extraction. Pangasius catfish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that have the potential to inhibit inflammation, hyperpigmentation, accelerate skin healing for topical applications, and act as a skin permeation enhancer and oil base for nanoemulsion due to its high oleic acid content. In this research, an experimental design was conducted on pangasius catfish oil extraction using the pressing method to optimize predetermined parameters using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The factors considered for optimization included the quantity of water and extraction temperatures, with water content ranging from 50% to 150% (w/v) and extraction temperatures ranging from 25°C to 55°C. These ranges were intended to yield results and characterization values of oxidation parameters are tested according to the International Fish Oil Standard (IFOS) through tests including Acid Value (AV), Peroxide Value (PV), Anisidine Value (p-AnV), and Total Oxidation (TOTOX). Subsequently, the optimal conditions were confirmed to obtain the best fish oil results, which were achieved at 1.5 times the amount of pre-treatment water and a pre-treatment temperature of 55°C. The pangasius catfish oil obtained from the confirmation of optimal conditions is used as a raw material for producing nanoemulsions. The D-Optimal Mixture Design of Design Expert approach is utilized to formulate the nanoemulsion. The nanoemulsion formula containing 0.5% pangasius catfish oil was determined as the optimal formula according to the range of physical characteristics of the referenced nanoemulsion preparations with a desirability value of 0.974. This study has demonstrated the potential utility of pangasius catfish oil as a prominent base oil in nanoemulsion products.