What characterizes a nanoemulsion?

A nanoemulsion is characterized by being a stable mixture of oil and water with nanoscale droplet sizes, typically ranging from 20 to 200 nanometers in diameter. This small size allows for unique physical and chemical properties compared to conventional emulsions, making nanoemulsions highly stable and capable of enhancing the delivery of active ingredients in various applications, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

The ability to maintain stability in a nanoemulsion is attributed to the use of surfactants and mechanical processes that create and maintain the tiny droplets in suspension. This contrasts significantly with other mixtures, such as those involving gas and liquid, which do not define a nanoemulsion’s essential characteristics. The other options fail to describe the specific nature of nanoemulsions and their stability features.