The pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and properties of anionic–nonionic mixed surfactant reverse micellar systems

Abstract

Reverse micelles have drawn attention of many research workers. However, most of the early efforts were focused on the single-phase reverse micelles. In this study, rhamnolipid, a kind of biosurfactant, was firstly tested to form a mixed reversed micellar systems with tween 80. The pseudo-ternary phase diagrams and the properties of this formed reverse micellar systems were investigated, and the catalytic activity of lignin peroxidase was explored. The results show that the phase diagram was sensitive to some critical factors, such as pH and ionic concentration. The properties electrical conductivity of mixed reverse micelles indicated that electrical conductivity increased with the increase of water concentration, and viscosity varied as function of water content in a non-monotonic way giving two peaked plot. The highest activity of lignin peroxidase was up to 350% in the appropriate conditions. The findings further provide theoretical knowledge that the pseudo-ternary systems can increase the potential of lignin peroxidase as catalysts for various oxidations.