Cellophane Membrane Research Articles

Radio-frequency plasma polymerized biodegradable carrier for in vivo release of cis-platinum.

A low pressure plasma process based on plasma deposition has been used to develop a drug delivery strategy. In this study, a drug delivery system based on different layers of plasma co-polymerized Poly ε-caprolactone-Polyethylene glycol (PCL-PEG) co-polymers was deposited on biocompatible substrates. Cis-platinum (118 μgm/cm2) was used as an anti-cancer drug and incorporated for local delivery of the chemotherapeutic agent. The co-polymer layers and their interaction with cancer cells were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Our study showed that the plasma-PCL-PEG coated cellophane membranes, in which the drug, was included did not modify the flexibility and appearance of the membranes. This system was actively investigated as an alternative method of controlling localized delivery of drug in vivo. The loading of the anti-cancer drug was investigated by UV-VIS spectroscopy and its release from plasma deposited implants against BALB/c mice liver tissues were analyzed through histological examination and apoptosis by TUNEL assay. The histological examination of liver tissues revealed that when the plasma-modified membranes encapsulated the cis-platinum, the Glisson's capsule and liver parenchyma were damaged. In all cases, inflammatory tissues and fibrosis cells were observed in contact zones between the implant and the liver parenchyma. In conclusion, low pressure plasma deposited uniform nano-layers of the co-polymers can be used for controlled release of the drug in vivo.

Pengembangan Sistem Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) Meloxicam dengan Lipid Monostearin dan Miglyol 808 Menggunakan Metode Emulsifikasi

The aim this study was to determine the effect of Monostearin and Miglyol 808 lipid ratio in NLC system formulation resulting in physicochemical characteristics, release rate, and penetration rate. The NLC making was done by using emulsification method. In the formulation of NLC meloxicam, 3 different lipid ratios were used, including ratios of 6:4, 7:3, 8:2. Meloxicam served as active ingredient, monostearin served as solid lipid, miglyol 808 served as a liquid lipid, and tween 80 was surfactant. NLC meloxicam physicochemical characteristics include tests of organoleptic, pH, viscosity, particle size, particle morphology and entrapment efficiency. NLC meloxicam belongs to semisolid preparations with pH value range of 5,72-5,87. Increasing viscosity of NLC system are cause by increase of solid lipid. The measurement results of particle size of three different lipid formulas indicated that the lipid particle size was <1000 nm. Test of NLC particle morphology by using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) indicated the spherical particle shape (round). Entrapment efficiency test of all NLC-lipid compositions revealed quite high result (> 80%). The determination of release rate (flux) and penetration rate (flux) was conducted by using Franz diffusion cells with a cellophane membrane for the release and Wistar rat’s skin membrane for the penetration. The release rate values of three NLC meloxicam formulas showed p value (sig) 0,005, while the penetration rate obtained p value (sig) 0,091. 
 Keywords: NLC, meloxicam, physicochemical characterization, release rate and penetration rate

Colletotrichum higginsianum extracellular LysM proteins play dual roles in appressorial function and suppression of chitin-triggered plant immunity.

The genome of the hemibiotrophic anthracnose fungus, Colletotrichum higginsianum, encodes a large repertoire of candidate-secreted effectors containing LysM domains, but the role of such proteins in the pathogenicity of any Colletotrichum species is unknown. Here, we characterized the function of two effectors, ChELP1 and ChELP2, which are transcriptionally activated during the initial intracellular biotrophic phase of infection. Using immunocytochemistry, we found that ChELP2 is concentrated on the surface of bulbous biotrophic hyphae at the interface with living host cells but is absent from filamentous necrotrophic hyphae. We show that recombinant ChELP1 and ChELP2 bind chitin and chitin oligomers invitro with high affinity and specificity and that both proteins suppress the chitin-triggered activation of two immune-related plant mitogen-activated protein kinases in the host Arabidopsis. Using RNAi-mediated gene silencing, we found that ChELP1 and ChELP2 are essential for fungal virulence and appressorium-mediated penetration of both Arabidopsis epidermal cells and cellophane membranes invitro. The findings suggest a dual role for these LysM proteins as effectors for suppressing chitin-triggered immunity and as proteins required for appressorium function.

Formulation and optimization of dermatological dosage form for comparative in-vitro evaluation of semisolid bases

The aim of this study was to improve the permeation of Diclofenac Sodium. Permeation studies were carried out in - vitro using cellophane membrane. Topical formulations of diclofenac sodium were prepared by using various polymers. Gel, cream and ointment of the drug were prepared with polymers and the formulations were subjected for evaluation. Gel formulations were containing carbopol 940, triethanolamine, and preservatives. Cream was formulated by using stearic acid, glycerin, lanolin and preservatives. Ointment was also formulated by using the ingredients cetostearyl alcohol, hard paraffin, white soft paraffin and wool fat. In-vitro permeation studies by using cellophane membrane in diffusion cell revealed better permeation characteristics of diclofenac sodium. These types of topical dosage forms could give sustained delivery of drug on to the skin, so they are interesting promises to improve skin absorption of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and to prevent side effects associated. The Topical formulations are excellent in the percutaneous absorption of diclofenac or its salts and provide good properties upon use and superior medical effects of diclofenac or its salts.

Permeability and diffusion coefficients of single methyl lactate enantiomers in Nafion® and cellophane membranes measured in diffusion cell

A two-compartment horizontal diffusion cell of own construction was used to measure the permeability and diffusion coefficients for the test system toluene in low density polyethylene (LDPE) and for chiral d- and l-methyl lactates in Nafion® and cellophane. The solvent was chosen such that it was not absorbed in the membrane. The evaluation process was developed to include the accumulation of the solute in the membrane or the change in the membrane thickness. There is a significant difference between the transport and sorption of methyl lactates in Nafion® and cellophane, respectively. The methyl lactate enantiomers show a comparable relative difference (50% approximately) in the case of the mass sorption and permeability coefficient values in Nafion® and therefore very similar values of diffusion coefficients, but a tenfold higher permeability coefficient of one enantiomer in comparison with the second one in cellophane while sorption coefficient is, again, different by 50% approximately in this case resulting in fifteenfold higher diffusion coefficient of one enantiomer. Furthermore, there is an opposite difference between the mass sorption and swelling of the membrane in the case of methyl lactate enantiomers in Nafion®: d-methyl lactate shows a higher mass sorption but lower areal swelling compared with the results of l-methyl lactate in Nafion® in the case of dilute solutions. A possible explanation for this fact is that d-methyl lactate fits like a puzzle piece into Nafion’s secondary or primary structure and that l-methyl lactate molecules cause more extensive stretching of polymer backbones due to specific force actions. Despite of the observed chiral membrane properties, chiral resolution of racemic mixture of methyl lactates was not reached.

Effect of volatiles versus exudates released by germinating spores of Gigaspora margarita on lateral root formation

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi influence the root system architecture of their hosts; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Ectomycorrhizal fungi influence root architecture via volatiles. To determine whether volatiles also play a role in root system changes in response to AM fungi, spores of the AM fungus Gigaspora margarita were inoculated on the same plate as either wild type (WT) Lotus japonicus, the L. japonicus mutant Ljcastor (which lacks the symbiotic cation channel CASTOR, which is required for inducing nuclear calcium spiking, which is necessary for symbiotic partner recognition), or Arabidopsis thaliana, separated by cellophane membranes (fungal exudates experiment), or on different media but with a shared head space (fungal volatiles experiment). Root development was monitored over time. Both germinating spore exudates (GSEs) and geminated-spore-emitted volatile organic compounds (GVCs) significantly promoted lateral root formation (LRF) in WT L. japonicus. LRF in Ljcastor was significantly enhanced in the presence of GVCs. GVCs stimulated LRF in A. thaliana, whereas GSEs showed an inhibitory effect. The expression profile of the genes involved in mycorrhizal establishment and root development were investigated using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis. Only the expression of the LjCCD7 gene, an important component of the strigolactone synthesis pathway, was differentially expressed following exposure to GVCs. We conclude that volatile organic compounds released by the germinating AM fungal spores may stimulate LRF in a symbiosis signaling pathway (SYM)- and host-independent way, whereas GSEs stimulate LRF in a SYM- and host-dependent way.

The pH dependence of the cellulosic membrane permeation of tetracycline antibiotics

Tetracyclines are an important class of antibiotic and also emerging environmental contaminants. Concern has been expressed about their accumulation by plants, enabling entry into the food chain. Tetracyclines are amphoteric substances, existing in anionic, zwitterionic or cationic forms depending on solution pH, but little is known of how this acid–base speciation affects diffusive uptake by plants. To investigate this, cellophane was used as a model of the cellulosic walls surrounding plant cells. Results from a cellophane-equipped static diffusion cell with tetracycline, oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline at pH 3.80 and 6.98 indicated membrane control of diffusion rather than aqueous layer control, meaning permeability increases with compound lipophilicity. Individual trans-membrane diffusion coefficients for the various acid–base forms of tetracycline and oxytetracycline were determined for the first time, with those of the cationic form the largest. This is attributed to coulombic attraction between the cationic form and negative charge on the cellophane membrane surface. If this also occurs in plant roots, enhanced tetracycline uptake from soil would occur as interstitial water pH decreases, since the proportion of the cationic form increases under these conditions. Similar pH-dependent behavior has been observed for tetracyclines with other membranes containing a charged carrier molecule or possessing surface charges. These results contribute to our understanding of how plants uptake antibiotics and similar contaminants and may have important environmental implications.

Novel Polymeric Prodrugs of Valproic Acid as Anti- Epilepsy Drugs: Synthesis, Characterization and <i>In-vitro</i> Evaluation

Purpose: To synthesize and evaluate, in-vitro , novel polymeric prodrugs of valproic acid (VPA) for antiepileptic activity. Methods: Homopolymer of 4-chloromethyl styrene (CMS) and its copolymers with various acrylic-type monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate were prepared by free radical polymerization method. VPA was then covalently linked to the obtained polymers by treating CMS polymers with sodium valproate. All the compounds were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H and 13 C-NMR), elemental analyses, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The release of VPA from polymeric prodrugs was studied using cellophane membrane dialysis bags containing aqueous buffer solutions (pH 1, 7 and 10) at 37 o C. The quantity of released drug was detected by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. Results: 1H-NMR and elemental analyses data for calculating mole composition of CMS polymers were relatively in good agreement. FT-IR and NMR data for the polymeric prodrugs showed attachment of drug substituents to phenyl rings of CMS units via methylene spacer. The drug-release profiles indicated that selective hydrolysis of ester bond between the drug and the polymer backbone is strongly dependent on polymer hydrophilicity and the pH of the hydrolysis solution. Conclusion: The synthesized VPA polymeric prodrugs may be cost-effective compounds for release of VPA in vivo when formulated as controlled release systems. Keywords: 4-Chloromethyl Styrene, Valproic Acid, Polymeric Prodrugs, Controlled Release, Hydrolysis

Studies on enhancing operational stability of a reusable laccase-based biosensor probe for detection of ortho-substituted phenolic derivatives.

An amperometric principle-based biosensor containing immobilized enzyme laccase from Trametes versicolor was developed for detection of ortho-substituted phenolic derivatives. Different immobilization methods for Trametes versicolor laccase enzyme on cellophane membrane and the enhancement of operational stability of the immobilized enzyme electrode using various protein-based stabilizing agents were studied. Among tested methods of immobilization, co-cross-linking method with bovine serum albumin was superior to the other methods in terms of sensitivity, limit of detection, response time, and operating and thermal stability. Biosensor response reached steady state within 3 min and exhibited maximum activity at 45 °C and pH 6.8. The sensitivity of the ortho-substituted phenols for the test biosensor developed with co-cross-linking method of immobilization using bovine serum albumin as the protein-based stabilizing agent was in the order: 2-aminophenol > guaiacol(2-methoxyphenol) > catechol(2-hydroxyphenol) > cresol(2-methyl phenol) > 2-chlorophenol. Validation of the newly developed biosensor by comparison with HPLC showed good agreement in the results. A newly developed biosensor was applied for quantification of ortho-substituted phenols in simulated effluent samples.

Cellulose-Based Membranes for Solutes Fractionation

This work was focused on investigation of industrial cellophane film as a membrane material for solvent nanofiltration. The effect of conditioning of cellophane membranes by stepwise changing of composition of ethanol-water binary mixtures (from ethanol to water and from water to ethanol) was studied. It was shown that such treatment leads to an increase of ethanol permeability more than two orders of magnitude over initial untreated film samples. Treated cellophane membranes possess the ethanol permeability coefficient comparable with the values for highly permeability glassy polymers. Investigation of cellophane swelling in water ethanol solutions allowed to conclude that during the treatment formation of porous in the film takes place due to increase of inter chain distances. Observed high ethanol permeability connected with the fact that formed porous structure remains after the replacement of water with ethanol. Also it was shown that rejection coefficients of a number of dyes (MW 350) were in good agreement with the degree of hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity and ability of the solvent to form hydrogen bonding with the solute molecules. It was demonstrated that cellulose-based membranes can be complimentary for other type of the membranes in fractionation of multi-components solutions.

고추 탄저병에 대한 보르도액의 방제 효과

Abstract It was conducted to evaluate the control efficacy of Bordeaux mixture on pepper anthracnose invitro and in vivo. The suppressive efficacy of Bordeaux mixture on mycelial growth and spore germination ofColletotrichum acutatum was investigated on PDA, cellophane membranes and pepper fruits, respectively.Furthermore, its control value was evaluated on detached pepper fruits inoculated with C. acutatum by woundand non-wound inoculation method, and in fields. The mycelial growth of C. acutatum JC24 was inhibited by90.0% on PDA amended with 937 µg mL −1 of Bordeaux mixture. While the spore germination of C.acutatum JC24 was inhibited perfectly on cellophane membranes treated at 187 µg mL −1 of Bordeaux mixture,that on fruits inoculated with the pathogen by wound inoculation and non-wound inoculation method wasinhibited by 88.1% and 91.3%, respectively. Although the control value on fruits treated with 937 µg mL −1 ofBordeaux mixture was 17.6% in wound inoculation method, it was 58.8% in non-wound inoculation method.In fields, when Bordeaux mixture was sprayed five times at 14 day-intervals, it showed 55.7% and 61.7% ofcontrol value in 2012 and 2013, respectively. We think Bordeaux mixture was able to use as an eco-friendlyorganic farming material to control pepper anthracnose based on the above-mentioned results.Key words Bordeaux mixture, eco-friendly organic farming material, pepper anthracnose

Development of Albendazole Nanosuspension by Various Techniques

Albendazole, an anthelmintic drug belonging to BCS class II, has poor bioavailability. Bioavailability is dissolution rate dependent and hence needs novel approach for enhancement of bioavailability. The aim of the study was to develop nanosuspension of albendazole by using various techniques like nanoprecipitation, emulsion template and sonication. Nanosuspensions were prepared using polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 as a stabilizer and Tween 80 as a surfactant. Average particle size, zeta potential, particle size distribution, pH, viscosity, photomicrography, sedimentation, redispersibility and % drug content were determined to characterize prepared nanosuspensions. In vitro release study was performed in 0.1N HCl using cellophane membrane and compared with marketed product. Residual solvent determination was carried out by gas chromatography for nanosuspensions prepared by nanoprecipitation and emulsion template techniques. All the results obtained for characterization were satisfactory. The prepared nanosuspensions showed particle size 673±9.18 nm to 893±21.6 nm, zeta potential -8.70±0.5mV to -8.96±0.8, polydispersity index 0.204±0.04 to 0.644±0.07. In vitro release study of the nanosuspensions showed 33.80% to 42.92% drug release in first hour which was higher than the marketed suspension (16.19% release in first hour). The optimized nanosuspensions showed up to 97.05 % drug release within 6-8 hours while marketed product showed up to 91.03% drug release within 10 hours. Keywords: Albendazole, bioavailability, dissolution, emulsion template, nanoprecipitation, sonication.

Formulation of sage essential oil (Salvia officinalis, L.) monoterpenes into chitosan hydrogels and permeation study with GC-MS analysis

This study deals with the formulation of natural drugs into hydrogels. For the first time, compounds from the sage essential oil were formulated into chitosan hydrogels. A sample preparation procedure for hydrophobic volatile analytes present in a hydrophilic water matrix along with an analytical method based on the gas chromatography coupled with the mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed and applied for the evaluation of the identity and quantity of essential oil components in the hydrogels and saline samples. The experimental results revealed that the chitosan hydrogels are suitable for the formulation of sage essential oil. The monoterpene release can be effectively controlled by both chitosan and caffeine concentration in the hydrogels. Permeation experiment, based on a hydrogel with the optimized composition [3.5% (w/w) sage essential oil, 2.0% (w/w) caffeine, 2.5% (w/w) chitosan and 0.1% (w/w) Tween-80] in donor compartment, saline solution in acceptor compartment, and semi-permeable cellophane membrane, demonstrated the useful permeation selectivity. Here, (according to lipophilicity) an enhanced permeation of the bicyclic monoterpenes with antiflogistic and antiseptic properties (eucalyptol, camphor and borneol) and, at the same time, suppressed permeation of toxic thujone (not exceeding its permitted applicable concentration) was observed. These properties highlight the pharmaceutical importance of the developed chitosan hydrogel formulating sage essential oil in the dermal applications.

StSTE12 is required for the pathogenicity of Setosphaeria turcica by regulating appressorium development and penetration

In filamentous fungi, the pathogenic mitogen-activated protein kinase (PMK) pathway performs an important function in plant infection. STE12-like genes found in higher eukaryotes encode transcription factors and are regulated by the PMK pathway. However, the functions of STE12-like genes in foliar pathogens remain poorly understood. In this study, we cloned StSTE12 from Setosphaeria turcica and investigated its functions by RNA interference. Transformants ste12-3, ste12-2 and, ste12-1, in which the StSTE12 silencing efficiency increased in order, were confirmed by real time PCR. Compared with the wild-type (WT) strain, the transformants showed reduced growth rate, lighter colony color, and obviously decreased conidium production. More importantly, different to WT strain and ste12-3 with lower StSTE12silencing efficiency, ste12-1 and ste12-2 with higher StSTE12 silencing efficiency were nonpathogenic on intact leaves, but pathogenic on wounded leaves. However, the biological activity of HT-toxin from all transformants showed no difference on corn leaves. Furthermore, ste12-1 and ste12-2 did not penetrate artificial cellophane membrane and showed abnormal and delayed development appressoria. Although it could penetrate the cellophane membranes, ste12-3 formed appressoria after 48h of inoculation more than WT. Therefore, StSTE12 was involved in vegetative growth, conidiation, appressorial development, penetration as well as the pathogenicity, but it was not related to HT-toxin biosynthesis. More interestingly, all the results suggested that StSTE12 was crucial for pathogenicity due to involvement in regulating appressoria development and penetration.

Novel immobilized Cu+2 ion grafted cellophane membranes for affinity separation of His-Tag Chitinase

Two kinds of immobilized Cu+2 ion grafted cellophane membrane were prepared using methacrylic acid (MAA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The affinity grafted membranes were tested in separation of His-Tag Chitinase enzyme from BSA-protein mixture. PMAA grafted membranes show a higher affinity than PMMA grafted ones towards the separation of Chitinase enzyme. Both types of affinity membranes show almost the same desorption capability for both proteins with small advantage for PMAA grafted affinity membranes. No leakage of Cu+2 ions was detected during the protein elution process. The characters of the obtained Cu+2 immobilized grafted membranes recommended them as novel immobilized metal affinity membranes (IMAMs) for His-Tag protein separation and presenting a solution for the metal ion leakage problem; the main reason for limiting the use of metal ion affinity chromatography technique.

Functional characterization of the gene FoOCH1 encoding a putative α-1,6-mannosyltransferase in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC) is the causal agent of banana Fusarium wilt and has become one of the most destructive pathogens threatening the banana production worldwide. However, few genes related to morphogenesis and pathogenicity of this fungal pathogen have been functionally characterized. In this study, we identified and characterized the disrupted gene in a T-DNA insertional mutant (L953) of FOC with significantly reduced virulence on banana plants. The gene disrupted by T-DNA insertion in L953 harbors an open reading frame, which encodes a protein with homology to α-1,6-mannosyltransferase (OCH1) in fungi. The deletion mutants (ΔFoOCH1) of the OCH1 orthologue (FoOCH1) in FOC were impaired in fungal growth, exhibited brighter staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-Concanavalin A, had less cell wall proteins and secreted more proteins into liquid media than the wild type. Furthermore, the mutation or deletion of FoOCH1 led to loss of ability to penetrate cellophane membrane and decline in hyphal attachment and colonization as well as virulence to the banana host. The mutant phenotypes were fully restored by complementation with the wild type FoOCH1 gene. Our data provide a first evidence for the critical role of FoOCH1 in maintenance of cell wall integrity and virulence of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense.

Comparative Study of Acoustical and Transport Properties of Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Acetonitrile

Ultrasonic velocity, density and viscosity of different concentrations of aqueous solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and acetonitrile (ACN) have been studied at 298.15 K. From the experimental data various acoustical parameters such as Free volume Vf , Relaxation time τ, Gibb's free energy ∆G, Absorption coefficient α/f 2 have been evaluated. Also hydrodynamic flow studies of different concentrations of experimental solvents through commercially available Acroshield TM H 69008 composite cellophane membrane are described and used to evaluate transport properties such as permeability coefficient Lp and frictional coefficient Fwm. The acoustical parameters of different concentrations of aqueous solutions of DMSO and ACN were correlated with their transport properties. The results are discussed in the light of intermolecular interactions occurring in the solutions and also in terms of interactions between membrane and solution.

Propolis organogel as a novel topical delivery system for treating wounds

Context: Propolis has traditionally been used in curing infections and healing wounds and burns.Objective: The aim of this study is to formulate pluronic lecithin organogel of propolis to improve its availability and antimicrobial activity.Materials and methods: Different organogels were prepared by using soybean lecithin, isopropyl palmitate, pluronic F127 and water. The effect of quantity of lecithin and pluronic F127 and percentage of oil phase was investigated. The organogels were evaluated for appearance, texture, pH, drug content and viscosity. In vitro release studies were carried out using cellophane membrane. Drug permeation through abdominal rat skin from organogels that showed high % drug release was compared to that from propolis suspension in distilled water. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the selected propolis formulation against different bacterial isolates was compared with that of propolis suspension in water.Results and discussion: Results showed that all organogel formulations except the formula containing 10% pluronic F127, showed acceptable physical properties. Drug content of organogel formulations was in the range of 97.5–100.2%. The pH of the formulations was in the range of 5.5–6.3 that suits the skin pH, indicating skin compatibility. The viscosity was in the range of 5366–8984 cp. A significant decrease in drug release from formulations was observed with increase in concentration of lecithin and pluronic F127. Decreasing oil phase percentage to 20% w/w led to a decrease in drug release from the formulation.Conclusion: The formula containing 3% lecithin and 20% pluronic F127 exhibited superior skin permeation and antimicrobial activity over propolis suspension in water.

Formulation and evaluation of topical gel of aceclofenac

Topical gel formulations of Aceclofenac were prepared using these polymers such as Carbopol‐934, Carbopol‐941, HPMC, Poloxamer 407 in different concentration for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The gels were evaluated for various parameters such as homogeneity, grittiness, skin irritancy, extrudability, in vitro drug release, viscosity(Brooke field viscometer), pH, drug content, stability studies. The in vitro release rate of gel was evaluated using Franz diffusion cell containing cellophane membrane with phosphate buffer pH 7.4 as the receptor medium. The release rate of the gel was found to obey Higuchi model. The percentage of drug release follow following order Poloxamer-407> HPMC> Carbopol-940>Carbopol-934. Keywords: Aceclofenac, carbopol, poloxamer hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, anti inflammatory activity.

Surface activity and self-aggregation ability of three cationic quaternized aminocalix[4]arenes

The self-aggregation ability of three amphiphilic cationic calix[4]arenes possessing four quaternary amino groups (aminoCAs) was investigated using a variety of methods. All of the studied compounds possess high aggregation ability. Their critical aggregation concentration (CAC) values in water are in the 0.0009–0.04 % (w/v) concentration range. Several size populations of aggregates were detected by DLS for all three CAs, and restructuring of aggregates was observed to be dependent on concentration. Particles formed above CAC were attributed to formation of vesicular structures (vesicles). The coexistence of other type of aggregates (presumably micelles) with vesicles was observed in the aqueous solution of CAs 2 and 3 from concentrations of 0.5 and 0.8 % (w/v), respectively. The filtration procedure was found to be a significant factor since the obtained data from filtered and unfiltered samples was different. The particle sizes obtained by TEM measurements were somewhat correlated with the DLS data for unfiltered CAs solutions. An analysis of the aggregate composition was undertaken by a size-exclusion method using semi-permeable cellophane membranes with different MWCO. A negative deviation from linearity of permeability flux profile starting from 0.8 % (w/v) concentration of donor phase indicated that the fraction of large aggregates at this point is significant enough that the molecules could not easily permeate through the membranes.