AbstractThe interaction of oleic acid, as an anionic detergent, with cellulase has been investigated using different techniques (surface tension, turbidity and FTIR). The surface tension measurements show that the CMC of the oleic acid-cellulase mixture is lower than that of the individual components. The interaction in this case is defined as attractive and the mixture exhibits synergism. Also, it is found that the area per molecule for the oleic acid/cellulase mixed isotherm is lower than area of the pure oleic acid. This decrease in the area/molecule is due to the arrangement of cellulase molecules in-between the oleic acid chains. Turbidity measurements indicate the formation of two complexes. Complex 1 is obtained at low oleic concentrations (< 10−4 M) with compact size giving a high turbidity. Complex 2 is formed at higher oleic concentrations (> 10−4 M) where the formed aggregates were precipitated and the turbidity was decreased. The changes in the FTIR spectrum features of cellulase after oleic acid addition indicate an interaction between cellulase and oleic acid in their mixture.