Micelle Formation Research Articles

Pluronics® F68 and D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate 1000 tailored self-assembled mixed micelles to improve oral bioavailability of oleanolic acid: in vitro and in vivo characterization.

Oleanolic acid (OA) ischaracterized by its low water solubility, poor permeability and majorly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes in the intestinal tract, particularly CYP3A, which contribute to the low oral bioavailability. OA has multiple pharmacological actions including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antiviral effects. OA classified as a BCS IV drug which have restricted its potential clinical application. In this study D-α-Tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) and Pluronics F68 based stabilized OA loaded mixed micellar system (OA-MMs) developed to improve the solubility and permeability. Mixed micelles were characterized by dynamic light scattering studies as a function of temperature, salt addition, and OA solubilisation followed byXRD, FE-SEM and IR analysis confirmed the formation of stabilized OA-MMs with the least size and PDI (10.041 ± 1.35nm, 0.313 ± 0.012). Scattering studies results demonstrates the formation of stable micelles with no significant alterations insize upon salt addition (up to 150mM NaCl), OA incorporation (up to 150 mM) and temperature rise till 40°C.Solubility of the pure OA and OA-MMs was found to be 0.042mg/ml and 1.98mg/ml. The % cumulative release of drug from alone OA, OA + TPGS and OA-MMs was found to be 4.363 ± 0.025%, 57.18 ± 0.034% and 92.269 ± 0.017% respectively up to 24h. Single-pass intestinal perfusion studies (SPIP) showed that Ka and Peffective of OA-MMs was improved30 fold as compared with that of pure OA and this was mainly due to the improved permeability and inhibitory effect of Pluronic F68 on CYP3A. The in vivo Pharmacokinetic study showed that Cmax increased markedly from 12.76 to 20.49 and 39.17µg/ml in case of OA alone, OA + TPGS and OA-MMs. Parallel to the Cmax there was an increase in the AUC0-24133.68 to 164.56 and 296.50 respectively. All of the produced OA-MMs formulation's results demonstrated a notable increase in OA's bioavailability through increased permeability and solubility along with metabolic inhibition OA.

INTERMOLECULAR ACTIVITIES OF CURCUMIN WITH IONIC AND NON - IONIC SURFACTANT MODERATED THROUGH PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

In this study, the effects of curcumin's intermolecular interactions with ionic (CTAB) and non-ionic (SDS) surfactants on important physicochemical characteristics, including density, viscosity, pH, and conductivity at 310.15 K, are examined. The purpose of the study is to comprehend the effects of surfactants on the stability, solubility, and molecular behavior of curcumin in aqueous solutions. Because CTAB is cationic, it establishes significant electrostatic contacts with curcumin, increasing its molecular stability and solubility, according to experimental data. However, SDS stabilizes curcumin through hydrophobic interactions, though not as well as CTAB. Micelle formation is indicated by changes in density and viscosity, which modify molecular packing and the strength of interactions. Variations in pH imply that curcumin's interaction with surfactants influences proton dynamics, especially in solutions containing CTAB. The total physicochemical environment is impacted by ion mobility, which is influenced by surfactant-mediated micelle production, as confirmed by conductivity trends. These results demonstrate how surfactants may increase the bioavailability of curcumin for use in food, medicine, and cosmetics. The study opens the door for improved formulations in drug delivery and related disciplines by highlighting the significance of surfactant selection in improving curcumin's physicochemical properties. KEYWORDS:- Curcumin, Surfactant ,CTAB, SDS, Intermolecular Properties

Structure and dynamics of phytantriol-glycerol mesophases: Insights into the reverse micelle to lamellar phase transition

Abstract Lipidic mesophases (LMPs) are lyotropic liquid crystals formed by the self-assembly of lipid in water, offering diverse phase symmetries with unique physicochemical properties. However, a fundamental understanding of how the dynamics relate to the composition and structure remains limited. In this study, we substitute water with glycerol, which closely resembles the headgroup structure of phytantriol, as the solvent to explore phytantriol-based LMPs in a pure glycerol environment. The non-crystallizing nature of both phytantriol and glycerol enables phase studies at sub-zero temperatures. Combined small-angle x-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry analyses confirm the formation of reverse micelles (L2), which undergo a phase transition to lamellar phase (Lα) upon cooling. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) reveals how the dynamics of phytantriol are governed by the composition and symmetry of the LMP: Increased glycerol content decreases the relaxation time of the Debye- and α‍-‍relaxation, therefore exerting a plasticizing effect. The change in long-range order of phytantriol during the L2 – Lα phase transition reveals a decrease of the conductivity relaxation time. The introduction of a net orientation of phytantriol further reveals a new relaxation process—the dipole-matrix interaction—exclusive to the Lα phase. Our results highlight the value of combining BDS with structural and thermal analyses for a deeper understanding of the dynamics in soft matter systems.

Assessing Modes of Toxic Action of Organic Cations in In Vitro Cell-Based Bioassays: the Critical Role of Partitioning to Cells and Medium Components.

High-throughput cell-based bioassays can fulfill the growing need to assess the hazards and modes of toxic action (MOA) of ionic liquids (ILs). Although nominal concentrations (Cnom) are typically used in an in vitro bioassay, freely dissolved concentrations (Cfree) are considered a more accurate dose metric because they account for chemical partitioning processes and are informative about MOA. We determined the Cfree of IL cations in AREc32 and AhR-CALUX assays using both mass balance model (MBM) prediction and experimental quantification. Partition coefficients between membrane lipid-water (Kmw), serum albumin-water (Kalbumin/w), and cell-water (Kcell/w) as well as potential confounding factors (binding to a test plate and micelle formation) were determined to improve the MBM prediction. IL cations showed a higher affinity for both cell lines than that predicted by the MBM based on Kmw and Kalbumin/w. Their affinity for the AhR-CALUX cells was more than 1 order of magnitude higher than for the AREc32, signifying cell line-specific affinity. The MBM with an experimental Kcell/w accurately predicted Cfree. Evaluating cytotoxicity based on Cfree eliminated the leveling off of toxicity observed for hydrophobic IL cations (side chain cutoff), suggesting that Cnom underestimates the effects of compounds with high affinity for the assay medium. Cell membrane concentrations calculated from Cfree using Kmw were compared to the critical membrane burden to identify whether IL cations act as baseline toxicants. The IL cations carrying 16 carbons in the chain in the AREc32 assay and most of the IL cations in the AhR-CALUX assay were classified as excess toxicants. However, since the reasons for the deviation of experimental Kcell/w from MBM prediction remain unexplained, it is uncertain whether the cell membrane concentrations can be well predicted from Kmw used in this study. Therefore, future studies should aim to uncover the underlying causes of differing cell affinities observed across cell lines and model predictions.

A fluorescent probe based on scopoletin-3-carboxylic acid: pH and micellization evaluation

A fluorescent probe based on scopoletin-3-carboxylic acid: pH and micellization evaluation

GenX degradation mechanism using 2-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide under UV-LED irradiation through micelle formation.

GenX degradation mechanism using 2-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide under UV-LED irradiation through micelle formation.

Physicochemical characteristics of dietary fiber polysaccharides extracted from Murraya koenigii leaves and their functional role on gut homeostasis.

Physicochemical characteristics of dietary fiber polysaccharides extracted from Murraya koenigii leaves and their functional role on gut homeostasis.

Gynura procumbens leaf extract-loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery system offers enhanced protective effects in the hepatorenal organs of the experimental rats.

Gynura procumbens, known as longevity spinach, is a plant traditionally used in tropical Asian countries for its anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-hypertensive, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. The current study aimed to enhance the hepatorenal protective activity of Gynura procumbens leaf extract (GLE) by developing a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS). SMEDDS-GLE exhibited the formation of small micelles with a mean droplet size of 231 nm. This resulted in a significant enhancement in the dispersion of GLE in water, as evidenced by a dispersibility that was at least 4.8 times greater than that of GLE alone. In the rat model of hepatic injury induced by cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg, i.p.), the administration of SMEDDS-GLE (75 mg-GLE/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced liver damage, observed by histological examination and reduced levels of plasma biomarkers associated with hepatic injury. Furthermore, according to histological examination findings and plasma biomarkers assessment, SMEDDS-GLE enhanced the nephroprotective benefits of GLE in the rat model of acute kidney injury. Based on these findings, a strategic application of the SMEDDS-based approach could be a viable choice to enhance GLE's nutraceutical properties.

Gemini Surfactants and Their Role in Enhancing Industrial and Environmental Applications

Gemini surfactants have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their unique molecular structure and low critical micelle concentration (CMC), which confer superior surface activity and multifunctional properties. These surfactants have found broad applications in industries such as oil extraction, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, and daily chemical products, driven by their biodegradability, low toxicity, and environmental compatibility. This review explores the structure, synthesis methods, and key properties of Gemini surfactants, highlighting their advantages in reducing surface tension, enhancing micelle formation, and improving antibacterial and emulsifying effects. Additionally, it discusses their application in fields like oil recovery, drug delivery, and material synthesis, as well as their role in flotation processes and leather treatment. While Gemini surfactants offer numerous benefits, challenges such as high production costs and purification difficulties limit their broader market adoption. Looking ahead, advancements in synthesis technology and environmentally sustainable designs are expected to drive further development and industrial application of these surfactants, contributing to greener and more efficient production processes across diverse sectors.

Hydrophobic Nanostructured Coatings of Colloidal Lignin Particles Reduce Nutrient Leaching and Enhance Wheat Agronomic Performance and Nutritional Quality.

Traditional farming practices are increasingly being replaced with more sustainable approaches, including the development of slow-release fertilizers (SRFs), to mitigate environmental stress and ensure food security for the ever-growing global population. Despite the rising focus on eco-friendly materials like biopolymers for fertilizer coatings, optimizing their hydrophobicity remains a significant challenge. In this context, nanotechnology offers a promising route toward achieving hydrophobicity and sustainability. In this study, hydrophobic colloidal lignin particles (20-50 nm) were synthesized using a straightforward acid precipitation method involving the coprecipitation of lignin (LGe) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). This strategy aimed to reduce particle size, enhance stability, and increase hydrophobicity by incorporating the nonpolar SDS alkyl chains onto the surface of the nanomicelles. TEM and STEM microscopy confirmed the formation of core-shell hybrid micelles, which were incorporated into a cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) matrix at various ratios to produce a series of waterborne coating formulations and films. The spherical morphology and new surface features, along with their integration into an interpenetrating cross-linked network, led to the formation of nanostructured coating films with good hydrophobicity (WCA ∼ 106.1°) and slow biodegradability in soil. When applied to diammonium phosphate (DAP) granular fertilizer, the coatings revealed good interfacial adhesion, enhanced hardness (2.5-fold), and improved water-holding capacity in soil (18%). Most importantly, a 100 day nutrient leaching study revealed an impressive nutrient-release longevity, showing a 75% reduction in N-P leaching. Subsequently, these SRFs were evaluated in a 6 month wheat (Triticum aestivum)) cultivation trial across different soil textures, demonstrating substantial enhancements in leaf area (150-200%), total root length (160%), biomass production (575%), grain yield (115-264%), and quality-related parameters. These findings highlight a robust solution for addressing nutrient deficiencies and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, especially for crops with extended growth cycles, while inspiring novel nanostructured coatings for broader applications.

A physicochemical investigation of the complex formation by β-cyclodextrin with Triton X-100 and Triton X-114 and their aggregation behaviour in aqueous solution: an experimental approach.

The complexation behavior and binding affinity of Triton X-100 (TX-100) and Triton X-114 (TX-114) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were extensively studied in an aqueous medium using a comprehensive suite of experimental techniques. These techniques allowed for the evaluation of key physicochemical parameters, including critical micelle concentration (cmc), aggregation number (Nagg), Stern-Volmer constant, and particle size distribution. These metrics were instrumental in understanding the underlying mechanism of the host-guest interaction between β-CD and Triton-X. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) data provided strong evidence for the formation of inclusion complexes, demonstrating significant hydrophobic interactions between the hydrophobic regions of Triton-X and the cavity of β-CD. The disruption of micellar structures, caused by β-CD encapsulating the hydrophobic moieties of the surfactants, was clearly observed. This process also resulted in an increased CMC, further underscoring the impact of β-CD on the aggregation behavior of the surfactants. To quantify the interaction, the Benesi-Hildebrand method was utilized to determine the stoichiometry and binding constants of the β-CD/Triton-X complexes. The results confirmed a well-defined 1 : 1 binding mode, indicating the precise incorporation of the surfactant's hydrophobic tails into the β-CD cavity while leaving the hydrophilic regions exposed to the aqueous environment. This selective binding mechanism alters the thermodynamics of micellization and disrupts the native micellar equilibrium of the surfactant systems. This systematic and comparative investigation is among the few studies that thoroughly examine the interactions between Triton-X surfactants and β-CD. Such research not only enhances our understanding of these complexes, but also reveals their significant potential for various applications. In drug delivery, for example, β-CD/Triton-X complexes can improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. In supramolecular chemistry, these complexes serve as model systems for studying host-guest interactions and self-assembly processes. Furthermore, their ability to modulate surfactant behaviour opens avenues for their use in material science, cosmetics, and industrial formulations, where precise control over micelle formation and aggregation is essential. This study underscores the versatility and utility of β-CD in interacting with non-ionic surfactants, offering insights that can be applied to other amphiphilic systems and paving the way for innovative applications in diverse fields.

Amino acid Gemini surfactants: a review on their synthesis, properties and applications

Abstract The modern surfactant industry demands more efficient and environmentally friendly products as environmental regulations become more stringent. Amino acid Gemini surfactants (AAGSs), as the emerging green surfactants of amino acid surfactants, together with the Geminis, which consist of two or more amphiphilic moieties chemically linked by a spacer group, are the most reliable of these efficient green chemicals. With the diversity of structure and topological configuration of the spacer group, AAGSs have stronger aggregation ability and multifarious molecular configuration and aggregation morphology. They are used in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, daily chemicals, oil recovery and environmental treatment. This review contains detailed discussions on the synthesis of AAGSs from natural and non-natural sources using reactions such as Hofmann alkylation and Schotten-Baumann condensation. The physicochemical properties such as low CMC, good emulsification, different micelle forms, high biodegradability, antibacterial ability and biocompatibility are presented. Future research directions of AAGSs are also suggested, including their optimized synthesis, clarification of structure-performance relationships, and exploration of new applications in a wider range of fields.

Hydrolyzed soy protein nanoparticles designed for VD3 delivery: VD3 incorporation and remodeling behavior during digestion matters.

Hydrolyzed soy protein nanoparticles designed for VD3 delivery: VD3 incorporation and remodeling behavior during digestion matters.

Spontaneous Formation of Micelles and Vesicles in Langmuir Monolayers of Heneicosanoic Acid.

In Langmuir monolayers of heneicosanoic acid (C21H42O2), at low temperature, in the L'2 and CS crystalline phases, a blinking phenomenon occurs at the same positions of the monolayer, which is called localized oscillations (LO), but its origin has not been clarified. In this study, the LO phenomenon was correlated with the ejection of material out of the monolayer which was analyzed to understand this phenomenon. The techniques used for this purpose were pressure-area isotherms on a Langmuir balance and simultaneous observation of the monolayer by Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). Subsequently, using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, the monolayers were transferred using freshly cleaved mica substrates for analysis by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our results showed that the origin of the LO is related to a spontaneous formation of micelles and vesicles, since in AFM images these structures were observed in a size range from 4 to 16 nm. In addition, the AFM images showed that the difference between the heights of the L'2 and CS crystalline phases ranges from 13 to 15 Å.

Reinforcement of Carbazole-Based Self-Assembled Monolayers in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells.

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with excellent hole conduction capabilities significantly improve the performance of inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the amphiphilic nature of SAMs causes the spontaneous formation of spherical micelles in solution, limiting their surface coverage and uniformity on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates. Furthermore, the distribution of the SAMs directly affects the morphology of perovskite films and the charges transfer properties at the buried interface. This study employs a cosolvent strategy combining n-butanol and dimethyl sulfoxide to improve the uniform spreading of SAMs on ITO. The synergistic interaction between the solvent molecules smooths the surface of [2-(3,6-dimethoxy-9H-carbazol-9-yl) ethyl] phosphonic acid (MeO-2PACz) and enhances its surface coverage. The cosolvent based MeO-2PACz has the characteristics of concentrated surface potential distribution and high work function, exhibiting uniform and enhanced P-type behavior. Additionally, the cosolvent-treated SAMs provide uniform nucleation sites for the crystallization of perovskite, effectively eliminating void defects at the buried interface and improving the crystallinity of perovskite films. Consequently, the optimized device achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.51% and a fill factor of 84.38%. Furthermore, the ordered SAMs improve the stability of PSCs, with encapsulated device retaining 92.63% of its initial PCE after operating for 1500 h under simulated AM 1.5G standard irradiation in air at 65 °C.

Cloud Point Extraction as an Environmentally Friendly Technique for Sample Preparation

Cloud point extraction is a sample preparation technique that involves using surfactants that are not harmful to the environment. It is based on micelle formation in which the extracted compound is encapsulated in the hydrophobic core of the micelles, which are the extracting agent. The most commonly used surfactants are nonionic. The others are anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic. The effectiveness of cloud point extraction might be enhanced by the addition of neutral salts, the application of proper pH, as well as acidic conditions and temperature. This sample preparation technique may be applied to extract analytes from the following matrices, such as biological and environmental samples. Cloud point extraction may be combined with various analytical techniques and detectors such as HPLC-UV, HPLC-MS, HPLC-FLD, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry, gas chromatography, and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. When it is combined with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, the limit of quantitation is low—even of the order of ng/L. The recovery of the analyte may reach the value of 100%.

Multifunctional Zwitterionic N-Oxide Polymers to Overcome Cascade Physiological Barriers for Efficient Anticancer Drug Delivery.

For efficient anticancer drug delivery, cascade physiological barriers must be overcome, which requires the drug delivery vehicles to possess different or even opposite properties at different stages. Poly(tertiary amine-oxide) (PTAO) polymers with the zwitterionic feature have distinct antifouling properties in blood circulation, which can be reduced and protonated in hypoxic tumors to promote cellular internalization. Nevertheless, the effects of various PTAO structures have not been studied systemically and optimized. In this report, the side groups of PTAO are proposed to be optimized by modulating the structures. Poly(2-(N-oxide-hexamethyleneimino)ethyl methacrylate) (POC7A) with a cyclic seven-membered ring is screened as the optimized PTAO structure for in vivo applications. Moreover, the block copolymer POC7A-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (POC7A-PCL) is prepared for the formation of micelles in aqueous solution for delivery of doxorubicin (DOX). The zwitterionic nature of POC7A shells with efficient bioreductive activity and protonation in the tumor microenvironment endows the micelles with excellent antifouling properties for long blood circulation, efficient tumor accumulation, deep penetration, and effective cellular internalization. Thus, the DOX-loaded micelles exhibit potent antitumor efficacy after intravenous administration. Zwitterionic POC7A can be used as antifouling shells of the anticancer drug delivery nanocarriers to overcome the cascade physiological barriers efficiently.

BPS2025 - Formation of micelles in IDPs: Insights from molecular simulations

BPS2025 - Formation of micelles in IDPs: Insights from molecular simulations

Interaction of Remalan Brilliant Blue R dye with n-alkyltrimethylammonium chloride surfactants: conductometric and spectroscopic investigations.

Micellization behaviour, thermodynamics and dye-surfactant interactions are the main topics of this investigation into the relationship between Remalan Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye and n-alkyltrimethylammonium chloride (C n TAC; n = 12, 14, 16 and 18) surfactants. Conductometric analysis revealed that the critical micelle concentration decreased with increasing alkyl chain length, suggesting that longer chains formed better micelles. Due to electrostatic interactions, spectrophotometric analyses revealed notable alterations in RBBR absorption following contact with C n TAC. Benesi-Hildebrand and Scott equations were used to compute the binding constant (K b), which increased with chain length, indicating stronger dye-micelle interactions. The spontaneous interactions between RBBR and micelles were confirmed by thermodynamic analysis, which showed negative Gibbs free energy values (ΔG). The stability of dye-micelle complexes is attributed to hydrophobic forces, as seen by the greater negative ΔG that was produced by longer alkyl chains. Interestingly, increased surfactant concentrations changed equilibrium and decreased dye adsorption by breaking up pre-formed RBBR-C n TAC complexes. These results highlight how important the length of the alkyl chain is for micelle formation, thermodynamic parameters and dye-surfactant interactions. As the length of the chain grew, the sequence of RBBR binding strength was found to be C12TAC < C14TAC < C16TAC < C18TAC.

Interplay between cosurfactants and electrolytes for worm-like micelles formation

Interplay between cosurfactants and electrolytes for worm-like micelles formation