Solvatochromic Fluorescent Probes Research Articles

Novel aminoquinoline-based solvatochromic fluorescence probe: Interaction with albumin, lysozyme and characterization of amyloid fibrils

A novel aminoquinoline derivative (AQ) was synthesized and applied as a solvatochromic fluorescent probe to study proteins and their alterations. AQ is not fluorescent in aqueous solution but has its fluorescence quantum yield significantly increased upon binding to albumin. The generation of an induced circular dichroism signal in AQ confirmed the complexation. The Job's plot method revealed an 1:1 stoichiometry for the host-guest complex. The binding constant was determined by AQ fluorescence increase (2.7 × 105 mol−1 L) and by protein intrinsic fluorescence quenching (5.1 × 105 mol−1 L). The displacement of AQ from albumin by warfarin and ibuprofen showed that Sudlow's drug site-I is the preferential binding site. By applying the Bilot-Kawski solvatochromic model to the spectral shifts of fifteen solvents, the microenvironment dielectric constant at albumin site-I was estimated (ε = 14.8). In agreement, the average fluorescence lifetime of AQ complexed with albumin (6.11 ns) was close to dichloromethane (6.53 ns) and acetone (6.34 ns), which have dielectric constants of 8.9 and 21.0, respectively. Albumin was thermically treated to formation of amyloid fibril aggregates. AQ was able to differentiate the altered and native protein. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-induced aggregation of lysozyme to amyloid fibril was also efficiently detected by the AQ fluorescence increase. AQ was as efficient as the chromogenic bromocresol purple in the quantitative analysis of albumin. In conclusion, AQ can be considered a new solvatochromic fluorescent probe with several potential applications.

Stilbene-Based Two-Photon Thermo- Solvatochromic Fluorescence Probes with Large Two-Photon Absorption Cross Sections and Two- Photon Triple Fluorescence: Detection of Solvent Polarities, Viscosities, and Temperature

The unusually sensitive solvatochromism of 2,5-dicyano-4-methyl-4’-dimethylaminostilbene (P1) whose emission maximum varies from 445 nm in cyclohexane to 641 nm in DMSO are described. 1a with remarkably large two-photon cross sections exhibits very strong polarity-, viscosity-, and temperature-dependence of fluorescence, and can be used to detect polarities, viscosities, and temperature. The successful application of P1 provides a brilliant prototype for the developments of ideal two-photon fluorescence probes.

Tuning the position of head groups by surfactant design in mixed micelles of cationic and carbohydrate surfactants

HypothesisEmerging applications of carbohydrate/cationic surfactant mixtures require not only synergistic mixing, but also accessible sugar headgroups at the exterior of micelles. A previous study showed that the glucoside headgroups of octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside aggregate at the interior of mixed micelles with equimolar cetyltrimethylammonium bromide rather than mixing with trimethylammonium groups at the corona. The current study tests the hypothesis that structural characteristics of the surfactants (the relative lengths of the alkyl tails and the type of linker) can be tuned to shift the carbohydrate groups to micelle surfaces. ExperimentsThe structural arrangement of 30 mM equimolar mixed micelle solutions in D2O is investigated using NMR. The dynamics in different regions are probed using 1H spin-lattice (T1) and spin-spin (T2) relaxation measurements, and relative positioning by nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY). Additional micellar properties are determined using solvatochromic fluorescent probes. FindingsMatching surfactant alkyl tail lengths is found ineffective at “pushing out” the carbohydrate headgroups due to a large mismatch in interactions between the headgroups and D2O. However, inserting a novel polar triazole group between the carbohydrate head group and the hydrophobic tail (e.g. in n-octyl-β-d-xylopyranoside) using click chemistry is able to “pull out” the carbohydrate, thus giving accessible sugar moieties at the surface of mixed micelles.

Local environment inside a novel aromatic micelle investigated by steady-state and femtosecond fluorescence spectroscopy of an encapsulated solvatochromic probe.

The local environment within a recently developed anthracene-shelled micelle (ASM), which is a micelle-like nanocapsule composed of anthracene-embedded amphiphiles, was investigated by steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy of an encapsulated solvatochromic fluorescent probe molecule, coumarin 153 (C153). The absorption maximum of encapsulated C153 (452 nm) is more red-shifted than that of free C153 in water, indicating a highly polar environment inside the micelle. Despite this, the fluorescence Stokes shift of encapsulated C153 (∼3700 cm-1) is substantially smaller than that of free C153 in water. Femtosecond time-resolved broadband fluorescence measurements further showed that the dynamic Stokes shift is completed within 1 ps, revealing that the reorganization of the micelle interior following photoexcitation of the C153 probe is characterized by a sub-picosecond, limited-amplitude response. The femtosecond fluorescence anisotropy data showed that the orientational diffusion of the host-guest complex is slower (860 ps) than that of the empty micelle (510 ps), suggesting that the micelle structure is flexible enough to expand when the guest molecule is accommodated and that the micelle rotates with the encapsulated guest molecule. This softness of the micelles further allows some of them to simultaneously encapsulate two C153 molecules, as evidenced by the appearance of blue-shifted, H-dimer-like absorption and fluorescence bands. Based on these steady-state and femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopic data, we discuss the electronic state of C153 and micelle structure as well as the host-guest interaction in this novel flexible synthetic nanocapsule.

Elucidation of μs dynamics of domain-III of human serum albumin during the chemical and thermal unfolding: A fluorescence correlation spectroscopic investigation

The local structural dynamics and denaturation profile of domain-III of HSA against guanidine hydrochloride (GnHCl) and temperature has been studied using a coumarin based solvatochromic fluorescent probe p-nitrophenyl coumarin ester (NPCE), covalently tagged to Tyr-411 residue. By the steady state, time-resolved and single molecular level fluorescence studies it has been established that the domain-III of HSA is very sensitive to GnHCl but somewhat resistant to temperature and the domain specific unfolding proceeds in an altered way as compared to the overall unfolding of HSA. While the overall denaturation of HSA is a two-state process for both GnHCl and heat, domain-III adopts two intermediate states for GnHCl induced denaturation and one intermediate state for temperature induced denaturation. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopic investigation divulges the conformational dynamics of domain-III of HSA in the native, intermediates and denatured state.

Solvatochromic fluorescent probes for recognition of human serum albumin in aqueous solution: Insights into structure-property relationship

Human serum albumin (HSA) as the most abundant protein in human blood plasma, serves many physiological functions. The dysregulation of HSA in serum or in urine is associated with various diseases, such as cirrhosis of liver, multiple myeloma, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, to quantify HSA in body fluids with high selectivity and sensitivity is of great significance for disease diagnosis and preventive medicine. We herein developed a series of amide-functionalized flavonoids probes, 1–3, for recognition of human serum albumin. All flavonoids could be easily prepared by a Claisen-Schmidt condensation and Algar-Flynn-Oyamada reaction, and showed positive solvatochromism on their dual emissions. The chemical structure of flavonoids played an important role on their HSA-sensing abilities. Among three probes, the compound 1 showed the highest sensitivity, the remarkable selectivity, and the quantitive response for HSA in aqueous solution. Together with its high tolerance of environmental pH, anti-interference properties, and time-insensitivity, thus it provides a promising sensing method for HSA.

Thermodynamic and aggregation behavior of aqueous tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide in the presence of the hydrophobic ionic liquid 3-methyl-1-pentylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate

The micellization behavior of the cationic surfactant, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) with the ionic liquid (IL) 3-methyl-1-pentylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C5mim][PF6] has been investigated using conductometric and spectroscopic techniques. Addition of different wt.% of [C5mim][PF6] to aqueous TTAB solution results in an increase in cmc as well as a decrease in aggregation number (Nagg). The cmc and degree of counterion dissociation (α) of the aqueous solution of TTAB containing different amounts of [C5mim][PF6] have been determined at various temperatures by means of electrical conductivity. The two popular solvatochromic fluorescence probes pyrene and pyrene-1-carboxaldehyde have been used in order to confirm cmc and to calculate Nagg. The preferential site of localization of IL molecules in TTAB micelles was assessed using 1H NMR spectroscopy. In general, [C5mim][PF6] shows an inhibitory effect on the formation of micelles of TTAB and leads to an increase in cmc. The results obtained through conductance measurements are well supported by spectral studies, viz. fluorescence and NMR.

Modeling absorption and fluorescence solvatochromism with QM/Classical approaches

The applications of solvatochromism have enormously increased in the last years especially when combined with the use of fluorescence‐based techniques. By conjugating solvatochromic fluorescent probes to biologically relevant systems, the functions, activities, and interactions of such species in the context of living systems can be studied with spatial and temporal resolution. It is therefore of large interest to have theoretical methods and computational tools able to predict the sensitivity in both absorption and fluorescence properties of molecular probes to the environment. Here, we present the current status of the multiscale strategy based on the combination of quantum chemistry with classical models. Potentials and limitations of the approach are discussed and an outlook on future developments is given with emphasis on the role that solvation dynamics can play. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Characterization of M-laurdan, a versatile probe to explore order in lipid membranes

Microdomains corresponding to localized partition of lipids between ordered and less ordered environments are the subject of intensive investigations, because of their putative participation in modulating cellular responses. One popular approach in the field consists in labelling membranes with solvatochromic fluorescent probes such as laurdan and C-laurdan. In this report, we describe a high-yield procedure for the synthesis of laurdan, C-laurdan and two new fluorophores, called MoC-laurdan and M-laurdan, as well as their extensive photophysical characterization. We find that the latter probe, M-laurdan, is particularly suited to discriminate lipid phases independently of the chemical nature of the lipids, as measured by both fluorescence Generalized Polarization (GP) and anisotropy in large unilamellar vesicles made of various lipid compositions. In addition, staining of live cells with M-laurdan shows a good stability over time without any apparent toxicity, as well as a wider distribution in the various cell compartments than the other probes.

Characterization of M-laurdan, a versatile probe to explore order in lipid membranes

Microdomains corresponding to localized partition of lipids between ordered and less ordered environments are the subject of intensive investigations, because of their putative participation in modulating cellular responses. One popular approach in the field consists in labelling membranes with solvatochromic fluorescent probes such as laurdan and C-laurdan. In this report, we describe a high-yield procedure for the synthesis of laurdan, C-laurdan and two new fluorophores, called MoC-laurdan and M-laurdan, as well as their extensive photophysical characterization. We find that the latter probe, M-laurdan, is particularly suited to discriminate lipid phases independently of the chemical nature of the lipids, as measured by both fluorescence Generalized Polarization (GP) and anisotropy in large unilamellar vesicles made of various lipid compositions. In addition, staining of live cells with M-laurdan shows a good stability over time without any apparent toxicity, as well as a wider distribution in the various cell compartments than the other probes.

Characterization of M-laurdan, a versatile probe to explore order in lipid membranes.

Microdomains corresponding to localized partition of lipids between ordered and less ordered environments are the subject of intensive investigations, because of their putative participation in modulating cellular responses. One popular approach in the field consists in labelling membranes with solvatochromic fluorescent probes such as laurdan and C-laurdan. In this report, we describe a high-yield procedure for the synthesis of laurdan, C-laurdan and two new fluorophores, called MoC-laurdan and M-laurdan, as well as their extensive photophysical characterization. We find that the latter probe, M-laurdan, is particularly suited to discriminate lipid phases independently of the chemical nature of the lipids, as measured by both fluorescence Generalized Polarization (GP) and anisotropy in large unilamellar vesicles made of various lipid compositions. In addition, staining of live cells with M-laurdan shows a good stability over time without any apparent toxicity, as well as a wider distribution in the various cell compartments than the other probes.

Comparison of α-Synuclein and Amyloid Beta Membrane Interactions

α-synuclein (αSyn) and amyloid beta (1-42) peptide (Aβ) are the main constituents of pathological deposits in the midbrain of individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease respectively. Defining the interactions of αSyn and Aβ with membranes is essential for understanding the neurotoxicity caused by mutations and/or overexpression.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint SlideWe performed a systematic in vitro study of the effects of membrane charge, phase, curvature, defects and lipid unsaturation on αSyn and Aβ binding using model vesicles and proteins labeled with a new solvatochromic fluorescent probe. The probe’s emission spectrum strongly depends on the membrane properties, allowing clear discrimination of the protein bound to vesicles of different composition that enables measurements of the kinetics of αSyn migration between membranes of different compositions [1]. The interaction of αSyn with vesicular membranes is fast and reversible while the membrane binding of Aβ is mainly kinetically controlled and competes with aggregation. By introducing the probe at different positions of αSyn and Aβ we were able to estimate the relative immersion of different protein domains into membrane, and its changes depending on membrane composition and lipid-to-protein ratio.[1] Shvadchak, et al., J. Biol. Chem., (2011).

Specificity and Kinetics of α-Synuclein Binding to Model Membranes Determined with Fluorescent Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) Probe

Parkinson disease is characterized cytopathologically by the deposition in the midbrain of aggregates composed primarily of the presynaptic neuronal protein α-synuclein (AS). Neurotoxicity is currently attributed to oligomeric microaggregates subjected to oxidative modification and promoting mitochondrial and proteasomal dysfunction. Unphysiological binding to membranes of these and other organelles is presumably involved. In this study, we performed a systematic determination of the influence of charge, phase, curvature, defects, and lipid unsaturation on AS binding to model membranes using a new sensitive solvatochromic fluorescent probe. The interaction of AS with vesicular membranes is fast and reversible. The protein dissociates from neutral membranes upon thermal transition to the liquid disordered phase and transfers to vesicles with higher affinity. The binding of AS to neutral and negatively charged membranes occurs by apparently different mechanisms. Interaction with neutral bilayers requires the presence of membrane defects; binding increases with membrane curvature and rigidity and decreases in the presence of cholesterol. The association with negatively charged membranes is much stronger and much less sensitive to membrane curvature, phase, and cholesterol content. The presence of unsaturated lipids increases binding in all cases. These findings provide insight into the relation between membrane physical properties and AS binding affinity and dynamics that presumably define protein localization in vivo and, thereby, the role of AS in the physiopathology of Parkinson disease.

Ratiometric imaging of gastrodermal lipid bodies in coral–dinoflagellate endosymbiosis

Cnidaria–dinoflagellate endosymbiosis is the phenomenon of autotrophic symbionts living inside the gastrodermal cells of their animal hosts. The molecular mechanism that regulates this association remains unclear. Using quantitative microscopy, we now provide evidence that the dynamic lipid changes in gastrodermal “lipid bodies” (LBs) reflect the symbiotic status of the host cell and its symbiont in the hermatypic coral Euphyllia glabrescens. By dual-emission ratiometric imaging with a solvatochromic fluorescent probe, Nile red (9-diethylamino-5H-benzo[α]phenoxazine-5-one), we showed that the in situ distribution of polar versus neutral lipids in LBs in living gastrodermal cells and symbionts can be analyzed. The ratio of Nile red fluorescence at red (R) versus green (G) wavelength region (i.e., R/G ratio) correlated with the relative molar ratio of polar (P) versus neutral (NP) lipids (i.e., P/NP ratio). The R/G ratio in host LBs increased after bleaching, indicating a decrease in neutral lipid accumulation in gastrodermal cells. On the other hand, neutral lipid accumulation inside the symbiont LBs resulted in gradual decreases of the R/G ratio as a result of bleaching. In comparison with the bleaching event, there was no relative lipid concentration change in host LBs under continual light or dark treatments as shown by insignificant R/G ratio shift. Patterns of R/G ratio shift in symbiont LBs were also different between corals undergoing bleaching and continual light/dark treatment. In the latter, there was little lipid accumulation in symbionts, with no resulting R/G ratio decrease. These results, demonstrating that the symbiotic status positively correlated with morphological and compositional changes of lipid bodies, not only highlight the pivotal role of LBs, but also implicate an involvement of lipid trafficking in regulating the endosymbiosis.

Binding of 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate to lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase studied by fluorescence techniques

The solvatochromic fluorescent probe 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) has been used to study the hydrophobicity and conformational dynamics of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). The ANS to LCAT binding constant was estimated from titrations with ANS, keeping a constant concentration of LCAT (2 μM). Apparent binding constant was found to be dependent on the excitation. For the direct excitation of ANS at 375 nm the binding constant was 4.7 μM −1 and for UV excitation at 295 nm was 3.2 μM −1. In the later case, not only ANS but also tryptophan (Trp) residues of LCAT is being excited. Fluorescence spectra and intensity decays show an efficient energy transfer from tryptophan residues to ANS. The apparent distance from Trp donor to ANS acceptor, estimated from the changes in donor lifetime was about 3 nm and depends on the ANS concentration. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence emission and anisotropies have been characterized. The lifetime of ANS bound to LCAT was above 16 ns which is characteristic for it being in a hydrophobic environment. The ANS labeled LCAT fluorescence anisotropy decay revealed the correlation time of 42 ns with a weak residual motion of 2.8 ns. These characteristics of ANS labeled LCAT fluorescence show that ANS is an excellent probe to study conformational changes of LCAT protein and its interactions with other macromolecules.

Concentration-Dependent Dual Behavior of Hydrophilic Ionic Liquid in Changing Properties of Aqueous Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

Modifying physicochemical properties of aqueous surfactant solutions in favorable fashion by addition of environmentally benign room-temperature ionic liquids (ILs) has enormous future potential. Due to its unusual properties, an IL may demonstrate a unique role in altering the properties of aqueous surfactant solutions. Changes in the properties of aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), an anionic surfactant, upon addition of a common and popular "hydrophilic" ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [bmim][BF4] are presented. Addition of low concentrations of [bmim][BF4] (i.e., <or=2 wt %) to aqueous SDS results in a decrease in critical micelle concentration (cmc) as well as an increase in aggregation number (N(agg)) and average micellar size. An increase in dipolarity and a decrease in microfluidity of the micellar phase is reported by solvatochromic fluorescence probes pyrene and 1,3-bis-(1-pyrenyl)propane as up to 2 wt % [bmim][BF4] is added to aqueous SDS. The IL is observed to behave similarly to common electrolytes in the concentration range 0 < [bmim][BF4] <or= 2 wt %. A further increase in [bmim][BF4] concentration to 30 wt % results in an increase in cmc which is accompanied by a decrease in N(agg) and average micellar size. Change in the microfluidity of the micellar phase is observed to become insignificant in this concentration range. Evidence of the presence of micellar aggregates at such high concentration of [bmim][BF4] is furnished by dynamic light scattering. The role of an IL in altering the properties of aqueous SDS in the range 2 wt % < [bmim][BF4] <or=30 wt % is similar to those of polar cosolvents. The concentration-dependent dual role of the IL [bmim][BF4] in altering physicochemical properties of aqueous SDS is demonstrated.

Modulating properties of aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate by adding hydrophobic ionic liquid

Altering and modifying important physicochemical properties of aqueous surfactant solutions is highly desirable as far as potential applications of such systems are concerned. Changes in the properties of aqueous solutions of a common anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) are assessed in the presence of a common and popular ‘hydrophobic’ ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (bmimPF 6). Upon addition of up to ∼ 0.10 wt % bmimPF 6, a dramatic decrease in critical micelle concentration (cmc) is accompanied by an increase in the degree of counterion dissociation ( α) and micellar aggregation number ( N agg ) indicating micellar growth. However, in the range 0.10 wt% ⩽ bmimPF 6 ⩽ 2.00 wt%, relatively gradual decrease in α and N agg is observed along with no change in cmc. Significantly decreased microfluidity of the aqueous SDS solutions on addition of bmimPF 6 is indicated by a fluorescence microviscosity probe 1,3- bis-(1-pyrenyl)propane which suggests partitioning of bmimPF 6 into the SDS micellar phase. Behavior of solvatochromic fluorescence probes, pyrene, pyrene-1-carboxaldehyde, and 2-( p-toluidino)naphthalene-6-sulfonate, confirms interaction, and possible complexation, between IL bmimPF 6 and anionic micellar surface. Increased solubility of bmimPF 6 with increasing SDS concentration further confirms SDS-bmimPF 6 interactions. Presence of strong electrostatic attraction between bmim + and anionic micellar surface is proposed to be the most dominant reason for these observations. All-in-all, unique role of a hydrophobic ionic liquid bmimPF 6 in modifying the properties of aqueous anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate is demonstrated.

Comparison of Dansylated Aminopropyl Controlled Pore Glass Solvated by Molecular and Ionic Liquids

We compare how (i) four ionic liquids (ILs) (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C4mim][BF4]), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C4mim][Tf2N]), 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C4mpy][Tf2N]), and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([P(C6)3C14][Tf2N])) and (ii) two conventional molecular liquids (methanol and 1-octanol) solvate/wet luminescent organic moieties that are covalently attached to the surface of silica controlled pore glass (CPG). A series of aminopropyl CPG particles that have been covalently tagged with the solvatochromic fluorescent probe group dansyl were used in this study. The results demonstrate that ILs solvate/wet the silica surface differently in comparison to molecular liquids (MLs). Specifically, when comparing ILs and MLs that appear to solvate the free probe, dansylpropylsulfonamide (DPSA), equally in solution, we find that ILs do not solvate/wet the silica surfaces as well as the corresponding MLs. The cation component in these ILs is the significant factor in how the ILs solvate/wet silica surfaces. Solvation/wetting of surface-bound species at a silica surface depends on the cation size. Chlorosilane end-capping of the surface silanol and amine residues attenuates the cation's affects.

Lipoplexes formed from sugar-based gemini surfactants undergo a lamellar-to-micellar phase transition at acidic pH. Evidence for a non-inverted membrane-destabilizing hexagonal phase of lipoplexes

The present study aims at a better understanding of the mechanism of transfection mediated by two sugar-based gemini surfactants GS1 and GS2. Previously, these gemini surfactants have been shown to be efficient gene vectors for transfection both in vitro and in vivo. Here, using Nile Red, a solvatochromic fluorescent probe, we investigated the phase behavior of these gemini surfactants in complexes with plasmid DNA, so-called lipoplexes. We found that these lipoplexes undergo a lamellar-to-non-inverted micellar phase transition upon decreasing the pH from neutral to mildly acidic. This normal (non-inverted) phase at acidic pH is confirmed by the colloidal stability of the lipoplexes as shown by turbidity measurements. We therefore propose a normal hexagonal phase, H I, for the gemini surfactant lipoplexes at acidic endosomal pH. Thus, we suggest that besides an inverted hexagonal (H II) phase as reported for several transfection-potent cationic lipid systems, another type of non-inverted non-bilayer structure, different from H II, may destabilize the endosomal membrane, necessary for cytosolic DNA delivery and ultimately, cellular transfection.

Phase behavior of laundry surfactants in polar solvents

AbstractLaundry surfactants are usually mixtures of ionic and nonionic detergents that exhibit a complex phase behavior. Here the ternary phase behavior of an isotropic and a liquid crystalline (LC) surfactant mixture has been examined in water/solvent systems. The size of the LC area in the ternary phase diagram was correlated to solvent parameters including the dielectric constant and the Gordon cohesiveness parameter. The Gordon parameter was found to have a linear relationship with the amount of solvent needed to go from an LC to an isotropic state over a wide range of solvents from polar to apolar. For solvents in which no surfactant aggregation (micellar or inverted micellar) is expected, the size of the LC area is linear with the reciprocal of the dielectric constant of the solvent. On diluting practical detergent liquids with water, a large LC area can be avoided by using solvents with a relatively low dielectric constant and with a relatively low molecular weight.The aggregated state of the surfactant mixtures in the isotropic regions of the phase diagram was studied using the solvatochromic fluorescent probe Nile Red. In the water corner of the phase diagram, the surfactants are aggregated into micelles. In strongly polar solvents, such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, formamide, and ethanolamine, the surfactants are also aggregated into micelles. In somewhat less polar solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, and t‐butanol, the surfactant molecules are randomly distributed. In the surfactant‐rich corner of the phase diagram of the isotropic mixture, the surfactant forms inverted micelles. An inverted micelle‐to‐micelle transition could be observed on dilution in ethylene glycol as a discontinuity in the trend of the Nile Red fluorescence maxima.