Structure Of Micelles Research Articles

Effect of sodium hexametaphosphate on heat-induced changes in micellar casein isolate solutions

Micellar casein isolate (MCI) solutions (9%, w/w, casein; pH 6.7) containing 0, 12 or 24 mEq L−1 sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) were subject to three different thermal treatments: in-container sterilisation (121 °C for 8 min) and two different continuous flow sterilisation treatments (124 °C for 5 min and 140 °C for 5.8 s). Samples were analysed after 1–60 d storage at 20 and 40 °C for pH, calcium ion activity, turbidity, particle size, viscosity and protein and mineral distribution. SHMP-induced casein micelle disruption in untreated samples was apparent from reductions in turbidity, particle size and increases in sedimentable caseins and calcium, and from strong increases in viscosity. After heating, the pH and viscosity decreased strongly due to the heat-induced hydrolysis of SHMP. SHMP altered casein micelle structure, but during heat treatment and storage, samples with SHMP showed good stability.

A berberine induced disassembly towards zwitterionic surfactant as mimicking cell membrane for light-scattering sensing and logic devices

A label-free light-scattering sensor for berberine determination was developed based on Gemini zwitterionic surfactant as logic devices. Amphiphilic phosphodiesters quaternary ammonium nanoparticles (PQANPs) with bionic phosphate ester structure were selected as a model for mimicking cell membrane. PQANPs self-assembled and formed the micelle structure, emitting strong light-scattering signal. Interestingly, the addition of berberine induced remarkable decrease of light-scattering attribute to its interfering behavior of PQANPs aggregation. Disassembly of PQANPs could be triggered due to electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic force between PQANPs and berberine. The berberine attached to the PQANPs surface and generated nanocomposites, resulting in significant reduce of light-scattering signal. Hence, it generated a strong light-scattering signal variation according to the change of the concentration of target. Our proposed light-scattering on-off sensor could be applied for berberine detection with detection limit of 27 nM. Moreover, a logic gate system was constructed based on PQANPs sensor with berberine and the interfering substances as the inputs and the light-scattering intensity as an output, which could hold great potential application in future clinical diagnosis and drug analysis.

Impacts of iron rust particle and weak alkalinity on surfactant micelle structure and drag reduction ability.

The surfactant drag reduction effect fades away in practical pipe flow mainly due to the weakly alkaline environment and existence of iron rust in solution. Based on our previous work, this phenomenon is further investigated in the present study. Our results show that both impacts of weak alkalinity and iron rust on micelle structure cause a decrease in the surfactant drag reduction ability. The impact of weak alkalinity on the micelle structure is much more direct and powerful compared with that of iron rust, and consequently, there is a big difference in the destroying degrees of the two impacts on the surfactant drag reduction ability. When the factors of weak alkalinity and iron rust coexist in solution, their impacts on the surfactant micelle structure and drag reduction are mutually independent due to their different impact mechanisms. Finally, the methods for eliminating the impact of weak alkalinity and iron rust on surfactant drag reduction performance are provided.

The structural changes of a bovine casein micelle during temperature change; in situ observation over a wide spatial scale from nano to micrometer.

Bovine milk is the complex colloidal system containing nano to micrometer scale components. Earlier, our research group reported the structural changes in bovine casein micelles in the temperature range of 10-40 °C by in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) [H. Takagi, T. Nakano, T. Aoki and M. Tanimoto, Food Chem., 2022, 393, 133389]. In this study, we extend our previous research by investigating the temperature-associated structural alterations in casein micelles over a wide spatial scale using in situ SAXS and ultra-SAXS (USAXS). Furthermore, the temperature dependences of various physical properties of the casein micelles were investigated by analyzing the SAXS intensities. The USAXS results showed that micelles formed 1-dimensional aggregates and that these aggregate structures did not change in the temperature range of 10-40 °C. Changes in electron densities calculated from SAXS intensities showed that the voluminosity reduced and the weight fraction of protein inside the micelles increased during the heating process. The number of water domains in a micelle decreased when the temperature increased from 10 to 40 °C, but did not substantially change in the cooling run at a rate of 1 °C min-1. The number of colloidal calcium phosphate (NCCP) in a micelle can also be calculated from the SAXS intensities; NCCP increases upon heating. This study on the behavior of casein micelles with respect to temperature change in milk over a wide spatial scale showed that the casein micelle structure was sensitive to temperature and can change dramatically with temperature variations.

Phase composition and phase equilibrium diagrams as the Evidence of the Colloidal State of melts

One of the most extensively studied silicate systems with complete miscibility in the solid and liquid state – albite (Ab)-anorthite (An) system – has been analyzed in detail. It has been established that the commonly accepted system and interpretation rules for these diagrams do not match their graphic representation. Calculations have proved the colloidal state of the “solid” phase on the solidus. Actual data support the colloidal (liquid) state of the solidus phase below the solidus and eutectic point. Crystallization in multicomponent systems, at least in silicate melts, has been shown to be based on the sol coagulation mechanism. Thus, silicate solid phases, even those of fixed composition, have no particular melting point. They consolidate and melt within a temperature band. The bandwidth is subject to the system composition that predetermines the micelle structure and directly affects coagulation and peptization processes.

Mesoscopic Simulations of Diselenide-Containing Crosslinked Doxorubicin-Loaded Micelles and Their Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Release Behaviors

There is currently limited research on the structure-property relationship of reduction stimuli-responsive polymeric crosslinked micelles using mesoscopic simulations. Herein, dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations were used to simulate the self-assembly process of the blank non-crosslinked micelle, the structure and doxorubicin (DOX) distribution of diselenide crosslinked micelle with different crosslinker contents (CCs) based on the nearest-neighbor bonding principle. The results revealed that the formation of a three-layer spherical micelle and the loaded DOX mainly distributed in the polycaprolactone (PCL) core and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) mesosphere. The larger the dosage of DOX, the more DOX encapsulated, but the encapsulation of DOX in the hydrophobic domain would reach saturation when the dosage increased to 6.0 %. In micelles with lower CCs or crosslinking levels (CLs), DOX entered the middle layer and the inner core faster. Then, based on the nearest media-bead bond breaking principle and subsequently DPD simulation, the effects of different CCs on the micelle structure and DOX release properties were investigated. Low CC could cause fast drug release. With the increase of CCs, the micelle showed a slower DOX release trend. The multilayer crosslinked network system also affected the DOX release rate. Hence, this work can provide some mesoscale guidance for the structural design and structure-property relationship of stimuli-responsive reversible crosslinked micelles for drug delivery.

PH-dependent sedimentation and protein interactions in ultra-high-temperature-treated sheep skim milk

Sheep milk is considered unstable to UHT processing, but the instability mechanism has not been investigated. This study assessed the effect of UHT treatment (140°C/5 s) and milk pH values from 6.6 to 7.0 on the physical properties of sheep skim milk (SSM), including heat coagulation time, particle size, sedimentation, ionic calcium level, and changes in protein composition. Significant amounts of sediment were found in UHT-treated SSM at the natural pH (∼6.6) and pH 7.0, whereas lower amounts of sediment were observed at pH values of 6.7 to 6.9. The proteins in the sediment were mainly κ-casein (CN)-depleted casein micelles with low levels of whey proteins regardless of the pH. Both the pH and the ionic calcium level of the SSM at all pH values decreased after UHT treatment. The dissociation levels of κ-, β-, and αS2-CN increased with increasing pH of the SSM before and after heating. The protein content, ionic calcium level, and dissociation level of κ-CN were higher in the SSM than values reported previously in cow skim milk. These differences may contribute to the high amounts of sediment in the UHT-treated SSM at natural pH (∼6.6). Significantly higher levels of κ-, β-, and αS2-CN were detected in the serum phase after heating the SSM at pH 7.0, suggesting that less κ-CN was attached to the casein micelles and that more internal structures of the casein micelles may have been exposed during heating. This could, in turn, have destabilized the casein micelles, resulting in the formation of protein aggregates and high amounts of sediment after UHT treatment of the SSM at pH 7.0.

Self-Assembled Teicoplanin Micelles as Amphotericin B Nanocarrier

Teicoplanin (Teico) is an antimicrobial agent that spontaneously forms micelles in aqueous media. In this work, we characterized the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles formed by the interaction of Teico with Amphotericin B (AmB). Teico-AmB micelles structure spontaneously in aqueous media, with a particle size of 70–100 nm and a zeta potential of -28 mV. Although the characterization of these nanostructures yielded satisfactory results, in vitro cytotoxicity tests showed high toxicity. Based on this, adding cholesterol to the formulation was evaluated to try to reduce the toxicity of the drug. These Teico-AmB-Chol nanostructures have a larger size, close to 160 nm, but a lower polydispersity index. They also showed strongly negative surface charge and were more stable than Teico-AmB, remaining stable for at least 20 days at 4 °C and 25 °C and against centrifugation, dilution, freezing, lyophilization and re-suspension processes with a recovery percentage of AmB greater than 95%, maintaining their initial size and zeta potential. These Teico-AmB-Chol micelles show lower cytotoxic effect and higher biological activity than Teico-AmB, even than Amfostat® and Ambisome® formulations. These two new nanoparticles, with and without Chol, are discussed as potential formulations able to improve the antifungal therapeutic efficiency of AmB.

Study of structure of nonaqueous reverse micelles with o-nitroaniline and methyl orange as molecular probes: comparison with an aqueous reverse micelles

Abstract Instead of water reversed micelles can also be formed with polar organic solvents possessed with high dielectric constant and very low solubility in oil phase. Nonaqueous reverse micelles or microemulsions represent an interesting microreactors for various reactions, especially for reactions, where reagents can react with water. Study of localization places of molecular probes in organic polar pockets of reverse micelles is topical. The solvatochromic behavior of optical probes ortho-nitroaniline (o-NA) and methyl orange (MO) was studied in nonaqueous reverse micelles on the basis of surfactants sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) and polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether (C12E4) and polar organic solvents (acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, glacial acetic acid, etc.) insoluble in oil phase hexane. The strength of binding of o-NA and MO to AOT and C12E4 reversed micelles was assesssed via binding constant (K b ) and association degree (α) respectively. Donor, acceptor, or dipole-dipole interactions ability of the solvent to the head groups of surfactant was taken into account in order to explain results obtained with UV–visible spectroscopic method. The binding constants of o-NA with reverse AOT micelles in the presence of various solvents in the pockets of reversed micelles increase in the following row water < glacial acetic acid < acetonitrile < dimethylformamide < dimethyl sulfoxide, but this sequence is reversed when o-NA binds to C12E4 reverse micelles. The high value of the proton donor or acidity parameter in the water molecule (x d = 0.37) determines the weak binding of o-NA to the head AOT groups (K b = 20.8) in case of aqueous reverse micelles. The high value of the dipole parameter in the dimethylformamide molecule (x n = 0.40) promotes its strong interaction with nonionic polyoxyethylene groups of C12E4, which results in low value of binding constant (K b = 26.5) in case of optical probe o-NA and low value of association degree (α = 0.60) using MO as absorption probe. The results of this article will contribute to the improvement of the concept of interfacial processes, viz.: (i) some issues of supramolecular chemistry, (ii) revealing the contribution of parameters of donor, acceptor or dipole-dipole interaction in a polar organic solvent at the surfactant/nonpolar organic solvent interface, and (iii) features of the dissolution of optical probes in non-aqueous reverse micelles.

Optimization of the Technique for Obtaining Selenium Nanoparticles Stabilized with Cocamidopropyl Betaine.

With the aim of optimizing the technique for the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles stabilized with cocamidopropyl betaine, a multifactorial experiment with three input parameters and three levels of variation was carried out. The selenous acid, cocamidopropyl betaine, and ascorbic acid concentrations were considered as input parameters. The output parameters were the average hydrodynamic radius of the particles (r av) and ζ-potential. Photon correlation spectroscopy analysis revealed monomodal size distribution in all the samples. It was shown that the average hydrodynamic radius is most strongly influenced by the concentrations of selenous and ascorbic acids. The minimal size of the selenium nanoparticles (r av ≤ 20 nm) is achieved at selenous acid concentration of 0.05 to 0.15 M and at ascorbic acid concentrations of 0.0332 to 0.5 M. Acoustic and electroacoustic spectroscopy examination showed that the technique proposed allows formation of both positively (ζ-potential = +29.71 mV) and negatively (ζ-potential = -2.86 mV) charged nanoparticles. It was found that the ζ-potential of the selenium nanoparticles depends very heavily on the concentrations of the stabilizer and of selenous acid. For obtaining positively charged selenium nanoparticles the selenous acid concentration should not exceed 0.15 M and the cocamidopropyl betaine concentrations should be greater than 0.12 M. Negatively charged selenium nanoparticles are formed at selenous acid concentrations above 0.15 M and at cocamidopropyl betaine concentration under 0.12 M. The micelle structure for the positively charged and negatively charged selenium nanoparticles was proposed.

Dielectric Relaxation of Ion-pairs, Micelles and Hydration in Aqueous Hexyltrimethylammonium Bromide Solutions

Through dielectric measurements of aqueous n-hexyltrimethylammonium bromide solutions, the structure and dynamics of ion-pairs, micelles, and water are investigated as functions of concentration and temperature. The frequency range of the study was ∼ 0.2 ≤ν/GHz ≤ 89, and the concentrations were changed from 0.0448 to 0.8476 mol.dm−3 at 298.15 K. The effects of temperature (278.15 ≤ T/K ≤ 338.15) on two selected solutions with concentrations above and below the critical micelle concentration were examined. A summation of three Debye processes fits the complex permittivity data of solutions with concentrations below the critical micelle concentration. To fit the spectra above the critical micelle concentration, a summation of five Debye processes is needed. Below the critical micelle concentration, solutes relax due to the tumbling motion of solvent-shared ion pairs. The two micelle relaxation processes that have been seen are the result of free and bound counter ions tangentially and radially diffusing around the charged micelles. Maxwell-Wagner relaxation is equivalent to the high frequency micelle relaxation process. Both the solvent and micelle dispersion provide acceptable volume fractions. Hexyltrimethylammonium behaves like higher n-alkyltrimethylammonium micelles in the context of micelle relaxation. Before critical micelle concentration, the cations, anions, and ion pairs strongly hydrate a total of ∼18 ± 4 non-rotational water molecules. Beyond the critical micelle concentration, there are an additional ∼ 5 ± 2 non-rotational water molecules in addition to ∼ 15 ± 3 slower-moving water molecules in the hydrophobic hydration shell.

A novel approach to graft silicones onto waterborne polyacrylate for synthesizing anti‐graffiti coatings by polydimethylsiloxane‐functionalized RAFT agent

AbstractLinear organoalkoxysilane‐based RAFT agent functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (RAFT‐PDMS) has been prepared for the first time via co‐condensation of a new organoalkoxysilane based RAFT agent (RAFT‐Agent), 2‐((methyldimethoxysilyl)propyl)carbontrithio‐2‐methyl‐propanoicacidmethylester, with diethoxydimethylsilane (DDS) in an aqueous acidic solution. The RAFT‐Agent and RAFT‐PDMS was confirmed by FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy techniques. The obtained RAFT‐PDMS was used to prepare the silicone‐modified polyacrylate anti‐graffiti emulsions via RAFT polymerization with functional monomers. The living character of RAFT polymerization of RAFT‐PDMS and the narrow molecular weight distribution of the polymerization product were confirmed by GPC. The transformation of the particle state from a small micelle structure to a spherical core‐shell micelle structure during polymerization was verified by TEM and dynamic light scattering analysis. Moreover, DSC and TGA analysis disclosed that increasing the content of RAFT‐PDMS can reduce the glass transition temperature and improve the thermal stability of the resin. Finally, the effect of RAFT‐PDMS on the surface morphology and properties of coatings were examined by SEM and contact angle. These experimental results suggest that increasing the content of RAFT‐PDMS increases the surface porosity of the coating film and thus enhances its hydrophobic properties.

Investigation of critical micelles concentration of saccharide-surfactant-polymer complex

The diverse application of β-cyclodextrin grabbed the attention of research community. The encapsulation of hydrophobic molecules was the unique property of the β-cyclodextrin that suggested its application in enhanced oil recovery system. The well known Xanthan gum was one suggested polymer that could have its potential use in enhanced oil recovery systems along with the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate. However, this polymer surfactant complex show shear thinning behavior, the presence of β-cyclodextrin could alter the micelles structure. The present work focuses on the investigation of critical micelles concentration (CMC) of Xanthan gum, sodium dodecyl sulfate and β-cyclodextrin complex. Both conductivity and surface tension were followed to evaluate the critical micelles concentration of the complex at various β-cyclodextrin compositions in the mixture. The self assembly of the complex mixture shows reduction in the critical micelles concentration of the solutions.

Surface-Compartmentalized Micelles by Stereocomplex-Driven Self-Assembly.

The unique corona structure of surface-compartmentalized micelles (Janus micelles, patchy micelles) opens highly relevant applications, e.g. as efficient particulate surfactants for emulsion stabilization or compatibilization of polymer blends. Here, stereocomplex-driven self-assembly (SCDSA) as a facile route to micelles with a semicrystalline stereocomplex (SC) core and a patch-like microphase separated corona, employing diblock copolymers with enantiomeric poly(L-lactide)/poly(D-lactide) blocks and highly incompatible corona-forming blocks (polystyrene (PS), poly(tert-butyl methacrylate)) is introduced. The spherical patchy SC micelles feature a narrow size distribution and show a compartmentalized, shamrock-like corona structure. Compared to SC micelles with a homogeneous PS corona the patchy micelles have a significantly higher interfacial activity attributable to the synergistic combination of an amphiphilic corona with the Pickering effect of nanoparticles. The patchy micelles are successfully employed in the stabilization of emulsions, underlining their application potential.

Microscopical Evaluation of the Effects of High-Pressure Processing on Milk Casein Micelles.

The effect of different high-pressure processing (HPP) treatments on casein micelles was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a particle size distribution analysis. Raw whole and skim milk samples were subjected to HPP treatments at 400, 500 and 600 MPa for Come-Up Times (CUT) up to 15 min at ambient temperature. Three different phenomena were observed in the casein micelles: fragmentation, alterations to shape and agglomeration. The particle size distribution analysis determined that, as pressure and time treatment increased, the three phenomena intensified. First, the size of the casein micelles began to decrease as their fragmentation occurred. Subsequently, the casein micelles lost roundness, and their shape deformed. Finally, in the most intense treatments (higher pressures and/or longer times), the micelles fragments began to agglomerate, which resulted in an increase in their average diameter. Homogenization and defatting had no significant effect on the casein micelles; however, the presence of fat in whole milk samples was bioprotective, as the effects of the three phenomena appeared faster in treated skim milk samples. Through this study, it was concluded that the size and structure of casein micelles are greatly altered during high-pressure treatment. These results provide information that broadens the understanding of the changes induced on casein micelles by high-pressure treatments at room temperature.

Study on internal structure of casein micelles in reconstituted skim milk powder

In the current study, the internal structure of casein micelles (CMs), primary casein cluster, has been studied by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The casein cluster featured a hierarchical structure predominately consisting of αs-CN and β-CN molecules and a trace of κ-CN. ITC profile showed a typical enthalpogram of CMs with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of ~0.85 μg/mL. The casein cluster exhibited apparent characteristics of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) with a secondary structure content of 24 % in α-helix, 35.4 % in antiparallel-parallel, 20.2 % in β-turn and 20.4 % in random coil. SAXS results revealed a slightly elongated and tortuous worm-like conformation for the casein cluster in solution with an aspect ratio of 1.36 and an estimated molecular weight of 162.7 kDa. Further scattering data analysis proposed three coexisted species (αs1-β-αs2-CN, αs1-CN and αs1-β-αs2-CN dimer) with a volume fraction of 57.4 %, 30.1 %, and 12.5 % respectively in the casein cluster. TEM observation was consistent with the results of spectra, SAXS and MD that calcium sequestration resulted in a more extended and loose structure, instead, EDTA chelation induced a more compact conformation of the casein cluster.

Synthesis of carbon nanoblocks and carbon nanorods by Tween-80@NaCl

• A method for the synthesis of carbon nanoblocks and carbon nanorods exploiting the strategy of self-assembled ordered aggregates @ concentrated salt was investigated. • The morphology (size and shape) and specific optical (fluorescence) properties of the synthesized Tween-80@NaCl carbon nanoparticles can be systematically tuned on demand. • Such method may be adopted as a general method for the preparation of various carbon nanostructures. Carbon nanomaterials are very versatile, but the tunable preparation of their morphology and emission colors is still very challenging. Herein, we present a simple self-assembly method for the preparation of tunable carbon nano (Tween-80@NaCl), where the key tunable parameter is the concentration. More specifically, the structural and optical properties of carbon nanomaterials can be controlled by modulating the concentration of surfactants. It is worth mentioning that salt plays an important role in separating the micelle structure and protecting the micelle morphology. The samples were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction to determine the microcrystalline structure and crystal size. The evolution of the micellar structure was established by transmission electron microscopy analysis of the transformation of the Tween-80@NaCl structure. The continuous adjustment of surfactant concentration leads to a change in micelle morphology, like from large-sized blocks to small-sized rods. In addition, carbon nanoparticles with typical fluorescence properties can be obtained by simply changing the surfactant concentration and can easily change from purple fluorescence to dark blue. Notably, this simple strategy of separating first and then carbonizing provides inspiration for future structural design of carbon nanomaterials.

Ultrasonic Film Rehydration Synthesis of Mixed Polylactide Micelles for Enzyme-Resistant Drug Delivery Nanovehicles.

A facile technique for the preparation of mixed polylactide micelles from amorphous poly-D,L-lactide-block-polyethyleneglycol and crystalline amino-terminated poly-L-lactide is described. In comparison to the classical routine solvent substitution method, the ultrasonication assisted formation of polymer micelles allows shortening of the preparation time from several days to 15–20 min. The structure and morphology of mixed micelles were analyzed with the assistance of electron microscopy, dynamic and static light scattering and differential scanning calorimetery. The resulting polymer micelles have a hydrodynamic radius of about 150 nm and a narrow size distribution. The average molecular weight of micelles was found to be 2.1 × 107 and the aggregation number was calculated to be 6000. The obtained biocompatible particles were shown to possess low cytotoxicity, high colloid stability and high stability towards enzymatic hydrolysis. The possible application of mixed polylactide micelles as drug delivery vehicles was studied for the antitumor hydrophobic drug paclitaxel. The lethal concentration (LC50) of paclitaxel encapsulated in polylactide micelles was found to be 42 ± 4 µg/mL—a value equal to the LC50 of paclitaxel in the commercial drug Paclitaxel-Teva.

A novel universal strategy for fabricating soybean protein adhesive with excellent adhesion and anti-mildew performances

Soybean meal (SM) adhesive is a promising alternative to petroleum-based ones. However, the poor water resistance, low bonding strength, and susceptibility to mildew limit its industrial application. Inspired by the micro-nano micelle structure's strengthening mechanism, a facile and green method of synthesizing a high-performance soy protein adhesive by a dual cross-linking strategy was reported. The in-situ self-assembled micelles of benzyldodecyldimethylammonium bromide (BDAB) interacted with protein chains via dynamical bonds, while 1,6-hexanediol diglycidyl ether (HDE) acted as the flexible cross-linker. The BDAB micelles interact with protein chains via non-covalent electrostatic interactions, improving the cross-linking density of the network system and the micelles with numerous amino cations exhibit efficient anti-bacterial properties. The as-obtained adhesive exhibits excellent mechanical properties and stable network structure, showing strong bonding strength and water resistance (2.22 and 1.25 MPa). Especially, the incorporation of HDE and BDAB imparts the modified SM adhesive with excellent antifungal and antibacterial (E. coli and S. aureus) performances, significantly extending the adhesive storage life. Additionally, this work provides a new facile and universal strategy for fabricating formaldehyde-free, environment-friendly, and renewable protein-based adhesives, which is a promising alternative to traditional adhesives in the wood industry.

Viscoelastic fluids formed by an ultralong-chain trimeric surfactant and its application in fracturing fluids

In this work, we investigated the structural transitions of aggregates of a trimeric cationic surfactant 3C22quinQ solutions with or without KCl using rheological measurements and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. Steady and dynamic rheological measurements were used to investigate the rheological properties of 3C22quinQ and 3C22quinQ/KCl systems. The results show that 3C22quinQ can form wormlike micelles at 1 mM without any additives, demonstrating remarkable self-assembly and thickening ability. The addition of KCl further optimizes the molecular configuration and promotes the rapid growth of wormlike micelles. A 11.07 mM 3C22quinQ solution exhibits a zero-shear viscosity η0 of 5.1 × 105 mPa‧s together with relaxation time τR of 36.27 s at a KCl to 3C22quinQ molar ratio of 1. In addition, molecular dynamic (MD) properties such as the radial distribution function (RDF), the radius of gyration (Rg), and mean square displacement (MSD) show that KCl has a considerable influence on the structure and aggregation properties of 3C22quinQ micelles, in good agreement with rheological experimental results. More importantly, the VES fracturing fluid formed by 3C22quinQ and KCl was not only resistant to high temperature and cyclic shear, but it also exhibited excellent proppant-carrying and oil-induced gel-breaking performances. The viscoelastic fluid formed by 3C22quinQ and KCl, has shown promise as an appealing option for hydraulic fracturing procedures in unconventional oil and gas reserviors.