Structure and dynamics of poly(oxyethylene) cholesteryl ether wormlike micelles: rheometry, SAXS, and cryo-TEM studies

Photoresponsive Viscoelastic Solutions Based on Chiral Wormlike Micelles in Mixed Solutions Containing an Amphiphile Derived from Rosin

A novel rosin-based photoresponsive anionic amphiphile, sodium N-azophenyl maleopimaric acid imide carboxylate (AzoMPCOONa), has been successfully synthesized. Its molecular structure was characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR and mass spectrometry (MS). The photoisomerization of AzoMPCOONa was evaluated by ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectrometry and ¹H NMR. The structure of AzoMPCOONa could be converted between the trans and cis isomers by irradiation with UV/visible light. Importantly, a fascinating photoresponsive viscoelastic solution was prepared by mixing AzoMPCOONa and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The properties of the photoresponsive viscoelastic solution were further investigated by rheology, circular dichroism (CD), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Initially, the AzoMPCOONa/CTAB system was a gel-like solution composed of entangled wormlike micelles possessing the right-handed chiral structure. After UV irradiation for 10 min, the gel-like solution transformed into a slightly viscous solution, its zero-shear viscosity dramatically reduced by 2 orders of magnitude, and the aggregates were converted into rod-like micelles and spherical micelles. In addition, the right-handed chiral structure of the aggregates disappeared. These dramatic changes in the viscosity and the aggregate structure can be attributed to the photoisomerization of the azobenzene group in AzoMPCOONa, which led to changes in the molecular geometry and the packing parameter of the AzoMPCOONa/CTAB system. Interestingly, the right-handed chiral structure of wormlike micelles also is photoresponsive. The results reveal the superiority of forest resources for preparing viscoelastic solutions.

Unfolding of Tryptophanoctyl Ester and Elastic Deformation of Host Micelles via RR'3 N+ ⋅⋅⋅π Interaction: Conceivable Relevance to Wrapping Process of Receptor Mediated Endocytosis

The interfacial properties of the mixed amphiphiles are modified by a stronger cation-π interaction between the quaternary ammonium head group of CTAB and the π-face of TROE, compared to the tyrosine analogue (TYOE). This eventually triggers a morphology transition through elastic deformation of the spherical micelles of CTAB to cylindrical/wormlike micelles. The unfolding of TROE and the molecular interactions in the nanoenvironment have been recognized by NMR spectroscopy and the physical characteristics of the entangled wormlike micelles are investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), whereas the complex fluidic feature is examined by dynamic rheological measurements. Morphology tuning of the soft nanoaggregates of zwitterionic dodecylphosphocholine by the tryptophan analogue via choline-π interaction has unique biological consequences and we consider the significance of such interactions in facilitating endocytosis of a virion/nano particle(NP) in terms of a quantitative model. The implication in future research on drug development strategies is discussed.

Interaction between sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and pluronic L61 in aqueous medium: assessment of the nature and morphology of the formed mixed aggregates by NMR, EPR, SANS and FF-TEM measurements

The interaction of copolymer L61 i.e., (EO)2(PO)32(EO)2 (where EO and PO are ethylene and propylene oxides, respectively) with surfactant SDS (sodium dodecylsulfate) in relation to their self-aggregation, dynamics and microstructures has been physicochemically studied in detail employing the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS), and Freeze-Fracture Transmission Electron Microscopy (FF-TEM) methods. The NMR self-diffusion study indicated a synergistic interaction between SDS and L61 forming L61-SDS mixed complex aggregates, and deuterium (2H) NMR pointed out the nonspherical nature of these aggregates with increasing [L61]. EPR spectral analysis of the motional parameters of 5-doxyl steraric acid (5-DSA) as a spin probe provided information on the microviscosity of the local environment of the L61-SDS complex aggregates. SANS probed the geometrical aspects of the SDS-L61 assemblies as a function of both [L61] and [SDS]. Progressive evolution of the mixed-aggregate geometries from globular to prolate ellipsoids with axial ratios ranging from 2 to 10 with increasing [L61] was found. Such morphological changes were further corroborated with the results of 2H NMR and FF-TEM measurements. The strategy of the measurements, and data analysis for a concerted conclusion have been presented.

Micellar growth and network formation in acidic solutions of a sulfobetaine zwitterionic surfactant triggered by an inorganic salt

Micellization (formation of wormlike structures) of 3-(N-erucamidopropyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium)propane sulfonate (EDAS) in the presence of an inorganic salt, iron chloride (FeCl3), in acidic conditions is studied using static and dynamic rheological measurements and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Infrared spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray, and UV-visible spectroscopy are used to further investigate the mechanisms of viscosity and elasticity and the enhancement and formation of an elastic gel-like solution induced by Fe3+ in HCl. The nature of the interaction is characterized to be hydrogen bonding between the amide groups of EDAS and coordinated water in trans-[FeCl2(H2O)4]Cl structure. Such an interaction masks the repulsion forces between surfactant headgroups. This screening effect results in the formation of longer wormlike micelles in the solution. The chemical structure of FeCl3 in concentrated HCl was predicted in the literature through theoretical and experimental techniques; however, its crystal structure, including the exact geometry (e.g., cis or trans) and the non-coordinated chloride position is reported for the first time in the present study. The findings of this study show the sensitivity of a sulfobetaine zwitterionic surfactant to pH alteration and inorganic salt.

Rheological Behavior of Environmentally Friendly Viscoelastic Solutions Formed by a Rosin-Based Anionic Surfactant

It is of great significance to explore novel applications of renewable resources. In this study, a rosin-based anionic surfactant (abbreviated R-11-2-Na), which contains a large hydrophobic group of 30 carbon atoms, was synthesized. R-11-2-Na forms wormlike micelles in the presence of the equimolar organic salt choline chloride, endowing solutions with strong viscoelasticity. The wormlike micellar solutions were investigated using rheology, small-angle X-ray scattering, and freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy (FF-TEM) methods at 25 °C. Due to the strong van der Waals interactions caused by the large hydrophobic group contained in R-11-2-Na, the zero-shear viscosity (η₀) of solutions showed extremely strong dependence on the concentration with an exponent of 23.4. The cross-sectional diameter of the wormlike micelles in the present system was significantly larger than that of the wormlike micelles formed by surfactants containing conventional alkyl tails. This finding may be attributed to the steric hindrance brought by the bulky and rigid dehydroabietic acid unit in the hydrophobic part. The wormlike micelles also showed high tolerance to the organic salt concentration. The present study reveals the notable qualities of rosin-based derivatives in forming complex fluids and facilitates new utilizations of forest resources.

Oil-induced formation of branched wormlike micelles in an alcohol propoxysulfate extended surfactant system

The addition of oil to an extended surfactant-water system (sodium tetrapropylene glycol (2-ethyl)octyl ether sulfate, C₁₀PO₄SO₄Na) induces the elongation of spherical micelles into oil-swollen branched wormlike micelles (WLMs) near the phase inversion point of the surfactant-oil-water (SOW) system. The hydrophilic-lipophilic-difference (HLD) framework, which has been associated with surfactant curvature, was successfully used to predict the conditions under which WLMs are produced for both polar and non-polar oils. At HLD = 0, the formation of low-curvature surfactant structures including WLMs and liquid crystals are favored in water-rich systems. Micellar growth begins around HLD = -0.5, and reaches a plateau upon the formation of a branched WLM network at HLD = 0. Above the entanglement concentration, the branched WLMs exhibit Maxwell and shear thinning behavior which is suitable for the suspension of nanoparticles, among others.

Physicochemical Understanding of Self-Aggregation and Microstructure of a Surface-Active Ionic Liquid [C4mim] [C8OSO3] Mixed with a Reverse Pluronic 10R5 (PO8EO22PO8)

Physicochemical studies on aqueous mixtures of ionic liquids (ILs) and reverse pluronics are limited. Self-aggregation dynamics and microstructure of a surface-active IL (SAIL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium octylsulfate [C₄mim] [C₈OSO₃], in the presence of a reverse pluronic, PO₈EO₂₂PO₈ (known as 10R5), were studied using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) methods. Also, cryo-/freeze-fracture transmission electron microscopy was employed to determine the microstructures of SAIL/10R5 mixtures. The ITC and NMR results revealed facilitation of SAIL aggregation in the presence of 10R5 forming mixed aggregates as well as free SAIL micelles. ²H spin relaxation rate data pointed out the onset of slow dynamics of the aqueous SAIL/10R5 mixture with an increase in either the former or the latter. Globular morphologies of the mixed species as well as their individual components were corroborated from the measurements. The preferential location of interaction of the SAIL with the 10R5 was identified from ¹³C NMR chemical shift findings to be in the interfacial region of the assembled SAIL. The formed species were mixed interacted aggregates but not mixed micelles that arise from mixed surfactants. The physicochemical information acquired herein would enrich the literature on the 10R5/SAIL mixed microheterogeneous systems having importance in the making of useful green drug carrier systems and templates for the synthesis of nanomaterials.

Liquid Crystalline Nanostructures as PEGylated Reservoirs of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Structural Insights toward Delivery Formulations against Neurodegenerative Disorders

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) are bioactive lipids with considerable impact in medicine and nutrition. These compounds exert structuring effects on the cellular membrane organization, regulate the gene expression, and modulate various signaling cascades and metabolic processes. The purpose of the present work is to demonstrate the structural features of ω-3 PUFA-containing three-dimensional supramolecular lipid assemblies suitable for pharmaceutical applications that require soft porous carriers. We investigate the liquid crystalline structures formed upon mixing of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5) with the lyotropic nonlamellar lipid monoolein and the formation of multicompartment assemblies. Starting with the monoolein-based lipid cubic phase, double membrane vesicles, cubosome precursors, sponge-type particles (spongosomes), mixed intermediate nonlamellar structures, and multicompartment assemblies are obtained through self-assembly at different amphiphilic compositions. The dispersions containing spongosomes as well as nanocarriers with oil and vesicular compartments are stabilized by PEGylation of the lipid/water interfaces using a phospholipid with a poly(ethylene glycol) chain. The microstructures of the bulk mixtures were examined by cross-polarized light optical microscopy. The dispersed liquid crystalline structures and intermediate states were studied by small-angle X-ray scattering, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and quasielastic light scattering techniques. They established that PUFA influences the phase type and the sizes of the aqueous compartments of the liquid crystalline carriers. The resulting multicompartment systems and stealth nanosponges may serve as mesoporous reservoirs for coencapsulation of ω-3 PUFA (e.g., EPA) with water-insoluble drugs and hydrophilic macromolecules toward development of combination treatment strategies of neurodegenerative and other diseases.

Nonionic amphiphile nanoarchitectonics: self-assembly into micelles and lyotropic liquid crystals

Amphiphiles, molecules that possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties, are architecturally simple molecules that can spontaneously self-assemble into complex hierarchical structures from lower to higher dimensions either in the bulk phase or at an interface. Recent developments in multifunctional nanostructure design using the advanced concept of nanoarchitectonics utilize this simple process of assembly. Amphiphilic self-assemblies involving lipids or proteins mimic the structure of biological systems, thus highlighting the necessity of a fundamental physical understanding of amphiphilic self-assembly towards a realization of the complex mechanisms operating in nature. Herein, we describe self-assembled microstructures of biocompatible and biodegradable tetraglycerol lauryl ether (C12G4) nonionic surfactant in an aqueous solvent system. Temperature-composition analyses of equilibrium phases identified by using small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) provide strong evidence of various spontaneously self-assembled mesostructures, such as normal micelles (Wm), hexagonal liquid crystal (H1), and reverse micelles (Om). In contrast to conventional poly(oxyethylene) nonionic surfactants, C12G4 did not exhibit the clouding phenomenon at higher temperatures (phase separation was not observed up to 100 °C), demonstrating the greater thermal stability of the self-assembled mesophases. Generalized indirect Fourier transformation (GIFT) evaluation of the SAXS data confirmed the formation of core-shell-type spherical micelles with a maximum dimension ca. 8.7 nm. The shape and size of the C12G4 micelles remained apparently unchanged over a wide range of concentrations (up to 20%), but intermicellar interactions increased and could be described by the Percus-Yevick (PY) theory (after Carnahan and Starling), which provides a very accurate analytical expression for the osmotic pressure of a monodisperse hard sphere.

Unique lamellar lyotropic liquid crystal phases of nonionic phytosterol ethoxylates in glycerol

As one type of biocompatible surfactant, phytosterol ethoxylates (BPS-n, n is the oxyethylene chain length) have attracted more and more attention for their characteristic molecular structure.

Effects of spacer chain length of amino acid-based gemini surfactants on wormlike micelle formation

We studied the effects of the spacer chain length of amino acid-based gemini surfactants on the formation of wormlike micelles in aqueous solutions. The surfactants used were synthesized by reacting dodecanoylglutamic acid anhydride with diamine compounds (ethylenediamine, pentanediamine, and octanediamine), and were abbreviated as 12-GsG-12 (s: the spacer chain length of 2, 5, and 8 methylene units). These surfactants yielded viscoelastic wormlike micellar solutions at pH 9 upon mixing with a cationic monomeric surfactant, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB). We found that the rheological behavior was strongly dependent on the spacer chain length and HTAB concentration. When the shortest spacer chain analogue (12-G2G-12) was used, an increased HTAB concentration resulted in the following structural transformations of the micelles: (i) spherical or rodlike micelles; (ii) anionic wormlike micelles exhibiting a transient network structure; (iii) anionic wormlike micelles with a micellar branching or interconnected structure; and (iv) cationic wormlike micelles. Similarly, when the middle spacer chain analogue (12-G5G-12) was used, a structural transformation from anionic to cationic wormlike micelles occurs; however, molecular aggregates with a lower positive curvature were also formed in this transition region. When the longest spacer analogue (12-G8G-12) was used, the formation of cation-rich molecular aggregates was not observed. These transition behaviors were attributed to the packing geometry of the gemini surfactants with HTAB. Additionally, as the spacer chain length increased, the zero-shear viscosity in the anionic wormlike micellar region decreased, suggesting limited one-dimensional micellar growth of spherical, rodlike, or anionic wormlike micelles.

Wormlike micelle formation by acylglutamic acid with alkylamines

Rheological properties of alkyl dicarboxylic acid-alkylamine complex systems have been characterized. The complex materials employed in this study consist of an amino acid-based surfactant (dodecanoylglutamic acid, C12Glu) and a tertiary alkylamine (dodecyldimethylamine, C12DMA) or a secondary alkylamine (dodecylmethylamine, C12MA). (1)H NMR and mass spectroscopic data have suggested that C12Glu forms a stoichiometric 1:1 complex with C12DMA and C12MA. Rheological measurements have suggested that the complex systems yield viscoelastic wormlike micellar solutions and the rheological behavior is strongly dependent on the aqueous solution pH. This pH-dependent behavior results from the structural transformation of the wormlike micelles to occur in the narrow pH range 5.5-6.2 (in the case of C12Glu-C12DMA system); i.e., positive curved aggregates such as spherical or rodlike micelles tend to be formed at high pH values. Our current study offers a unique way to obtain viscoelastic wormlike micellar solutions by means of alkyl dicarboxylic acid-alkylamine complex as gemini-like amphiphiles.

Peptide-based gemini amphiphiles: phase behavior and rheology of wormlike micelles

Aqueous binary phase behavior of a peptide-based gemini amphiphile with glutamic acid and lysine as spacer group, acylglutamyllysilacylglutamate (m-GLG-m where m = 12, 14, and 16), has been reported over a wide range of concentration and temperature. Lauroylglutamyllysillauroylglutamate, 12-GLG-12, self-assembles into spherical micelles above critical micelle concentration (CMC). The micellar region extends up to 32 wt %, and an ordering of spherical micelles into micellar cubic phase, I(1), takes place at 33 wt % at 25 °C. The phase transition, I(1) - hexagonal liquid crystal, (H(1)) - lamellar liquid crystal, (L(α)) has been observed with further increase in concentration; moreover, mixed phases are also observed between the pure liquid crystal domains. Similar phases were observed with 16-GLG-16 above 50 °C (Krafft temperature). The partial ternary phase behavior shows that the micellar solutions of m-GLG-m can solubilize a large amount of cationic amphiphile, alkyltrimethylammonium bromide, C(n)TAB, (where n = 14 (TTAB) and 16 (CTAB)) at 25 °C. An addition of C(n)TAB to the aqueous solutions of 16-GLG-16 in a dilute region forms a transparent solution of viscoelastic wormlike micelles at very low concentration (0.25 wt %) even at ambient condition. A mixture of oppositely charged amphiphiles, m-GLG-m and C(n)TAB, exhibits synergism as a result the amphiphile layer curvature, becomes less positive, and favors the transition from sphere to rod to transient networks (wormlike micelles). The gemini amphiphile, 16-GLG-16, forms wormlike micelles at relatively low concentrations compared to others reported so far. Viscosity increases by six orders of magnitude compared to that of pure solvent. The hydrophobic chain length of m-GLG-m and coamphiphile affects the rheology; the maximum viscosity achieved with 16-GLG-16/H(2)O/CTAB is higher than that of 14-GLG-14/H(2)O/CTAB, 12-GLG-12/H(2)O/CTAB, and 16-GLG-16/H(2)O/TTAB systems. These temperature-sensitive systems exhibited viscoelastic behavior described by the Maxwell mechanical model with a single stress relaxation mode.