Interaction Between Ionic Liquids and Gemini Surfactant: A Detailed Investigation into the Role of Ionic Liquids in Modifying Properties of Aqueous Gemini Surfactant

Tuning physicochemical properties of aqueous surfactant solutions comprised of normal or reverse micelles by external additives is of utmost importance due to the enormous application potential of surfactant‐based systems. Unusual and interesting properties of environmentally benign ionic liquids (IL) make them suitable candidates for this purpose. To understand and establish the role of IL in modifying properties of aqueous gemini surfactants, we studied the effect of the IL, 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide ([Hmim][Br]) and 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide ([Omim][Br]) on the properties of the aqueous cationic gemini surfactant 1,6‐hexanediyl‐α,ω‐bis(dimethyltetradecyl)ammonium bromide (14‐6‐14,2Br^?). The behavioral changes were investigated by measuring the critical micelle concentration (CMC) using electrical conductance, surface tension, dye solubilization and fluorescence probe measurements at 298.15 K. It was observed that the CMC of 14‐6‐14,2Br^? gemini surfactant decreases with addition of IL, thus favoring the micellization process. An increase in micellar size was observed at lower IL concentration using dynamic light scattering, with a decrease in aggregation number (N_agg) determined from fluorescence probe quenching measurements. It is noteworthy that the extent of modulation of the micellar properties is different for both the IL due to their structural differences. IL behave like electrolytes at lower concentrations and cosurfactants at higher concentrations and form mixed micelles with the cationic gemini surfactant showing an increase in N_agg.     

Micellization and Interfacial Interaction Behaviors of Gemini Cationic Surfactants–CTAB Mixed Surfactant Systems

The interfacial and micellization behaviors of binary mixtures of two gemini cationic surfactants and conventional the cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide surfactant were studied at various molar ratios. From the equilibrium surface tension measurements, the critical micelle concentrations (CMC) data were obtained as functions of the composition. Values of the CMC were analyzed according to the regular solution model developed by Rubingh for mixed micelles. Two interaction parameters were obtained for each system, the interaction at the interface, and in the micellar phase. The results showed that micellization and adsorption properties of the studied mixed systems depend on the spacer chain lengths of the gemini surfactants and their ratio in the mixed systems.     

Controlled one-pot synthesis of pH-sensitive self-assembled diblock copolymers and their aggregation behavior

Diblock copolymers of t-butyl methacrylate (tBMA) and 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) were successfully synthesized by one-pot strategy via the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Kinetic results clearly demonstrated the controlled/‘living’ character of the polymerization. The zwitterionic block copolymers of poly(methacrylic acid-b-DEAEMA), obtained by hydrolysis of poly(tBMA-b-DEAEMA), showed pH-dependent reverse micellization behavior. Micellar aggregates formed from poly(MAA₃₀-b-DEAEMA₇₁), poly(MAA₆₈-b-DEAEMA₅₅) and poly(MAA₆₄-b-DEAEMA₄₄) had fairly low polydispersity index at both solutions of low pH of 2 and high pH of 12. Micelles formed at pH 2 were larger (R_h∼40-61 nm) with looser core due to hydration of the MAA. In the presence of simple electrolyte (0.3 mol dm⁻³ NaCl solution), the size of the micelles reduced by almost half while the aggregation number was little changed. This is attributed to the draining of the hydrated micellar core due to osmotic pressure. On the other hand, DEAEMA-core micelles formed at pH 12 were compact and much smaller (R_h∼14-22 nm). Addition of NaCl had only a small effect. The micellar size reduced only slightly due to the electrostatic screening effect and the aggregation number was almost unchanged.     

Effects of Molecular Structure and Temperature on Micellization of Cationic Ammonium Gemini Surfactants in Aqueous Solution

Micellization of four cationic quaternary ammonium gemini surfactants, having a diethyl ether or hexyl spacer with the alkyl chain lengths of 12 and 16 carbon atoms, was studied using isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC) and electrical conductivity measurements in the temperature range from 298.15 to 313.15 K. In this temperature range, where surfactants are normally applied, the temperature almost does not influence the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the degree of micelle ionization (α) values of the gemini surfactants, and the replacement of a hexyl spacer by a diethyl ether spacer leads to a slight decrease in the CMC and α values. However, as the alkyl chain length increases from 12 to 16 carbon atoms, the CMC values significantly decrease from 0.99–1.19 mM to 0.020–0.057 mM. In particular, the enthalpy of micellization (ΔH_mic ) and the associated thermodynamic parameters show obvious changes with varying temperature and molecular structure. ΔH_mic becomes much more exothermic at higher temperature or for the surfactants with a more hydrophilic spacer. Moreover, the heat capacity change of micellization (ΔC _{P, mic} ) is less exothermic for the surfactants with a more hydrophilic spacer or a longer alkyl chain. The enthalpy–entropy compensation data show that the surfactants with longer alkyl chains have a more stable micellar structure.     

Smart carboxymethylchitosan hydrogels that have thermo‐ and pH‐responsive properties

Thermo‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (poly(NIPAAm)) and pH‐responsive poly(N,N′‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (poly(DEAEMA)) polymers were grafted to carboxymethylchitosan (CMC) via radical polymerization to form highly water swellable hydrogels with dual responsive properties. Ratios of CMC, NIPAAm to DEAEMA used in the reactions were finely adjusted such that the thermo and pH responsiveness of the hydrogels was retained. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated the formation of an internal porous structure for the swollen CMC hydrogels upon incorporation of poly(NIPAAm) and poly(DEAEMA). Effect of temperature and pH changes on water swelling properties of the hydrogels was investigated. It was found that the water swelling of the hydrogels was enhanced when the solution pH was under basic conditions (pH 11) or the temperature was below its lower critical solution temperature (LCST). These responsive properties can be used to regulate releasing rate of an entrapped drug from the hydrogels, a model drug, indomethacin was used to demonstrate the release. These smart and nontoxic CMC‐based hydrogels show great potential for use in controlled drug release applications with controllable on‐off switch properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41505.     

Activity of horseradish peroxidase in aqueous and reverse micelles and back‐extraction from reverse‐micellar phases

Studies on the activity of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) have been carried out in micellar as well as reverse‐micellar media. The activity of the enzyme was studied in the presence of different classes of surfactants – ionic as well as non‐ionic. In aqueous media, the activity of the enzyme varied depending on whether the concentration of the surfactant used was above or below the critical micellar concentration (CMC). The enzyme was also studied in reverse‐micellar systems. HRP was introduced into the reverse micellar phase by the injection method and its activity within the reverse micelles was determined. The effect of water to surfactant ratio (W_o) on activity within reverse micelles was studied, and an almost two‐fold increase in activity was seen when the enzyme was encapsulated within reverse micelles of aqueous phase fractional hold‐up (?) of 0.0072 (v/v) consisting of sodium bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) in isooctane at a W_o of 20. The activity of HRP was measured over a wide range of AOT concentrations having different W_o values. Back‐extraction of HRP from these reverse micelles was carried out at varying ionic strengths of phosphate buffer. Back extraction was found to be highest at pH 7.0 in 40 mol m^?3 phosphate buffer and 100 mol m^?3 sodium chloride. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synergistic effect between amino sulfonate amphoteric surfactant and octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (10) in aqueous solutions with different acidicities: consideration of different thermodynamic models

The micellization behavior of binary mixtures of sodium n‐dodecyl diamine sulfonate (C12AS) and octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (10), OP‐10, in aqueous solutions at pH 3.5, 6.0, and 8.5 was investigated, and the values of mixed critical micelle concentration (C^M) were determined by both UV–vis spectroscopy using pyrene as a probe and by tensiometry. Within the framework of the pseudophase separation model, four thermodynamic models were adopted to describe the micellization parameters including the interaction parameters (β₁₂) between two surfactants, the components in real and ideal mixed micelles, the activity coefficients in mixed micelles, the thermodynamic parameters, and the thermodynamic stability. The experimental values of C^M, inferior to the ideal values, show nonideal mixing; the negative values of β₁₂ obtained from Rubingh's, Rodenas's, and Motomura's models mean the synergistic effect. Although there exist some divergences in the micellization parameters predicted by the three treatments, similar results were obtained, indicating the validity of these models in this investigation. Based on the calculation errors, Rubingh's model is best to describe the interacting behavior between the two surfactants in this investigation. Thermodynamic parameters predicted by the three treatments show a spontaneous process of micellization and an entropic contribution in the formation of mixed micelles. Different acidities of solutions result in different stabilities of micellization. The stability in feeble acidic solution is higher than in acidic or basic solution, and the stability in basic solution is slightly superior to that in acidic solution. All the above described phenomena can be explained rationally by the electrostatic effect of head groups of C12AS, the steric effect of head group for two surfactants, the molecular structures of surfactants, the influence of added counterion, and so on. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry     

Rheological Investigation of Wormlike Micelles Based on Gemini Surfactant in EG–Water Solution

The self‐assembly behavior of gemini surfactants in ethylene glycol (EG)‐water (5/95, v/v) mixed solvent was investigated by rheological measurements at 10 °C. The influence of molecular structure of the gemini surfactant and added hydrotrope on the solution properties was studied. Sodium salicylate (NaSal) showed stronger ability to induce 2‐hydroxyl‐propanediyl‐α,ω‐bis‐(dimethyldodecylammonium bromide), referred to as 12‐3(OH)‐12, to form wormlike micelles than sodium benzoate. Less NaSal is required to promote a sphere to rod transition and to reach the peak viscosity. Moreover, the concentrations of hydrotrope and gemini surfactant are both lower than conventional single‐chain surfactant systems to reach a comparable viscosity. The strong hydrophobicity of gemini surfactants and hydrotropes is responsible for the high efficiency in forming wormlike micelles in EG/water systems. The geometric structure of gemini surfactants also plays a vital role in self‐assembly into wormlike micelles. Dimethylene‐1,2‐bis‐(dodecyl dimethylammonium bromide), referred to as 12‐2‐12, shows absolute superiority over 12‐3(OH)‐12 in constructing wormlike micelles. The present study will be helpful for developing de‐icing fluids and anti‐freezing solutions, which need rheology control in EG‐aqueous medium at low temperature.     

Effect of Polar Organic Solvents on Self‐Aggregation of Some Cationic Monomeric and Dimeric Surfactants

Surface and micellization behavior of some cationic monomeric surfactants, viz., cetyldiethylethanolammonium bromide (CDEEAB), cetyldimethylethanolammonium bromide (CDMEAB), tetradecyldiethylethanolammonium bromide (TDEEAB) and dimeric surfactants, i.e., alkanediyl‐α, ω‐bis(dimethylhexadecylammonium bromide) (C₁₆‐s‐C₁₆, 2Br^? where s = 4, 12), butanediyl‐1,4‐bis(dimethyldodecylammonium bromide (C₁₂‐4‐C₁₂, 2Br^?) and 2‐butanol‐1,4‐bis(dimethyldodecylammonium bromide) (C₁₂‐4(OH)‐C₁₂, 2Br^?), was studied in water‐organic solvents [10 and 20 % v/v ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG)] by conductivity, surface tension and steady‐state fluorescence methods at 300 K. The main focus of the present work is on the study of the effect of organic solvents on the critical micelle concentration (CMC), Gibbs free energy of micellization (ΔG°_m), Gibbs free energy of transfer (ΔG°_trans), Gibbs adsorption energy (ΔG°_ads) and some interfacial parameters such as the surface excess concentration (Γ_max), minimum area per surfactant molecule (A_min) and surface pressure (π_CMC). The aggregation number (N_agg) and Stern‐Volmer quenching constant (K_SV) were also determined by the steady‐state fluorescence method. It was observed that N_agg decreased with increasing volume percent of organic solvent. The results exhibited an increase in CMC in water‐organic solvents as compared to the respective surfactants in pure water. The negative values of ΔG°_m and ΔG°_ads indicate a spontaneous micellization process. The thermodynamics of micellization revealed that the micellization‐reducing efficiency of glycols increases with the concentration and the number of ethereal oxygens in the glycol.     

Micellar Effect of Ammonium Based Cationic Surfactants on Kinetics of Methylene Blue‐Assisted Ru (III) and Cu (II) Catalyzed Cysteine/Cystine Transformation in Acidic Aqueous Media

Kinetic investigations of cysteine–cystine transformation assisted by model electron acceptor methylene blue (MB) and catalyzed synergistically by Ru (III) and Cu (II) in aqueous media of varying pH, temperature and micellar solutions of two ammonium based cationic surfactants viz. octadecylammonium chloride (OAC) and octadecylpyridine‐2‐ylmethylammonium chloride (OPMAC) were carried out. The homogeneous electron transfer between cysteine and MB was observed to exhibit pH sensitive kinetics that is affected by the presence of ammonium based cationic surfactants. While the postmicellar concentrations of OAC decrease the rate of the cysteine oxidation, the presence of OPMAC micelles was observed to accelerate the said reaction. The observed micellar kinetic effects modeled through quantum mechanical calculations are explained in light of the reactant‐micelle interactions. To the best of our knowledge the synthesis, micellization and micellar catalytic activity of OPMAC are yet to be reported in the literature.     

Mixed Micellar Properties and Related Interaction Parameters of Butanediyl-1,4-bis(dodecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide) Gemini Surfactant with Nonionic Amphiphiles

Mixed micellization of cationic gemini surfactant butanediyl-1,4-bis(dimethyldodecylammonium bromide) with nonionic surfactants (sorbitan esters, alcohols and phenol ethoxylates) and triblock copolymers has been studied tensiometrically. Various physicochemical parameters of the studied systems including ideal CMC values, experimental and ideal micellar compositions, interaction parameters, activity coefficients of the components, etc. have been evaluated by considering theoretical models of Clint, Rubingh, Rosen and Maeda. The experimental critical micelle concentration (CMC) values of the mixed micelles were lower than the CMC values of the individual components and showed a negative deviation from ideal CMC (CMC*) values. The analysis reveals that the mole fractions of gemini are lower compared to the nonionic surfactants/triblock polymers and the values of ΔG _m ^° , ΔG _ad ^° , G _min and ΔG _ex ^m show that the spontaneity of the studied mixed micelles relatively decreases as the content of the gemini in the bulk phase increases.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Micellization Behavior of Cationic Surfactants: n-Alkyl-3-Methylpyridinium Bromides and Their Drug Interaction Study by UV–Visible Spectroscopy and Conductometry

The synthesis of new cationic surfactants i.e., n-hexyl-3-methylpyridium bromide ( a ) and n-octyl-3-methylpyridium bromide ( b ), and their characterization using multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) (¹H, ¹³C) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopic techniques were reported. The micellization behavior of the synthesized surfactants was studied using conductometry and ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of compounds a and b was found to be 0.41 and 0.35 m mol L⁻¹, respectively. The effect of temperature on the CMC of these compounds was examined in the range of 298–318 K and thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS) of the micellization process were calculated. The antibacterial study of the synthesized surfactants revealed their strong activity against different bacterial strains. Moreover, the interaction of drugs i.e., flurbiprofen and ketoprofen, with the synthesized surfactants was investigated for gaining insights into the role of micelles as drug-delivery devices. Drug–surfactant interactions were also confirmed via a conductometric method.     

Micellization Behavior of Cationic Gemini Surfactants in Aqueous-Ethylene Glycol Solution

The micellization behavior of gemini surfactants i.e. alkanediyl-α,ω-bis(cetyldimethylammonium bromide) (C₁₆-s-C₁₆,2Br⁻ where s = 3, 4, 10) in 10% (v/v) ethylene glycol solution was investigated by surface tension and conductometric measurements at 300 K. The critical micelle concentration, degree of micellar ionization, surface excess concentration, minimum surface area per molecule of surfactant, surface pressure at the CMC and Gibbs energy of adsorption of the dimeric surfactants have also been determined in the presence of different salts (NaCl, NaBr and NaI). The critical micelle concentration and degree of micellar ionization values decrease significantly in the presence of sodium halides and follows the sequence NaCl < NaBr < NaI. The free energy, enthalpy and entropy of micellization of dimeric surfactants in 10% (v/v) ethylene glycol solution were determined using the temperature dependence of the critical micelle concentration. The standard free energy of micellization was found to be negative in all the cases.     

On the measurement of critical micelle concentrations of pure and technical-grade nonionic surfactants

The critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of nine commercial nonionic surfactants (Tween 20, 22, 40, 60, and 80; Triton X-100; Brij 35, 58, and 78) and two pure nonionics [C₁₂(EO)₅ and C₁₂(EO)₈] were determined by surface tension and dye micellization methods. Commercially available nonionic surfactants (technical grade) usually contain impurities and have a broad molecular weight distribution owing to the degree of ethoxylation. It was shown that the surface tension method (Wilhelmy plate) is very sensitive to the presence of impurities. Much lower CMC values were obtained with the surface tension method than with the dye micellization method (up to 6.5 times for Tween 22). In the presence of highly surfaceactive impurities, the air/liquid interface is already saturated at concentrations well below the true CMC, leading to a wrong interpretation of the break in the curve of surface tension (γ) vs. concentration of nonionic surfactant (log C). The actual onset of micellization happens at higher concentrations, as measured by the dye micellization method. Furthermore, it was shown that when a commercial surfactant sample (Tween 20) is subjected to foam fractionation, thereby removing species with higher surface activity, the sample yields almost the same CMC values as measured by surface tension and dye micellization methods. It was found that for monodisperse pure nonionic surfactants, both CMC determination methods yield the same results. Therefore, this study indicates that precaution should be taken when determining the CMC of commercial nonionic surfactants by the surface tension method, as it indicates the surface concentration of all surface-active species at the surface only, whereas the dye method indicates the presence of micelles in the bulk solution.     

Studies on Micellar Behavior of PEO‐PBO or PEO‐PBO‐PEO Copolymers,or Surface Active Amphiphilic Ionic Liquids in Aqueous Media and Exploration of the Micellar Solutions for Solubilization of Dexamethasone and its Delayed Release

The aggregation behavior of a di‐ and tri‐block copolymers of type PEO‐PBO, PEO‐PBO‐PEO, surface‐active ionic liquid (SAIL) of type 4‐dodecyl‐4‐methylmorpholinium chloride [C₁₂mmor][Cl], and 1‐dodecyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium chloride [C₁₂mpyrr][Cl]) in water as well as in 10 mM of a poorly water soluble dexamethasone (dex) aqueous solution was studied by determining the critical micelle concentrations using drug solubilization, surface tension, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) methods. ITC measurements were also made on solutions prepared by mixing the micellar aqueous solutions of copolymers and simple aqueous solutions of SAIL across the mole fractions at three different temperatures (298.15, 308.15, and 318.15 K). The thermodynamic parameters, namely Gibbs free energy (ΔG_m), enthalpy (ΔH_m), and entropy (ΔS_m), of micellization were calculated, and it was observed that the negative ΔG_m and positive ΔS_m for the mixture solutions increase with the increase in mole fraction of SAIL. Otherwise, the micellization is reported to be a spontaneous and highly entropy‐driven process. The dex‐solubilized micellar solutions were mixed with agar to obtain standing gels. The gel samples were dry‐cast into thin films, and the release of dex from films by simple dilution was monitored by UV measurements. The drug release data was fitted to several mechanistic models, and it was inferred that the release mechanism for dex from thin films is non‐Fickian for mixtures and Fickian in copolymer or SAIL micellar aqueous solutions. The transport of dex is diffusion‐controlled with diffusivities of 5.8–12 × 10^?11 m² s^?1 for copolymer micelles, 5–11 × 10^?11 m² s^?1 for micelles of SAIL, and 3–14 × 10^?11 m² s^?1 for the mixed micelles of copolymer and SAIL in aqueous media.     

Synthesis and Solution Properties of Novel Sugar-Based Polysiloxane Surfactants

Two sugar‐based polysiloxane surfactants with well‐defined structures, 3‐(2‐aminoethylamino)propyl functional polysiloxane glucosamide grafted (AEAPFPS‐GA) and 3‐(2‐aminoethylamino)propyl functional polysiloxane lactobionamide grafted (AEAPFPS‐LA), were successfully synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR and ¹H NMR. Their surface activities and aggregation behavior in aqueous solution were investigated by surface tension measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and negative‐stain transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The surface tension measurements provided the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the surface tension at the CMC (γ_CMC), which revealed that these two surfactants have a much higher surface activity than those of conventional hydrocarbon surfactants. DLS and TEM analysis of the two polysiloxane surfactants aqueous solutions revealed that the AEAPFPS‐GA can self‐assemble into collapsed spherical micelles, and the AEAPFPS‐LA can self‐assemble into spherical micelles.     

Sugar-based cationic surfactants: Synthesis and aggregation of methyl 2-acylamido-6-trimethylammonio-2,6-dideoxy-d-glucopyranoside chlorides

The synthesis of the sugar-based cationic surfactants methyl 2-acylamido-6-trimethylammonio-2,6-dideoxy-d-glucopyranoside chlorides is reported here. Aggregation of these surfactants (predominantly α anomers) in water was studied at 25°C by conductivity measurements. Increasing the chain length of the amido group R decreased the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the degree of counter-ion dissociation. The dependence of the Gibbs' free energy of micellization and CMC on the length of R is similar to that observed for other ionic surfactants. The free energy of transfer of the head group, i.e., cationic amino sugar moiety, from water to the micelle is more negative than that of other ionic surfactants, including sodium methyl 2-acylamido-2-deoxy-6-O-sulfo-d-glucopyranosides, probably due to a combination of a micellar “medium” effect and intermolecular H-bonding in the micellar pseudophase.     

Synthesis of pH‐ and temperature‐responsive chitosan‐graft‐poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] copolymer and gold nanoparticle stabilization by its micelles

Novel pH‐ and temperature‐responsive chitosan‐graft‐poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (chitosan‐g‐PDMAEMA) copolymers were successfully synthesized by homogeneous atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) under mild conditions. Chitosan macroinitiator was prepared by phthaloylation of amino groups of chitosan and subsequent acylation of hydroxyl groups of chitosan with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide. The copolymers were obtained by ATRP of 2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and they can self‐assemble into stable micelles in water. Hybrid micelles with a PDMAEMA corona incorporating gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were prepared in situ via the reduction of HAuCl₄ with NaBH₄. The pH and temperature responses of the copolymer micelles and hybrid micelles were characterized using UV‐visible spectroscopy and dynamic laser light scattering. The morphology of the micelles was observed using transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The PDMAEMA corona of the micelles acts as the ‘nanoreactor’ and the ‘anchor’ for the in situ formation and stabilization of Au NPs. Therefore, the spatial distribution of Au NPs within the micelles can be tuned by varying the temperature and pH value. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of Spacer Nature on the Aggregation Properties of Anionic Gemini Surfactants in Aqueous Solutions

A series of anionic gemini surfactants with the same structure except the spacer nature have been studied. Their solution properties were characterized by the equilibrium surface tension and intrinsic fluorescence quenching method. The critical micelle concentrations (CMC), surface tension at cmc, C₂₀, and the micelle aggregation number (N) were obtained. The surface tension measurements indicate that these gemini surfactants have much lower cmc values and great efficiency in lowering the surface tension of water compared with those of conventional monomeric surfactants. Furthermore, the standard free energy of micellization for anionic gemini surfactants was also determined. The results showed that the nature of the spacer has an important effect on the aggregation properties of gemini surfactants in aqueous solutions. The surfactant with a hydrophilic, flexible spacer was more readily able to form micelle compared with the surfactant with a hydrophobic, rigid spacer, which leads to a lower CMC value, larger N, more negative free energy of micellization, and a more closely packed micelle structure.     

Aggregation and Adsorption Behavior of Cationic Surfactants (Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide and Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide) in Aqueous Solutions of Antibiotic Drug (Amikacin Sulphate) at Different Temperatures

Conductivity and spectroscopy techniques have been accomplished to comprehend the mechanism of supramolecular assembly of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) in aqueous solution of amikacin sulphate (0.001, 0.005, and 0.010 mol kg⁻¹). For CTAB, the normal boost of the CMC value with rise in temperature manifests the significant role of aquaphilic dehydration. However, the aquaphobic dehydrations become prominent with temperature and depict typical U-shaped behavior of CMC for DTAB. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization have been derived from CMC values. The outcomes have been conferred in terms of solvation of hydrophobic part of surfactants by hydrophobic part of amikacin sulphate and micellization becomes more favorable for surfactant with more hydrophobic character in the presence of drug. The alteration in micro-environment of the ternary (drug/surfactant/water) system has been explained in terms of fluorescence emission intensity of surfactant solutions which has been found to decrease by the addition of drug. The obtained absorbance spectrum by varying concentrations of surfactant/drug affords noteworthy information regarding the diverse interactions in studied systems. Moreover, the exhaustive understanding of surfactant micellar behavior have been discussed in consideration of use of surfactants as drug delivery agents and hence to amplify drug bioavailability consequently remodeling its treatment efficacy.