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Dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide vesicles prepared by the surfactant removal method
1Physics Departament, Sao Paulo State University, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brasil. eloi@ibilce.unesp.br
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|February 7, 2006
Summary
Dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) and octa-ethyleneglycol mono-n-dodecyl ether (C12E8) mixtures form soluble small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) in water. Cryo-TEM imaging confirmed SUV and extended bilayer formation via dialysis.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) is a cationic surfactant forming vesicles, while octa-ethyleneglycol mono-n-dodecyl ether (C12E8) is a nonionic surfactant forming micelles.
- DODAB is insoluble in water at room temperature, and C12E8 forms micelles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the formation of self-assembled structures from a mixture of DODAB and C12E8 in water.
- To determine if a soluble system could be achieved by combining these surfactants.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of a mixture of 1.0 mM DODAB and 10 mM C12E8 in water.
- Dialysis of the mixture at room temperature.
- Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) for structural analysis.
Main Results:
- A soluble system of DODAB and C12E8 in water was achieved at room temperature.
- Small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) were successfully formed.
- Extended bilayers were observed in equilibrium with the vesicles.
Conclusions:
- Mixtures of DODAB and C12E8 can form stable, soluble supramolecular structures in water.
- Dialysis is an effective method for inducing the formation of SUVs and bilayers from these surfactant mixtures.
- The findings demonstrate a method for creating functional vesicle structures from combined cationic and nonionic surfactants.
