Solubilization kinetics of a triglyceride/n-alkane mixture in a non-ionic surfactant solution

Area of Science:

• Colloid and Surface Science
• Physical Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Understanding oil solubilization in surfactant solutions is crucial for various applications, including drug delivery and food processing.
• Non-ionic surfactants are widely used due to their mildness and compatibility.
• The kinetics of solubilization for different oil types and mixtures are not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the solubilization kinetics of n-hexadecane and triolein in a non-ionic surfactant solution.
• To examine the solubilization behavior of a mixture of n-hexadecane and triolein.
• To quantitatively relate the solubilization rates of the mixture to those of the pure oils.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a drop-on-fibre technique to observe the dissolution of single, microscopic oil droplets.
• Maintained conditions to ensure negligible saturation of the surfactant micelles with solubilizate.
• Measured solubilization rates over time for pure n-hexadecane, pure triolein, and their mixture.

Main Results:

• The solubilization rate of pure n-hexadecane was approximately 8 times faster than that of pure triolein on a volume basis.
• Solubilization rates for both pure oils were independent of time.
• The mixture exhibited time-dependent solubilization, with initially steady and later lower steady rates.

Conclusions:

• The observed solubilization kinetics of the oil mixture can be quantitatively explained by the individual solubilization rates of n-hexadecane and triolein.
• The study provides insights into the differential solubilization behavior of oils with varying structures in surfactant systems.
• Findings contribute to a better understanding of micellar solubilization mechanisms.