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Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Structural Studies of Macromolecules in Solution using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering
Published on: November 5, 2018
Deep Eutectic Solvent-Induced Structural Transition of Microemulsions Explored with Small-Angle X-ray Scattering.
Mina Sakuragi1, Shinsuke Tsutsumi1, Katsuki Kusakabe1
1Department of Nanoscience , Sojo University , 4-22-1 Ikeda , Nishi-ku, Kumamoto 860-0082 , Japan.
This study developed microemulsions (MEs) using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and surfactants for drug delivery. Surfactant ratios influenced ME structure, causing transitions from spherical to cylindrical shapes and particle aggregation.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Transdermal drug delivery requires effective systems for poorly soluble drugs.
- Microemulsions (MEs) offer potential for enhanced drug solubility and skin penetration.
- Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are emerging as novel components in advanced formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize microemulsions (MEs) containing deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and water for transdermal delivery.
- To investigate the impact of surfactant (Tween-80/Span-20) and solvent (DES/water) ratios on ME structure.
- To understand the structural transitions and aggregation behavior of these novel MEs.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of microemulsions using polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween-80) and sorbitan laurate (Span-20) surfactants.
- Analysis of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) profiles using the core-corona model to determine ME structure.
- Investigation of structural changes induced by varying surfactant and solvent compositions.
- Characterization of ME morphology using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Main Results:
- The ratio of Tween-80 and Span-20 surfactants significantly influenced ME morphology.
- Tween-80, with its unsaturated long alkyl chain, induced a structural transition from spherical to cylindrical MEs.
- Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) promoted surfactant aggregation due to solvophobic interactions.
- Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of aggregated ME particles with diverse shapes.
Conclusions:
- The composition of microemulsions significantly impacts their structural characteristics.
- Surfactant type and concentration are critical for controlling ME shape and morphology.
- Deep eutectic solvents can induce aggregation in microemulsion systems, affecting particle behavior.
- These findings provide insights for designing advanced microemulsion-based transdermal drug delivery systems.
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