Aggregation properties of cationic gemini surfactants with partially fluorinated spacers in aqueous solution

The aggregation properties of cationic gemini surfactants alkanediyl-alpha,omega-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide), [C(12)H(25)(CH(3))(2)N(CH(2))(m)(CF(2))(n)(CH(2))(m))N(CH(3))(2)C(12)H(25)]Br(2) [where 2m + n = 12 and n = 0, 4, and 6; designated as 12-12-12, 12-12(C(4)(F))-12, and 12-12(C(6)(F))-12, respectively] have been studied by microcalorimetry, time-resolved fluorescence quenching, and electrical conductivity. Compared with a fully hydrocarbon spacer of 12-12-12, the fluorinated spacer with a lower ratio of CF(2) to CH(2) in 12-12(C(4)(F))-12 tends to disfavor the aggregation, leading to larger critical micelle concentration (cmc), lower micelle aggregation number (N), and less negative Gibbs free energy of micellization (DeltaG(mic)). However, the fluorinated spacer with a higher ratio of CF(2) to CH(2) in 12-12(C(6)(F))-12 may prompt the aggregation, resulting in lower cmc, higher N, and more negative DeltaG(mic). It is also noted that enthalpy change of micellization (DeltaH(mic)) for 12-12(C(4)(F))-12 is the most exothermic, but the values of DeltaH(mic) for 12-12-12 and 12-12(C(6)(F))-12 are almost the same. These results are rationalized in terms of competition among the enhanced hydrophobicity and the rigidity of the fluorinated spacer, and the variation of immiscibility of the fluorinated spacer with the hydrocarbon side chains.     

Surface tension study of cationic gemini surfactants binding to DNA

Binding of cationic gemini surfactants alkanediyl-a-ω-bis(dimethyldodecylammonium bromides) with variable polymethylene spacer length ranging from 2 to 12 methylene groups to DNA in NaBr solution is investigated utilizing the tensiometry method. A simple method is presented for calculating the number of surfactant molecules bound to DNA. The results are evaluated in terms of the gemini surfactant spacer length, showing that gemini molecules with either short spacers (2 methylene groups) or long spacers are most efficiently adsorbed to DNA. A weak adsorption to DNA was found for gemini molecules with a medium spacer length (6 methylene groups in the spacer). The binding properties of cationic gemini surfactants as a function of spacer length are consistent with the results obtained by other experimental methods (dynamic light scattering measurements, fluorescence spectroscopy), indicating identical adsorption behaviour of gemini molecules as a function of the spacer length.      

Investigation of complexes formed by interaction of cationic gemini surfactants with deoxyribonucleic acid

Cationic gemini surfactants, N,N-bis(dimethylalkyl)-alpha,omega-alkanediammonium dibromide [C(m)H(2m+1)(CH(3))(2)N(+)(CH(2))(s)N(+)(CH(3))(2)C(m)H(2m+1) x 2 Br(-), or m-s-m], have proven to be effective synthetic vectors for gene delivery (transfection). Complexes (lipoplexes) of gemini compounds, where m = 12, s = 3, 12 and m = 18 : 1(oleyl), s = 2, 3, 6, with DNA have been investigated using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and circular dichroism (CD) techniques. The results show that lipoplex properties depend on the structural properties of the gemini surfactants, the presence of the helper lipid dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), and the titration sequence. ITC data show that the interaction between DNA and gemini surfactants is endothermic and the observed enthalpy vs. charge ratio profile depends upon the titration sequence. Isoelectric points (IP) of lipoplex formation were estimated from the zeta potential measurements and show good agreement with the reaction endpoints (RP) obtained from ITC. DLS data indicate that DNA is condensed in the lipoplex. AFM images suggest that the lipoplex morphology changes from isolated globular-like aggregated particles to larger-size aggregates with great diversity in morphology. This change is further accentuated by the presence of DOPE in the lipoplexes. The results are interpreted in terms of some current models of lipoplex formation.     

Role of added counterions in the micellar growth of bisquaternary ammonium halide surfactant (14-s-14): 1H NMR and viscometric studies

The change in the morphology of a series of dicationic gemini surfactants C(14)H(29)(CH(3))(2)N(+)-(CH(2))(s)-N(+)(CH(3))(2)C(14)H(29), 2Br(-) (14-s-14; s=4-6) on their interaction with inorganic (KBr, KNO(3), KSCN) and organic salts (NaBenz, NaSal) have been thoroughly investigated by means of (1)H NMR spectral analysis and the results are well supported by viscosity measurements. The presence of salt counterions results in structural transition (spherical to nonspherical) of gemini micelles in aqueous solution. With an increase in salt concentration all the three gemini surfactants showed changes in their aggregate morphology. This change is dependent on the nature and size of the added counterion. The effect of inorganic counterions on the micellar growth is observed to follow the Hofmeister series (Br(-) < NO(3)(-) < SCN(-)). The roles of organic counterions are discussed on the basis of probable solubilization sites of the substrate molecule in the gemini micelles, showing more growth in case of Sal(-) than Benz(-). The results are confirmed in terms of the obtained values of chemical shift (δ), line width at half height (lw), and relative viscosity (η(r)). Also, the growth of micelles was most pronounced for the gemini surfactant with the shortest spacer (s=4). This was attributed to the unique molecular structure of gemini surfactant micelles having flexible polymethylene spacer chain linking the twin polar headgroups.     

KOH catalysed preparation of activated carbon aerogels for dye adsorption

Surfactants prevent the irreversible aggregation of partially refolded proteins, and they are also known to assist in protein refolding. A novel approach to protein refolding that utilizes a pair of low molecular weight folding assistants, a detergent and cyclodextrin, was proposed by Rozema and Gellman (D. Rozema, S.H. Gellman, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 117 (1995) 2373). We report the refolding of bovine serum albumin (BSA) assisted by these artificial chaperones, utilizing gemini surfactants for the first time. A combination of cationic gemini surfactants, bis(cetyldimethylammonium)pentane dibromide (C(16)H(33)(CH(3))(2)N(+)-(CH(2))(5)-N(+)(CH(3))(2)C(16)H(33)·2Br(-) designated as G5 and bis(cetyldimethylammonium)hexane dibromide (C(16)H(33)(CH(3))(2)N(+)-(CH(2))(6)-N(+)(CH(3))(2)C(16)H(33)·2Br(-) designated as G6 and cyclodextrins, was used to refold guanidinium chloride (GdCl) denatured BSA in the artificial chaperone assisted two step method. The single chain cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used for comparative studies. The studies were carried out in an aqueous medium at pH 7.0 using circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and ANS binding studies. The denatured BSA was found to get refolded by very small concentrations of gemini surfactant at which the single chain counterpart was found to be ineffective. Different from the single chain surfactant, the gemini surfactants exhibit much stronger electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with the protein and are thus effective at much lower concentrations. Based on the present study it is expected that gemini surfactants may prove useful in the protein refolding operations and may thus be effectively employed to circumvent the problem of misfolding and aggregation.     

Adsorption of Gemini and Conventional Cationic Surfactants onto Montmorillonite and the Removal of Some Pollutants by the Clay

The adsorption of a series of gemini surfactants, [C(n)H(2n+1)N(+) (CH(3))(2)-CH(2)CH(2)](2).2Br(-), where n = 10, 12, 14, and 16, on clay (Na-montmorillonite) from their aqueous solution in 0.01 M KBr and the effect of this adsorption on the removal of 2-naphthol and 4-chlorophenol have been studied. Compared to those of conventional cationic surfactants with similar single hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups (C(n)H(2n+1)N(+)(CH(3))(3).Br(-), where n = 10, 12, 14, and 16), the molar adsorptions of the gemini and conventional surfactants are almost identical. This indicates that only one of the hydrophilic groups in the gemini molecule is adsorbed onto the clay and that the second hydrophilic is presumably oriented toward the aqueous phase, in contrast to the adsorption of the conventional surfactants, where the hydrophobic group is oriented toward the aqueous phase. Stability studies on dispersions of clay treated with the two types of surfactants confirm this. The slight increase in the moles of surfactant to values above the CEC of the clay with an increase in the carbon number of the hydrophobic chain indicates that adsorption through hydrophobic group interaction occurs in addition to the major ion exchange. Adsorption studies of the pollutants onto the clay treated by either the gemini or the conventional surfactants show that the former are both more efficient and more effective at removing the pollutants from the aqueous phase. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Structure of the complex monolayer of gemini surfactant and DNA at the air/water interface

The properties of the complex monolayers composed of cationic gemini surfactants, [C(18)H(37)(CH(3))(2)N(+)-(CH(2))(s)-N(+)(CH(3))(2)C(18)H(37)],2Br(-) (18-s-18 with s = 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12), and ds-DNA or ss-DNA at the air/water interface were in situ studied by the surface pressure-area per molecule (π-A) isotherm measurement and the infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS). The corresponding Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films were also investigated by the atomic force microscopy (AFM), the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD). The π-A isotherms and AFM images reveal that the spacer of gemini surfactant has a significant effect on the surface properties of the complex monolayers. As s ≤ 6, the gemini/ds-DNA complex monolayers can both laterally and normally aggregate to form fibril structures with heights of 2.0-7.0 nm and widths of from several tens to ~300 nm. As s > 6, they can laterally condense to form the platform structure with about 1.4 nm height. Nevertheless, FT-IR, IRRAS, and CD spectra, as well as AFM images, suggest that DNA retains its double-stranded character when complexed. This is very important and meaningful for gene therapy because it is crucial to maintain the extracellular genes undamaged to obtain a high transfection efficiency. In addition, when s ≤ 6, the gemini/ds-DNA complex monolayers can experience a transition of DNA molecule from the double-stranded helical structure to a typical ψ-phase with a supramolecular chiral order.     

Effect of hydrocarbon structure of the headgroup on the thermodynamic properties of micellization of cationic gemini surfactants: an electrical conductivity study

A series of cationic gemini surfactants butanediyl-1,4-bis(dodecyldialkylammonium bromide), C(12)H(25)N(+)(C(m)H(2)(m)(+1))(2)C(4)H(8)N(+)(C(m)H(2)(m)(+1))(2)C(12)H(25)·2Br(-), where m=1, 2, 3, 4, referred to as C(12)C(4)C(12)(Me), C(12)C(4)C(12)(Et), C(12)C(4)C(12)(Pr), and C(12)C(4)C(12)(Bu), respectively, were synthesized, and their thermodynamic properties of micellization were studied by electrical conductivity measurements. There existed a minimum critical micelle concentration (cmc) in the curve of cmc versus temperature, and the temperature of the minimum of cmc (T(min)) increased with increasing the headgroup alkyl chain length. The values of log (cmc) depended linearly on carbon number of the alkyl chains, but that was not true for the carbon number of the headgroup substituents. The temperature dependence of cmc and degree of counterion association (β) were used to calculate the Gibbs free energy (Δ(mic)G°), enthalpies (Δ(mic)H°) and entropies (Δ(mic)S°) of micelle formation for these gemini surfactants, and well correlated enthalpy-entropy compensation was observed. The analyses showed C(12)C(4)C(12)(Me) and C(12)C(4)C(12)(Et) behaved similarly in terms of thermodynamics of micellization, but they behaved differently from C(12)C(4)C(12)(Pr) and C(12)C(4)C(12)(Bu), which could be ascribed to the hydrophobicity and the location of the headgroup alkyl chains in the aggregates. These initial results indicate the headgroup alkyl chain plays an important role in influencing the thermodynamic properties of gemini surfactants.     

Effect of the spacer length on the association and adsorption behavior of dissymmetric gemini surfactants

A series of dissymmetric gemini surfactants with the general formula [C12H25(CH3)2N(CH2)sN(CH3)2C14H29]Br2 designed as 12-s-14, where s=2, 6, and 10, were synthesized and their physicochemical properties investigated. The effect of spacer length on Krafft temperature, adsorption at the air/solution interface, and association in aqueous solution was studied by tensiometry, conductometry, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. The Krafft temperature was found to increase linearly with spacer length. In the submicellar concentration range the dissymmetric 12-s-14 surfactants display ion pairing and premicellar association. Adsorption at air/solution interfaces and micellization in aqueous solution are similar to the behavior of their symmetric counterparts and depend strongly on spacer length.     

Aggregation behavior of a series of anionic sulfonate gemini surfactants and their corresponding monomeric surfactant

A series of anionic sulfonate gemini surfactants with the general structure of [(Cn H2n+1)(C3H6SO(-)3) NCsN(C3H6SO(-)3)(CnH2n+1)].2Na+ have been synthesized. While the spacer group Cs represents p-xylyl or (CH2)3, the surfactants are abbreviated as CnCpxCn(SO3)2 (n=8,10,12) or C12C3C12(SO3)2(n=12), respectively. A corresponding monomeric surfactant C12H25N(CH3)(C3H6SO(-)3).Na+(C12NSO3) has also been prepared. The aggregation behavior of these surfactants has been studied at pH 9.2 and ionic strength of 30 mM. The gemini surfactants exhibit stronger aggregation tendencies and much less endothermic enthalpy changes of micellization (DeltaH mic) compared with the monomeric surfactant. The critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of the gemini surfactants decrease with the increase of the hydrophobic chain length from C8CpxC8(SO3)2 to C10CpxC10(SO3)2, but the CMC values of C10CpxC10(SO3)2 and C12CpxC12(SO3)2 are very close. The DeltaH mic values vary from endothermic for C8CpxC8(SO3)2 to almost zero for C12CpxC12(SO3)2. Besides, vesicles are observed above the CMC for all these surfactants. The water-mediated intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the tertiary nitrogen groups may assist C12NSO3 and C12C3C12(SO3)2 in their vesicle formation, while the pi-pi interaction between aromatic rings should be another additional driving force for the vesicle formation of CnCpxCn(SO3)2. Meanwhile, the hydrogen bonding, pi-pi interaction, and strong hydrophobic interaction provide the possibility of a multilayer formation for C12CpxC12(SO3)2 and C12C3C12(SO3)2 at the air/water interface, which is a possible reason for the extremely small minimum area occupied per surfactant molecule at the air/water interface for these two gemini surfactants.     

The Adsorption of Gemini and Conventional Surfactants onto Some Soil Solids and the Removal of 2-Naphthol by the Soil Surfaces

The adsorption of two cationic gemini surfactants, [C(n)H(2n+1) N(+)(CH(3))(2)-CH(2)CH(2)](2).2Br(-), where n=12 and 14, on limestone, sand, and clay (Na-montmorillonite) from their aqueous solution in double-distilled water and the effect of this adsorption on the removal of 2-naphthol have been studied. Compared to those of conventional cationic surfactants with similar single hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups (C(n)H(2n+1)N(+)(CH(3))(3).Br(-), where n=12 and 14), the molar adsorptions of the gemini and the conventional surfactants on Na-montmorillonite are almost identical and very close to their cation exchange capacities. On sand and limestone, the molar adsorption of the cationic gemini surfactants is much larger than that of their corresponding conventional surfactants. Adsorption studies of the pollutants onto the three kinds of solids treated by either the gemini or the conventional surfactants show that the former are both more efficient and more effective at removing 2-naphthol from the aqueous phase. On all three soil solids, the addition of KBr increases the efficiency of the adsorption of both types of cationics and for most cases increases also the maximum amount adsorbed, but decreases slightly the efficiency of removal of 2-naphthol. On limestone, the anionic gemini adsorbs with one hydrophilic group oriented toward the Ca(2+) sites on the surface and its second hydrophilic group oriented toward the aqueous phase. The conventional anionic surfactant forms a double layer. The gemini anionic is more efficient and more effective than the conventional anionic in the removal of 2-naphathol from the aqueous phase. Both anionic conventional and gemini surfactants have no adsorption on sand. The adsorption mechanisms for all the surfactants on the three soil solid surfaces are discussed. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.     

Comparative studies on interactions of bovine serum albumin with cationic gemini and single-chain surfactants

The interactions of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with cationic gemini surfactants alkanediyl-alpha,omega-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) [C12H25(CH3)2N(CH2)(S)N(CH3)2C12H25]Br2 (designated as C12C(S)C12Br2, S = 3, 6, and 12) and single-chain surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) have been studied with isothermal titration microcalorimetry, turbidity, fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism at pH 7.0. Comparing with DTAB, C12C(S)C12Br2 have much stronger binding ability with BSA to induce the denaturation of BSA at very low molar ratio of C12C(S)C12Br2/BSA, and C12C(S)C12Br2 have a much stronger tendency to form insoluble complexes with BSA. The binding of C12C(S)C12Br2 to BSA generates larger endothermic peaks. The first endothermic peak is much stronger than that of the second endothermic peak. The double charges and strong hydrophobicity of the gemini surfactants are the main reasons for these observations. In addition, the spectra results show that the binding of DTAB to BSA only promotes BSA unfolding and aggregation, whereas the secondary structure of BSA is possibly stabilized by a small amount of C12C(S)C12Br2 , even if the small amount of binding C12C(S)C12Br2 could induce the loss of the tertiary structure of BSA. This result may be related to the double tails of gemini surfactants, which may generate the hydrophobic linkages between the nonpolar residues of BSA.     

Polymerizable cationic gemini surfactant

A polymerizable cationic gemini surfactant, [CH(2)=C(CH(3))COO(CH(2))(11)N(+)CH(3))(2)CH(2)](2).2Br(-), 1 has been synthesized and its basic interfacial properties were investigated (in water and in the presence of 0.05 M NaBr). For comparison, the properties of monomeric surfactant corresponding to 1, CH(2)=C(CH(3))COO(CH(2))(11)N(+)(CH(3))(3).Br(-), 2, were also investigated. Parameters studied include cmc (critical micelle concentration), C(20) (required to reduce the surface tension of the solvent by 20 mN/m), gamma(cmc) (the surface tension at the cmc), Gamma(cmc) (the maximum surface excess concentration at the air/water interface), A(min) (the minimum area per surfactant molecule at the air/water interface), and cmc/C(20) ratio (a measure of the tendency to form micelles relative to adsorb at the air/water interface). For the polymerizable gemini surfactant, 1, the methacryloxy groups at the terminal of each hydrophobic group in a molecule have no contact with the air/water interface in the monolayer, whereas for the corresponding monomeric surfactant, 2, the methacryloxy group contacts at the interface forming a looped configuration like a bolaamphiphile. Polymerized micelles of the gemini surfactant are fairly small monodisperse and spherical particles with a mean diameter of 3 nm.     

Microcalorimetric study on the interaction of dissymmetric gemini surfactants with DNA

The interaction of a series of dissymmetric gemini surfactants, [C(m)H(2m+1)(CH(3))(2)N(CH(2))(6)N(CH(3))(2)C(n)H(2n+1)]Br(2) (designated as C(m)C(6)C(n)Br(2), with constant m+n=24, and m=12, 14, 16, and 18) with DNA in 10 mM NaCl solution has been investigated by isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC). The curves for titration of the surfactants into DNA solution show noticeable differences from those into 10 mM NaCl solution without DNA. It is attributed to the interaction between DNA and surfactants. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC), the saturation concentration (C(2)), and the thermodynamic parameters for the aggregation and interaction processes were obtained from the calorimetric titration curves. The results show that the dissymmetry degree (m/n) has a marked effect on the interaction of the C(m)C(6)C(n)Br(2) surfactants with DNA. The CAC and C(2) tend to become smaller with increased m/n. The enthalpy change (DeltaH(agg)) and the Gibbs free energy change (DeltaG(agg)) for aggregation become more negative down the series, indicating that the hydrophobic interaction between the hydrophobic chains of the surfactant molecules increases and the aggregation process is more spontaneous with increased m/n. The entropy changes of aggregation (DeltaS(agg)) are all positive and TDeltaS(agg) is much larger than |DeltaH(agg)|, revealing that the aggregation process is mainly entropy-driven. However, the calculated Gibbs free energy (DeltaG(DS)) for the interaction between the gemini surfactants and DNA becomes less negative with increased m/n, which reveals that the interaction between the gemini surfactants and DNA tends to be weaker with increased m/n. This is induced by the disruption of the chain-chain hydrophobic interaction between the surfactant molecules at higher m/n, where the entropy change DeltaS(DS) for the interaction process tends to be an unfavorable factor. In addition, the DNA concentration also has a remarkable influence on the interaction.     

Crystalline structures and mesomorphic properties of gemini diammonium surfactants with a pendant hydroxyl group

A series of homologous crystals of gemini diammonium surfactants (GDAS) containing one hydroxyl substituted methylene spacer are prepared. The crystal structures of these compounds, namely [C(n)H(2)(n)(+1)-N(+) (CH(3))(2)-CH(2)CH(OH)CH(2)-N(+)(CH(3))(2)-C(n)H(2)(n)(+1)], are determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques, in order to have a better understanding of the structure relation between the solid and the mesophase. The hydroxyl groups enhance the hydrogen bonding interaction between neighboring compounds, and therefore the packing of GDAS in the solid state is arranged to form a herringbone-like mode. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first GDAS crystal with a herringbone-like structure. Their mesomorphic properties are investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and rheological measurement. These compounds have relatively low melting points and form thermotropic mesophases over a broad temperature range, as compared to those without a hydroxyl substituted at the spacer. The rheological behavior of the smectic phases clearly reveals that hydrogen bonds exert a significant effect on the high values of moduli and viscosity. Moreover, the melting point and rheological parameters increase, conforming to the length of alkyl chains.     

Supramolecular assemblies of a new series of gemini-type schiff base amphiphiles at the air/water interface: in situ coordination, interfacial nanoarchitectures, and spacer effect

Great interest has been devoted to the gemini amphiphiles because of their unique properties. In this article, we report some interesting properties of the interfacial films formed by a series of newly designed gemini amphiphiles containing the Schiff base moiety. This novel series of gemini amphiphiles with their Schiff base headgroups linked by a hydrophobic alkyl spacer (BisSBC18Cn, n = 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) could be spread to form stable monolayers and coordinated with Cu(Ac)(2) in situ in the monolayer. The alkyl spacer in the amphiphiles has a great effect on the regulation of the properties of the Langmuir monolayers. A maximum limiting molecular area was observed for the monolayers of the gemini amphiphile with the spacer length of hexa- or octamethylene groups. Both the monolayers on water and on the aqueous Cu(Ac)(2) subphase were transferred onto solid substrates, and different morphologies were observed for films with different spacers. Nanonail and tapelike morphologies were observed for amphiphile films with shorter spacers (n = 2 and 4) on the water surface. Wormlike morphologies were observed for gemini films with longer spacers of C(8) and C(10) when coordinated with Cu(Ac)(2). An interdigitated layer structure was supposed to form in the multilayer films transferred from water or the aqueous Cu(Ac)(2) subphase.     

Interplay of electrostatic and hydrophobic effects with binding of cationic gemini surfactants and a conjugated polyanion: experimental and molecular modeling studies

Understanding factors responsible for the fluorescence behavior of conjugated polyelectrolytes and modulation of their behavior are important for their application as functional materials. The interaction between the anionic poly{1,4-phenylene-[9,9-bis(4-phenoxy-butylsulfonate)]fluorene-2,7-diyl}copolymer (PBS-PFP) and cationic gemini surfactants alpha,omega-(CmH2m+1N+(CH3)2)2(CH2)s(Br-)2 (m-s-m; m=12, s=2, 3, 5, 6, 10, and 12) has been studied experimentally in aqueous solution. These surfactants are chosen to see whether molecular recognition and self-assembly occurs between the oppositely charged conjugated polyelectrolyte and gemini surfactant when the spacer length on the surfactant is similar to the intercharge separation on the polymer. Without surfactants, PBS-PFP exists as aggregates. These are broken up upon addition of gemini surfactants. However, as anticipated, the behavior strongly depends upon spacer length (s). Fluorescence measurements show three surfactant concentration regimes: At low concentrations (<2x10(-6) M) quenching occurs and is most marked with the small spacer 12-2-12; at intermediate concentrations (approximately 2x10(-6)-10(-3) M), fluorescence intensity is constant, with a 12-carbon spacer 12-12-12 showing the strongest fluorescence; above the critical micelle concentration (CMC; approximately 10(-3) M) increases in emission intensity are seen in all cases and are largest with the intermediate spacers 12-5-12 and 12-6-12, where the spacer length most closely matches the distance between monomer units on the polymer. With longer spacer length surfactants, surface tension measurements for concentrations below the CMC reveal the presence of polymer-surfactant aggregates at the air-water interface, possibly reflecting increased hydrophobicity. Above the CMC, small-angle neutron scattering experiments for the 12-6-12 system show the presence of spherical aggregates, both for the pure surfactant and for polyelectrolyte/gemini mixtures. Molecular dynamics simulations help rationalize these observations and show that there is a very fine balance between electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. With the shortest spacer 12-2-12, Coulombic interactions are dominant, while for the longest spacer 12-12-12 the driving force involves hydrophobic interactions. Qualitatively, with the intermediate 12-5-12 and 12-6-12 systems, the optimum balance is observed between Coulombic and hydrophobic interactions, explaining their strong fluorescence enhancement.     

Geometrical shape of micelles formed by cationic dimeric surfactants determined with small-angle neutron scattering

The influence of spacer group on the geometrical shape of micelles formed by quaternary-bis dimeric (Gemini) surfactants C(12)H(25)N(CH(3))(2)(CH(2))(s)N(CH(3))(2)C(12)H(25) (12-s-12) has been investigated with small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Dimeric surfactants with a short spacer unit (12-3-12 and 12-4-12) are observed to form elongated general ellipsoidal micelles with half axes a < b < c, whereas SANS data demonstrate that 12-s-12 surfactants with 6 ≤ s ≤ 12 form rather small spheroidal micelles rather than strictly spherical micelles. By means of comparing our present SANS results with previously determined growth rates using time-resolved fluorescence quenching, we are able to conclude that micelles formed by 12-6-12, 12-8-12, 12-10-12, and 12-12-12 are shaped as oblate rather than prolate spheroids. As a result, our present investigation suggests a never before reported structural behavior of Gemini surfactant micelles, according to which micelles transform from elongated ellipsoids to nonelongated oblate spheroids as the length of the spacer group is increased. The aggregation number of oblate micelles is observed to monotonously decrease with an increasing length of the surfactant spacer group, mainly as a result of a decreasing minor half axis (a), whereas the major half axis (b) is rather constant with respect to s. We argue that geometrically heterogeneous elongated micelles are formed by dimeric surfactants with a short spacer group mainly as a result of the surface charges becoming less uniformly distributed over the micelle interface. As the length of the spacer group increases, the distance between intramolecular charges become approximately equal to the average distance between charges on the micelle interface, and as a result, rather small oblate spheroidal micelles with a more uniform distribution of surface charges are formed by dimeric 12-s-12 surfactants with 6 ≤ s ≤ 12.     

Self-assembly of cationic surfactants that contain thioether groups in the hydrophobic tails

Self-assembly in aqueous solutions of cationic surfactants that carry thioether groups in their hydrophobic tails has been investigated. Of particular interest was the identification of possible changes in the aggregate structure due to the presence of sulfur atoms. Solutions of four different compounds [CH(3)CH(2)S(CH(2))(10)N(CH(3))(3)(+)Br(-) (2-10), CH(3)(CH(2))(5)S(CH(2))(6)N(CH(3))(3)(+)Br(-) (6-6), CH(3)(CH(2))(7)S(CH(2))(6)N(CH(3))(3)(+)Br(-) (8-6), and CH(3)(CH(2))(7)S(CH(2))(8)N(CH(3))(3)(+)Br(-) (8-8)] were characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, NMR diffusometry, and conductivity measurements. In addition to investigating aqueous solutions containing each of the thioethers present as the sole solute, mixtures of 2-10 or 6-6 with dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) were studied. The addition of a sulfide group to the hydrophobic tail causes an increase in the critical micelle concentration but has a limited effect on the aggregate structure. Micelles are formed at a well-defined concentration for all of the investigated surfactants and surfactant mixtures. However, a comparison of the behavior of concentrated solutions of 8-8 to that of solutions of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) of similar concentrations suggests that the presence of a sulfur atom decreases the tendency for micellar growth. This may be a consequence of a slightly higher preference for the micellar surface of a sulfur atom as compared to that of a methylene group in a similar position, an idea that is also supported by results for the surfactant mixtures.     

Synthesis and properties of thioether spacer containing gemini imidazolium surfactants

Twelve new gemini imidazolium surfactants have been synthesized, having dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, and octadecyl chain lengths and three different spacers (i.e., -S-(CH(2))(n)-S-), where n = 2, 3, and 4 and their surface properties have been evaluated by surface tension and conductivity methods. The thermal degradation of these new gemini surfactants was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These surfactants have low cmc values as compared to other categories of gemini cationic surfactants and exhibit peculiarities at sufficiently low concentration because they were able to form premicellar aggregates over a wide range of concentration below their cmc values. The DNA binding affinity of these gemini surfactants determined by agarose gel electrophoresis and ethidium bromide exclusion experiments established their strong interaction with DNA, thereby protecting it against enzymatic degradation.