Cationic and Anionic Conjugated Polyelectrolytes: Aggregation‐Mediated Fluorescence Energy Transfer to Dye‐Labeled DNA

An electrostatic complex of water‐soluble conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPs) between anionic poly(9,9‐bis(4′‐sulfonatobutyl)fluorene‐co‐alt‐1,4‐phenylene) disodium salt (a‐PFP) and cationic poly(9,9‐bis((6′‐N,N,N,‐trimethylammonium)hexyl)fluorene‐co‐2,1,3‐bezothiadiazole) dibromide (85:15) (c‐PFB₁₅) was tested as a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) donor to Texas Red (TR)‐labeled single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA‐TR) via two‐step FRET processes. Electrostatic complexation of a‐PFP and c‐PFB₁₅ in water leads to aggregation of polymer chains, a concomitant reduction of intersegment distances, and energy transfer to the benzothiadiazole (BT) segments. The following complexation with ssDNA‐TR leads to energy transfer from BT to TR via two‐step FRET processes. This detection schematic shows an FRET‐induced signal amplification, which can be achieved by adjusting the charge ratio in the cationic/anionic CP complex and controlling the number density of the binding CPs around the acceptor, resulting in enhanced antenna effects and sensitivity in CP‐based FRET DNA detection assays.

     

G‐Quartet‐Based Nanostructure for Mimicking Light‐Harvesting Antenna

Artificial light‐harvesting systems have received great attention for use in photosynthetic and optoelectronic devices. Herein, a system involving G‐quartet‐based hierarchical nanofibers generated from the self‐assembly of guanosine 5′‐monophosphate (GMP) and a two‐step Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is presented that mimics natural light‐harvesting antenna. This solid‐state property offers advantages for future device fabrication. The generation of photocurrent under visible light shows it has potential for use as a nanoscale photoelectric device. The work will be beneficial for the development of light‐harvesting systems by the self‐assembly of supramolecular nanostructures.     

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer by quencher adsorption into hydrogels containing fluorophores

We synthesized anionic hydrogels containing fluorophores and investigated the adsorption of a cationic quencher having an amino group into hydrogels by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). FRET from the fluorophore to the quencher in hydrogels was examined by fluorescence intensity and fluorescence decay using a fluorescence spectrophotometer and femtosecond laser spectroscopy. The fluorescence intensity of the fluorophore‐containing hydrogels decreased rapidly with increasing amounts of adsorbed cationic quencher. The fluorescence emission of the fluorophore in the quencher‐adsorbed hydrogels containing fluorophores decayed more rapidly than that of the original hydrogels. The aforementioned result indicates that the fluorescence of the fluorophore‐containing hydrogels is quenched due to FRET from the fluorophore to the quencher as the cationic quenchers can approach the fluorophores in hydrogels by electrostatic interactions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3245–3252, 2006     

Micellar medium effects on the hydrolysis of phenyl chloroformate in ionic,zwitterionic, nonionic,and mixed micellar solutions

The spontaneous hydrolysis of phenyl chloroformate was studied in various anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, and cationic aqueous micellar solutions, as well as in mixed anionic–nonionic micellar solutions. In all cases, an increase in the surfactant concentration results in a decrease in the reaction rate and micellar effects were quantitatively explained in terms of distribution of the substrate between water and micelles and the first‐order rate constants in the aqueous and micellar pseudophases. A comparison of the kinetic data in nonionic micellar solutions to those in anionic and zwiterionic micellar solutions makes clear that charge effects of micelles is not the only factor responsible for the variations in the reaction rate. Depletion of water in the interfacial region and its different characteristics as compared to bulk water, the presence of high ionic concentration in the Stern layer of ionic micelles, and differences in the stabilization of the initial state and the transition state by hydrophobic interactions with surfactant tails can also influence reactivity. The different deceleration of the reaction observed in the various micellar solutions studied was discussed by considering these factors. Synergism in mixed‐micellar solutions is shown through the kinetic data obtained in these media. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 34: 445–451, 2002     

Preparation of Ag Nanoparticles in Surfactant Solution

The physicochemical properties of Ag nanoparticles have been determined by the nature of the used chemical reductors. The reported procedures describe the reduction of silver ions using N‐Phenylbenzohydroxamic acid (PBHA) and ascorbic acid individually. The influencing factors including cationic, anionic, zwitterionic and nonionic surfactants and pH have also been investigated in detail.     

Effect of Surfactants on the Formation,Morphology, and Surface Property of Synthesized SiO2 Nanoparticles

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of cationic, anionic (saturated and unsaturated), and nonionic surfactants on the formation, morphology, and surface properties of silica nanoparticles synthesized by the ammonium‐catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane in alcoholic media. Results indicate that at a relatively low surfactant concentration (1 × 10^?3–1 × 10^?6 M), cationic surfactants significantly affected the growth of silica particles as measured by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopic analyses. In contrast, the anionic and nonionic surfactants showed relatively minor effects in the low concentration range. The magnitude of negative zeta potential was reduced for silica colloids that were synthesized in the presence of cationic surfactant because of charge neutralization. The presence of anionic surfactants only slightly increased the negative zeta potential while the nonionic surfactant showed no obvious effects. At high surfactant concentrations (>1 × 10^?3 M), cationic and anionic surfactants both induced colloid aggregation, while the nonionic surfactant showed no effect on particle size. Raman spectroscopic analysis suggests that molecules of cationic surfactants adsorb on silica surfaces via head groups, aided by favorable electrostatic attraction, while molecules of anionic and nonionic surfactants adsorb via their hydrophobic tails.     

Water solubilization capacity of mixed reverse micelles: effect of surfactant component, the nature of the oil, and electrolyte concentration

Solubilization of water in mixed reverse micellar systems with anionic surfactant (AOT) and nonionic surfactants (Brijs, Spans, Tweens, Igepal CO 520), cationic surfactant (DDAB)-nonionic surfactants (Brijs, Spans, Igepal CO 520), and nonionic (Igepal CO 520)-nonionics (Brijs, Spans) in oils of different chemical structures and physical properties (isopropyl myristate, isobutyl benzene, cyclohexane) has been studied at 303 K. The enhancement in water solubilization has been evidenced in these systems with some exceptions. The maximum water solubilization capacity (omega(0,max)) in mixed reverse micellar systems occurred at a certain mole fraction of a nonionic surfactant, which is indicated as X(nonionic,max). The addition of electrolyte (NaCl or NaBr) in these systems tends to enhance their solubilization capacities further both at a fixed composition of nonionic (X(nonionic); 0.1) and at X(nonionic,max) at 303 K. The maximum in solubilization capacity of electrolyte (omega(max)) was obtained at an optimal electrolyte concentration (designated as [NaCl](max) or [NaBr](max)). All these parameters, omega(0,max) vis-a-vis X(nonionic,max) and omega(max) vis-a-vis [NaCl](max), have been found to be dependent on the surfactant component (content, EO chains, and configuration of the polar head group, and the hydrocarbon moiety of the nonionic surfactants) and type of oils. The conductance behavior of these systems has also been investigated, focusing on the influences of water content (omega), content of nonionics (X(nonionic)), concentration of electrolyte ([NaCl] or [NaBr]), and oil. Percolation of conductance has been observed in some of these systems and explained by considering the influences of the variables on the rigidity of the oil/water interface and attractive interactions of the surfactant aggregates. Percolation zones have been depicted in the solubilization capacity vs X(nonionic) or [electrolyte] curves in order to correlate with maximum in water or electrolyte solubilization capacity. The overall results, obtained in these studies, have been interpreted in terms of the model proposed by Shah and co-workers for the solubility of water in water-in-oil microemulsions, as their model proposed that the two main effects that determine the solubility of these systems are curvature of the surfactant film separating the oil and water and interactions between water droplets.     

Capillary Electrophoresis of Cationic Surfactants

Surfactants are important additives in many chemical processes and products. A wide range of surfactants exists, including anionic, cationic, nonionic and zwitterionic. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a widely used cationic surfactant in pharmaceutical and health-care products since it possesses antiseptic and antibacterial properties.     

THE EFFECT OF SINGLE MICELLES OF SURFACTANTS ON POLYMERIZATION OF ACRYLAMIDE

The polymerization of acrylamide in micellar solutions of cationic, anionic, zwitterionic and nonionic surfactants, initiated by NaHSO₃, has been studied at 20 and 30° C with time variable method of thermokinetics for the 1. 5-order reaction in this paper. Reaction mechanism has been suggested and rate equations have been derived. The results indicate that ionic (CTAB, TTABDTAB, SDS) and zwitterionic (SLS) surfactants catalyze the polymerization in the order SDS>SLS>DTAB ≈ TTA≈ CTAB, and nonionic surfactant (Brij35) has slight inhibition effect. These effects are mainly caused by the effect of the formation of micelle- HSO₃ complex on the step of initiator to form free radical.     

THE EFFECTS OF MIXED MICELLES OF SURFACTANTS ON POLYMERIZATION OF ACRYLAMIDE

The polymerization of acrylamide in mixed micellar solutions of surfactants, initiated by NaHSO₃ has been studied at 20 and 3Q° C with time variable method of thermokinetics for 1. 5-order reaction. The results indicate that the mixed micellar systems of cationic or anionic with zwitterionic surfactants (SLS/ CTAB, SLS/ TTAB, SLS/ SDS) and cationic with nonionic surfactants (Brij 357sol; CTAB, Bri-J35/TTAB, Brij35/ DTAB) have catalytic effect on the polymerization in the order, at 20° C. SLS/ SDS SLS/ TTAB SLS/ CTAB Brij35/ CTAB at 30° C SLS/ SDS SLS/ TTAB≈ / CTAB Bri-j35/ DTAB= sBrij35/ TTAB as Brij35/ CTAB, while Brij35/ SDS mixed micellar system has inhibition. These effects are attributed to the effect of the Stern layer of mixed micelles on the step of initiator (HSOT) to form free radical.     

Supramolecular Proteoglycan Aggregate Mimics: Cyclodextrin‐Assisted Biodegradable Polymer Assemblies for Electrostatic‐Driven Drug Delivery

Self‐assembled, noncovalent polymeric biodegradable materials mimicking proteoglycan aggregates were synthesized from inclusion complexes of cationic surfactants with γ‐cyclodextrin and the natural anionic polymer hyaluronan. The amorphous structure of this ternary system was proven by X‐ray diffraction and thermal analysis. Light‐scattering measurements showed that there was a competition between hyaluronic acid and the surfactant for the cyclodextrin cavity. These self‐assembled supramolecular matrices were loaded with both hydrophilic and lipophilic drug substances for dissolution studies. The release of the entrapped drugs was found to be controlled by cations in the surrounding media and by biodegradation. Slow drug release in an ion‐free medium became faster in physiological salt solution in which the macroscopic polymer matrix was disassembled. In contrast, the enzymatic degradation of hyaluronan was hindered in the polymeric matrix. The supramolecular systems consisting of γ‐cyclodextrin as a macrocyclic host, a cationic surfactant guest, and hyaluronic acid as the anionic polymer electrostatically cross‐linked by the inclusion complex of the first two was found to be a novel drug‐delivery system for the controlled release of traditional drugs such as curcumin and ketotifen and proteins such as bovine serum albumin.     

Interactions between zwitterionic and conventional anionic and cationic surfactants

Critical micelle concentration (cmc) values have been determined for the mixed zwitterionic/anionic surfactant systems of N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (ZW3-12)/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), N-dodecyl-N,N-(dimethylammonio)butyrate (DDMAB)/SDS, N-octyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate (ZW3-08)/sodium octyl sulfate (SOS), and the zwitterionic/cationic systems of ZW3-12/dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), DDMAB/DTAB. Conductivity studies and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were the methods employed for cmc determinations. The degree of nonideality of the interaction in the micelle (beta(m)), for each system, was determined according to Rubingh's nonideal solution theory. Evidence was found for the existence of strong interactions between zwitterionic and anionic surfactants in each of the zwitterionic/anionic systems. The ZW3-08/SOS and DDMAB/SDS systems behaved synergistically at all mole fractions studied while the ZW3-12/SDS system exhibited synergistic behavior above mole fractions of 0.30. Greater negative deviations from ideal behavior were demonstrated in the DDMAB/SDS system than in the other two zwitterionic/anionic systems. The zwitterionic/cationic systems of ZW3-12/DTAB and ZW3-08/OTAB displayed only slight deviations from ideal behavior, therefore indicating near ideal mixing.     

Kinetics of alkaline fading of methyl violet in micellar solutions of surfactants: Comparing Piszkiewicz's,Berezin's,and pseudophase ion-exchange models

The micellar effect of surfactants of various types on the rate of the reaction between methyl violet and hydroxide ion is studied. The absorption spectra show that the cation of methyl violet is bound by micelles of all types at proper concentrations of surfactants. The observed rate constant in micellar systems containing nonionic Brij-35, zwitterionic 3-(dimethyldodecylammonio)-propanesulfonate, cationic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and hydroxide surfactants is higher, whereas in solutions of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate is lower than that one in the surfactant-free system. Piszkiewicz's, Berezin's, and pseudophase ion-exchange models of the kinetic micellar effect are used for the treatment of the dependences of the above-mentioned constants on the surfactant concentration. The values of the corresponding kinetic parameters are compared and discussed. The influence of nonionic, zwitterionic, and anionic micelles on the reaction rate is discussed on the basis of medium and concentration kinetic effects. The character of the cationic micelles effect is somewhat paradoxical. Although the observed pseudo–first-order reaction rate constant substantially increases in the presence of such micelles, the second order-rate constant in these micelles is lower than the corresponding value in surfactant-free aqueous solution. As a possible explanation, the decrease in the reactivity of the HO^– ions is proposed, owing to their electrostatic association with the cationic headgroups (“diverting effect”).     

Semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks composed of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) and polyacrylamide hydrogels

Three series of semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks, based on crosslinked poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPA) and 1 wt % nonionic or ionic (cationic and anionic) linear polyacrylamide (PAAm), were synthesized to improve the mechanical properties of PNIPA gels. The effect of the incorporation of linear polymers into responsive networks on the temperature‐induced transition, swelling behavior, and mechanical properties was studied. Polymer networks with four different crosslinking densities were prepared with various molar ratios (25:1 to 100:1) of the monomer (N‐isopropyl acrylamide) to the crosslinker (methylenebisacrylamide). The hydrogels were characterized by the determination of the equilibrium degree of swelling at 25 °C, the compression modulus, and the effective crosslinking density, as well as the ultimate hydrogel properties, such as the tensile strength and elongation at break. The introduction of cationic and anionic linear hydrophilic PAAm into PNIPA networks increased the rate of swelling, whereas the presence of nonionic PAAm diminished it. Transition temperatures were significantly affected by both the crosslinking density and the presence of linear PAAm in the hydrogel networks. Although anionic PAAm had the greatest influence on increasing the transition temperature, the presence of nonionic PAAm caused the highest dimensional change. Semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks reinforced with cationic and nonionic PAAm exhibited higher tensile strengths and elongations at break than PNIPA hydrogels, whereas the presence of anionic PAAm caused a reduction in the mechanical properties. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3987–3999, 2004     

Studies of Interfacial Activities of Four Kinds of Surfactants at Oil/Water Interface

This article aims to compare the interfacial activities of different kinds of surfactants in the same oil/water system. The anionic surfactants of alkylbenzene sulfonates, the polyoxyethylenated nonionic surfactants, the cationic surfactants of alkyl trimethyl ammonium chlorides, and the zwitterionic surfactants of alkyl hydroxyl sulfobetaines were used, and the interfacial tensions of the surfactant solutions against kerosene at different NaCl concentrations were measured. It is found that the interfacial activities of the alkylbenzene sulfonates are high and ultralow interfacial tensions (<0.01 mN/m) can be obtained at proper salinities. While, the nonionic surfactants have relatively low interfacial activities and the minimum tensions are around 0.01 mN/ms. The salinity scanning curves of the alkylbenzene sulfonates and nonionic surfactants decrease first, then increase, showing their interfacial activities can be changed by the salinity effectively. The cationic and zwitterionic surfactants have very low interfacial activities, of which all the tensions are higher than 0.1 mN/ms and are hard to be changed by the salinity. The experimental results may have important reference values for enhanced oil recovery.     

Poly(β‐cyclodextrin)/Curcumin Self‐Assembly: A Novel Approach to Improve Curcumin Delivery and its Therapeutic Efficacy in Prostate Cancer Cells

A novel PCD/CUR self‐assembly approach for improved curcumin delivery to prostate cancer cells is described. The formation of PCD/CUR was confirmed using FTIR, DSC, TGA, and SEM/TEM, and their stability and solubility under physiological conditions was demonstrated. A mechanism for self‐assembly is proposed. Intracellular uptake of the self‐assemblies was studied by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. The therapeutic efficacy was determined by cell proliferation and colony formation assays using C4‐2, DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells. The results suggest that the PCD/CUR formulation could be a useful system for improving curcumin delivery and its therapeutic efficacy in prostate cancer.

     

Effect of the Media on the Quantum Yield of Singlet Oxygen (O2(1Δg)) Production by 9H‐Fluoren‐9‐one: Microheterogeneous Systems

The quantum yield (Φ_Δ) of singlet oxygen (O₂(¹Δ_g) production by 9H‐fluoren‐9‐one (FLU) is very sensitive to the nature of the solvent (0.02 in a highly polar and protic solvent, such as MeOH, to 1.0 in apolar solvents). This high sensitivity has been used for probing the interaction of FLU with micellar media and microemulsions based on anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS; bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)sodium sulfosuccinate, AOT), cationic (cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, CTAC) and nonionic (Triton X‐100, TX) surfactants. Values of Φ_Δ of FLU vary in a wide range (0.05–1.0) in both microheterogeneous media and neat solvent, and provide information on the microenvironment of FLU, i.e., on its localization within organized media. In ionic and nonionic micellar media, as well as in four‐component microemulsions, FLU is, to various extents, exposed to solvation by the polar and protic components of the microheterogeneous systems (water and/or butan‐1‐ol) in the micellar interfacial region (Φ_Δ=0.05–0.30). In contrast, in AOT reverse micelles (consisting of AOT as surfactant, cyclohexane as hydrophobic component, and water), FLU is located in the hydrophobic continuous pseudophase, and is totally separated from the micellar water pools (Φ_Δ≈1.0).     

Determination of surfactant concentration using micellar enhanced fluorescence and flow injection titration

Flow injection titration was used for the determination of anionic, cationic, nonionic and zwitterionic surfactants. The procedure was based on the micellar-enhanced fluorescence of 1,8-anilino-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS). Samples were injected into a carrier stream of phosphate buffer and 1.0 mol l⁻¹ NaCl. The sample then passed through a mixing chamber which generated the exponential peak shape needed for the titration as well as diluted the sample in the carrier stream to control the pH and ionic strength of the sample. The peak width was linearly related to the logarithm of the surfactant concentration. The minimum detectable concentration was governed by the critical micelle concentration for anionic, zwitterionic and nonionic surfactants, but below the critical micelle concentration for cationic surfactants. The linear range extended for 1.5 orders of magnitude. Reproducibility ranged from 12% at the lower end of the calibration range to 1.1% at higher concentrations. For SDS recoveries of 82–108% were achieved in matrices as concentrated as 1 mol l⁻¹ in NaCl or Na₂SO₄.     

Microstructure of un-neutralized hydrophobically modified alkali-soluble emulsion latex in different surfactant solutions

At low pH conditions and in the presence of anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants, hydrophobically modified alkali-soluble emulsions (HASE) exhibit pronounced interaction that results in the solubilization of the latex. The interaction between HASE latex and surfactant was studied using various techniques, such as light transmittance, isothermal titration calorimetry, laser light scattering, and electrophoresis. For anionic surfactant, noncooperative hydrophobic binding dominates the interaction at concentrations lower than the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) (C < CAC). However, cooperative hydrophobic binding controls the formation of mixed micelles at high surfactant concentrations (C > or = CAC), where the cloudy solution becomes clear. For cross-linked HASE latex, anionic surfactant binds only noncooperatively to the latex and causes it to swell. For cationic surfactant, electrostatic interaction occurs at very low surfactant concentrations, resulting in phase separation. With further increase in surfactant concentration, noncooperative hydrophobic and cooperative hydrophobic interactions dominate the binding at low and high surfactant concentrations, respectively. For anionic and cationic surfactant systems, the CAC is lower than the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of surfactants in water. In addition, counterion condensation plays an important role during the binding interaction between HASE latex and ionic surfactants. In the case of nonionic surfactants, free surfactant micelles are formed in solution due to their relatively low CMC values, and HASE latexes are directly solubilized into the micellar core of nonionic surfactants.     

SANS studies of the effects of surfactant head group on aggregation properties in water/glycol and pure glycol systems

Aggregation in mixed water-glycol and pure glycol solvents has been investigated with four related surfactants, bearing common C12 tails: anionic, sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS); cationic, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C12TAB); zwitterionic C12-amidopropyldimethylamine betaine (betaine) and nonionic, octaethyleneglycol monododecyl ether (C12E8). The solvent media were water, water/ethylene glycol, and water/propylene glycol mixtures, as well as pure ethylene glycol (EG) and propylene glycol (PG), spanning relative dielectrics epsilon(r) from 79 to 30. Results from small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments, employing deuterated solvents, were consistent with the presence of ellipsoidal, or cylindrical micelles, depending on solvent and surfactant type. In pure EG and PG solvents the ionic and zwitterionic surfactants exhibit only weak aggregation, with much smaller micelles than normally found in water. However, interestingly, pure EG is identified as a solvent in which nonionic C12E8 aggregates strongly, mirroring the behavior in water. In contrast when the solvent is changed to PG (epsilonr=30) aggregation of C12E8 is only minimal. Hence, aggregation is shown to be strongly dependent on surfactant type and identity of the glycol solvent.