Solubilization of endocrine disruptors in micellar media

The interaction of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) such as nonylphenol (NP) and β-estradiol with cationic micelle of hexadecyltrimethylammonium ion (HTA⁺) and a monolayer of HTA⁺ ion adsorbed at the electrode surface has been investigated in the presence of hydrophilic modified (2-hydroxypropyl)-β-cyclodextrin. NP, which has a similar structure to HTA⁺, decreased the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide more effectively. At the low HTA⁺ concentration, HTA⁺ inhibited the adsorption of I₂. However, as the HTA⁺ concentration increased, a monolayer of HTA⁺ was formed at the electrode surface and caused the adsorption of iodine molecule (I₂). In the presence of micelle, the I₂ was dissolved in the micelle. Both EDCs caused the formation of HTA⁺ monolayer even at the HTA⁺ concentration below the cmc.