Solubilization is the process of dissolving a solute into a solvent with the aid of surfactants, forming a thermodynamically stable isotropic solution.
Mechanism
Micellar Solubilization: Incorporation of hydrophobic solute molecules into the hydrophobic core of micelles.
Phase Behavior: Surfactants above the CMC facilitate solubilization.
Factors Affecting Solubilization
Surfactant Structure: Tail length and head group influence capacity.
Temperature: Can enhance or reduce solubilization efficiency.
pH and Ionic Strength: Affect ionizable surfactants and solutes.
Applications
Drug Formulation: Enhancing bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
Controlled Release: Micelles as carriers for sustained drug delivery.
Analytical Techniques: Solubilization in sample preparation.