Interactions between a nonionic gemini surfactant and cyclodextrins investigated by small-angle neutron scattering

The microstructure of complexes between hydroxypropylcyclodextrins (HPCDs) (alpha, beta, and gamma) and a novel gemini surfactant has been investigated by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). This nonionic hetero-gemini surfactant (denoted NIHG750) contains two hydrophobic groups and two hydrophilic groups. One is a methyl-capped polyoxyethylene chain with 16 oxyethylene units and the other is a secondary hydroxyl group. Various form factor models have been considered for fitting the SANS data. Spherical aggregates (25 to 40 Angstrom) with a size slightly larger than that of NIHG750 micelles (about 23 Angstrom) appear in mixed systems. These could be micellar aggregates partly covered with a few cyclodextrin molecules. In addition, the results indicate rod formation (r similar to 8 Angstrom, L similar to 70 Angstrom) for the NIHG-HPCD complexes. This result is consistent with the threading of HPCDs onto NIHG750 to such an extent that the surfactant molecule takes an extended conformation at high levels of HPCD. Also, the results indicate that HPCDs may interact with the oxyethylene groups of the spherical micellar aggregates leading to an increase in micelle size and a gradual transformation to rod-shaped aggregates. The tendency to form rods increases in the order gamma-CD < alpha-CD < beta-CD. An increase in HPCD concentration results in an increased amount of rods in the system. All spherical aggregates disappear at relative amounts of HPbetaCD above 4 to 5 (molar ratio). However, for HPalphaCD and HPgammaCD spherical aggregates coexist with rod shaped aggregates in the whole range of concentrations investigated here. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).