Photon correlation spectroscopy for molecular self-assembly investigations

The molecular self-assembly performance is among the most important functionalities of amphiphilic compounds in colloidal system areas. This aptitude is required in numerous applications, depending on solubilization, hydrotropy, rheology, separation, loading and delivery, encountered in biological and industrial processes. The main physicochemical parameter predicting the capacity of amphiphiles to self-assembly in bulk liquid, aqueous (normal micelles) or non-aqueous phase (reverse micelles), is the pair critical micelle concentration (CMC) and temperature (CMT). A variety of methods based on surface tension, spectral changes, and electrical conductivity are commonly used for determining the value of CMC. The choice usually depends on the ionic or non-ionic nature of the amphiphilic compounds. In this communication, a standard Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS), also known Light Scattering-based technique for CMC determination will be theoretically and practically described in details. Its particular interest for measuring the performance of non-ionic and very high hydrophobic tail, mono or disubstituted carbohydrate-based compounds, from C16 alkyl chain, will be demonstrated. Such a method is advantageous regarding the time, amount, and resolution required, but also for additional information on micelle size, aggregate number, and stability it may provide, compared to surface tension and electrical conductivity-based measurements.