Coacervation in Cationic Polyelectrolyte Solutions with Anionic Amino Acid Surfactants

Coacervating behavior of amino acid anionic and amphoteric mixed micelle-polymer

“…[1][2][3] When liquid-liquid phase separation occurs, the polymer-rich dense phase is the coacervate, while the dilute phase is the supernatant. 4 Coacervates are highly tunable and find applications in various fields, such as food science, 5 drug delivery, 6 personal care, 7 and so on. [8][9][10] The structures and properties of polymer-micelle coacervates are affected by many factors, including micelle charge density, polymer molecular weight, polymer/micelle ratio, ionic strength, pH, and temperature.…”

“…1–3 When liquid–liquid phase separation occurs, the polymer-rich dense phase is the coacervate, while the dilute phase is the supernatant. 4 Coacervates are highly tunable and find applications in various fields, such as food science, 5 drug delivery, 6 personal care, 7 and so on. 8–10…”

“…Additionally, for the study of coacervate structure, Aramaki et al’ s work revealed that the coacervate behavior and structure of coacervates between cationically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (JR-400) and various amino acid surfactants are strongly influenced by the hydrophilic group of surfactants, typically resulting in fibrous microstructures. 7 Wang et al research on the sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC)/hexamethylene-1,6-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (12-6-12)/sodium benzoate (NaBz) system revealed that in low-salt conditions, coacervates formed fibrous aggregates, while in high-salt conditions led to a reticulated cross-linking structure. 33 Furthermore, recent studies by Madinya 34 and Ghasemi 35 have utilized simulations and experimental methods to optimize and deepen the understanding of polymer and mixed micelle systems.…”