The conventional sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate
(NaDBS) has been
converted into an efficient and nontoxic anionic surface-active ionic
liquid, cholinium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (Cho[DBS]). We have investigated
its self-assembling behavior, interaction with the enzyme cellulase,
and ecotoxicity. The surface-active properties at the air–liquid
interface and the aggregation behavior of Cho[DBS] in water have been
determined using tensiometry, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC),
conductometry, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The enzyme activity
was observed using dinitro salicylic acid analysis. The enhanced enzyme
activity was explained through active-site exfoliation and structural
constancy of cellulase in the micellar medium using the results from
fluorescence, circular dichroism, DLS, and ITC. The nontoxic nature
was confirmed by toxicity analysis on the freshwater microalgae
Scenedesmus
sp.