Micellus

Micellus is a concept related to the formation of self-assembling structures in a liquid medium. These structures, known as micelles, are typically formed by amphiphilic molecules. Amphiphilic molecules possess both a hydrophilic (water-attracting) and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) part. In an aqueous solution, these molecules will spontaneously arrange themselves to minimize contact between their hydrophobic tails and the water.

The most common structure formed is a spherical micelle, where the hydrophobic tails cluster together in the interior, shielded from the water, while the hydrophilic heads face outwards, interacting with the surrounding solvent. This arrangement creates a core-shell structure. Micelles are important in various natural and industrial processes, including the solubilization of nonpolar substances in polar solvents, such as the emulsification of fats in the digestive system by bile salts. They are also utilized in detergent action, where they encapsulate dirt and grease, allowing them to be washed away. The size and shape of micelles can vary depending on factors such as the concentration of the amphiphilic molecules, the temperature, and the presence of other substances in the solution.