micelleja

Micelleja is a term derived from the Latin word "micella," which means "small mass" or "crumb." In the context of chemistry, a micelle is a small aggregate of surfactant molecules dispersed in a liquid. Surfactants, or surface-active agents, are compounds that lower the surface tension of a liquid, allowing them to mix with other substances that would otherwise be immiscible.

Micelles form when the concentration of surfactant molecules in a solution exceeds a critical value known as the critical micelle concentration (CMC). At this point, the surfactant molecules begin to aggregate, forming spherical or cylindrical structures with a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic outer layer. The hydrophobic core is composed of the non-polar tails of the surfactant molecules, while the hydrophilic outer layer is formed by the polar heads.

Micelles play a crucial role in various industrial and biological processes. In detergents, micelles help to suspend and disperse dirt particles, making them easier to remove. In the body, micelles are involved in the transport of lipids and other hydrophobic substances. Additionally, micelles are used in drug delivery systems to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs.

The size and shape of micelles can vary depending on the type of surfactant and the solution conditions. For example, non-ionic surfactants tend to form spherical micelles, while ionic surfactants can form cylindrical or even lamellar structures. The properties of micelles can also be influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of other solutes.