Vesicle aggregation in aqueous mixtures of negatively charged polyelectrolyte and conventional cationic surfactant

Vesicle aggregation induced by different environmental factors, including the addition of divalent metal ions, decrease of pH, and increase of temperature—was investigated through turbidity measurement, fluorescence measurement, and transmission electron microscope observation in aqueous solutions of hydrolyzed styrene–maleic anhydride copolymer (HSMA) mixed with dodecyltriethylammonium bromide (C12Et3). The vesicle aggregation can be explained by the dehydration of the vesicle surface through cations addition or temperature increase based on an analysis of the interaction between vesicles. Moreover, the steric repulsion was introduced to the system and the control of vesicle aggregation was achieved.

Several environmental factors induced vesicle aggregation was found and investigated. The mechanism of vesicle aggregation was suggested by an analysis of the interactions between vesicles.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide