Vesicle formation with amphiphilic chitosan derivatives and a conventional cationic surfactant in mixed systems

► Vesicles are formed in alkylated O-carboxymethylation chitosan (Cn-OCMCS) and CTAB mixed systems. ► Increasing the hydrocarbon tail length of Cn-OCMCS facilitates the formation of vesicles. ► Adding salt and increasing temperature can be used to control vesicle properties. ► Electrostatic and hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding are all involved in vesicle formation.