Novel biomimetic systems based on polyethylene glycols and amphiphilic phosphonium salt. Self-organization and solubilization of hydrophobic guest

► Polyethylene glycol forms hydrophobic domains in aqueous solution. ► The PEG - amphiphilic phosphonium salt mixture demonstrate a synergetic behavior. ► PEG induces micellization of cetyltriphenylphosphonium bromide. ► PEG increases solubilization capacity of cationic micelles. ► Sharp decrease of zeta potential of cationic micelles occurs in the presence of PEG.