Hyaluronan-surfactant interactions in physiological solution studied by tensiometry and fluorescence probe techniques

Interactions of hyaluronan of two molecular weights with surfactants of different types were studied in NaCl solution. Results showed that although the presence of NaCl may suppress interactions between oppositely charged polyelectrolyte and surfactant, the interactions are still present in some hyaluronan-surfactant systems regardless the surfactant ionic nature. These interactions were demonstrated mainly by fluorescence probe techniques whereas tensiometry detected only minor effects. Fluorescence data showed that formation of aggregates (micelles) occurs rather in a certain interval of surfactant concentrations than in a single point, especially in the presence of hyaluronan. The greatest influence of hyaluronan was observed on nonionic Tween 20 and cationic cetyl trimethylammonium bromide.

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► Hyaluronan effects on micellization and solubilization in physiological solutions.
► Interactions between oppositely charged groups regardless the presence of salt.
► These are probably results of hydrophobic interactions or hydrogen bonding.
► Hyaluronan broadens concentration interval where micellization occurs.
► Different fluorescence probes – different states of aggregation.