Physicochemical Aspects of Mixed Micelle Formation Between Amphiphilic Drugs and Surfactants

Juhász, Ádám and Torma, Bianka and Várkonyi, Egon F. and Seres, László and Varga, Norbert and Turcsányi, Árpád and Csapó, Edit (2026) Physicochemical Aspects of Mixed Micelle Formation Between Amphiphilic Drugs and Surfactants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 27 (12). No. 5400. ISSN 1661-6596

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Abstract

The rational design of mixed micellar systems has emerged as a cornerstone of modern nanomedicine, offering unprecedented control over the solubility and bioavailability of challenging therapeutic agents. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical principles governing the assembly of amphiphilic drugs and surfactants into synergistic nanostructures. By articulating the transition from traditional guest/host solubilization to “drug-as-component” models, we highlight the critical role of molecular interactions in achieving therapeutic precision. It further outlines the experimental methodologies used to investigate these systems and elucidates how they enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Special emphasis is placed on the practical applications of synergy in reducing systemic toxicity and optimizing drug release kinetics, providing a roadmap for the development of next-generation nano-pharmaceuticals. The functionality of these systems is significantly influenced by the molecular interactions among their constituents; thus, quantitative analysis of these interactions might enhance the formulation of more effective pharmaceuticals. This review outlines the key physicochemical principles of mixed micelle formation, including thermodynamics and synergistic interactions of amphiphiles, while emphasizing their relevance in current research and practical pharmaceutical applications. Various experimental methods, such as surface tension measurement, conductometric and calorimetric tests, and spectroscopic techniques, are compared in terms of their conditions of application and performance in understanding micelle formation and micelle structure. We clearly point out that the interpretation and evaluation of the properties of colloidal systems containing drug molecules solubilized by mixed micelles and an amphiphilic drug incorporated into micelles must be discussed and evaluated separately. Understanding the limitations and characteristics of the physical/chemical principles applied is essential for the rational design of mixed micelle carriers tailored to specific therapeutic needs.

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