micelle
Detergent molecule aggregate
A micelle is a tiny spherical structure formed when molecules with water-attracting heads and water-repelling tails cluster together in liquid, heads facing outward.
Soap molecules form micelles that trap grease inside, allowing it to wash away in water.
The concept is fundamental to detergents, cell biology, and drug delivery systems.
Surface tension lowering compound
- phospholipidPhosphate-containing membrane lipid
- lipidWater-insoluble organic compound
- aqueousPertaining to liquid solutions
- solubilizationMaking something dissolvable
thermodynamics · solvation · partitioning · interface · concentration · detergent · soap · counterion
Repels aqueous substances
- hydrophilicTending to absorb water
- sphericalGlobe-like in form
- self-assemblySpontaneous structural organization
- bilayerTwo-layer molecular arrangement
core-shell · aggregation · molecular · nanoscale · monomer · corona · packing · geometry
Administering medicine to body
- encapsulationSurrounding on all sides
- emulsifierCombines immiscible liquids
- cleanserSubstance for removing grime
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
pharmaceuticals · nanomedicine · biocompatible · shampoo · formulation · solubilization
Scattering across space
- vesicleSmall fluid-filled sac
- liposomeBilayer sphere for delivery
- nanoparticleSubmicroscopic material fragment
- colloidStable dispersed mixture
surfactant
Surface tension lowering compound
- phospholipidPhosphate-containing membrane lipid
- lipidWater-insoluble organic compound
- aqueousPertaining to liquid solutions
solubilization · thermodynamics · solvation · partitioning · interface · concentration · detergent · soap · counterion · tail
hydrophobic
Repels aqueous substances
- hydrophilicTending to absorb water
- sphericalGlobe-like in form
- self-assemblySpontaneous structural organization
bilayer · core-shell · aggregation · molecular · nanoscale · monomer · corona · packing · geometry · radius
drug-delivery
Administering medicine to body
- encapsulationSurrounding on all sides
- emulsifierCombines immiscible liquids
- cleanserSubstance for removing grime
cosmetics · pharmaceuticals · nanomedicine · biocompatible · shampoo · formulation · solubilization
dispersion
Scattering across space
- vesicleSmall fluid-filled sac
- liposomeBilayer sphere for delivery
- nanoparticleSubmicroscopic material fragment
colloid · stability · suspension · aggregate · polymeric