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Influence of Oppositely Charged Surfactant on the Structure of Carrageenan Gels

Spontaneous vesicle formation in a polyelectrolyte and oppositely charged surfactant mixture is of special interest for elucidating the relations between the molecular structures and structure of self-organized assemblies, as well as phase behavior. Recently, we have shown that the phase behavior of mixtures containing anionic polyelectrolyte, differently charged carrageenans (CAR), and cationic surfactant, n-dodecylammonium chloride (DDACl) strongly depends on concentration of both components (M. Vincekovic et al. Colloids and surfaces A, 255 (2005) 181). The results revealed giant vesicle formation even in extremely dilute solutions. When the surfactant/polyelectrolyte attraction overcomes their solubility, associative phase separation occurs. This results in the formation of precipitated phase, while at higher concentration k- and i-carrageenans undergo sol to gel transition. The present investigation was undertaken in order to explore the properties of nano- and microstructures in CAR/DDACl systems formed at carrageenan gelling conditions.

biopolymers; surfactants; gelation

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