(509e) Control of Self-Assembly by Molecular Recognition Between Hydrophobes and Cyclodextrins

Cyclodextrins (CDs) can form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic species in aqueous solutions. We have utilized the ability of CDs to modulate the properties of networks formed by surfactants and hydrophobically-modified polymers. We are also interested in release from formulations that utilize CDs for encapsulation of actives. In order to elucidate the mechanism by which CDs act, we have investigated the effect of CDs on the formation and structure of surfactant micelles in aqueous solutions using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Analysis of SANS data provides direct evidence on the location of CDs in the self-assembled structure. These results complement previous studies in our group where we employed conductivity to determine the CMC and the surfactant-CD stoichiometric ratio below the CMC, and vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) to determine the number of species (free surfactant and CD, surfactant-CD complex, micelle, counterions) present in solution below and above the CMC.