Carbohydrate-surfactant interplay: structural effects of Saccharides on Micellar Behavior of Kolliphor® EL and Kolliphor® HS15

Carbohydrates play a pivotal role in reshaping micellar organization. This study explores how glucose (a monosaccharide), trehalose (a disaccharide), and inositol (a polyol) influence the self-assembly of two pharmaceutically important nonionic surfactants, Kolliphor® EL and Kolliphor® HS15. The characterization was carried out using several techniques, namely cloud point (CP) analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and in vitro drug-release. These studies revealed that the aforementioned saccharides act as water-structure modifiers, which disrupt hydrogen-bonding networks and enhance the growth of micelles. The addition of saccharides decreased the CP of both surfactants, which indicated enhanced micellization due to the change in water structure. DLS exhibited concentration-dependent micellar enlargement along with a temperature effect. SANS analysis revealed spherical micelles for both surfactants, whereas the addition of trehalose induced a spherical to ellipsoidal micellar transition in Kolliphor® HS15. The cumulative release profiles confirmed a sustained and near-linear release of quercetin over 96 h, with Kolliphor® EL exhibiting a slightly faster release rate compared to Kolliphor® HS15. Collectively, these studies highlight how carbohydrate structure influences surfactant phase behavior, providing a framework for designing nonionic surfactant nanocarriers that respond to carbohydrates for advanced pharmaceutical applications.