Micellization behaviour of nafcillin sodium-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide mixed system in water, urea, and glucose media: a conductometric study

Abstract This research utilizes conductivity measurements to elucidate the temperature-induced aggregation of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in combination with nafcillin sodium (NafNa), in addition to emphasizing the impact of urea and glucose on micellization. The addition of NafNa delayed the micellization of CTAB. Glucose, by establishing hydrogen bonds with water, renders the solvent less conducive for the hydrophobic tails of the CTAB surfactant, thereby elevating the CMC. Urea diminishes the hydrophobic action that promotes micellization by altering the water structure, hence increasing the CMC The interaction between CTAB and NafNa has been characterized employing physicochemical variables (counterion dissociation, α ; and CMC) and thermodynamic parameters (entropy of micellization, Δ S 0 m ; Gibbs energy of micellization, Δ G 0 m ; and enthalpy of micellization, Δ H 0 m ). The spontaneity of micellization in the CTAB-NafNa system in both water and urea/glucose conditions is depicted by the negative Δ G 0 m results. Negative Δ S 0 m and Δ H 0 m values indicate the predominance of H-bonding, while positive values of Δ S 0 m and Δ H 0 m indicate hydrophobic interactions. The results offer critical understanding for scholars aiming to refine parameters, including temperature, concentration, and the incorporation of urea/glucose additives, to improve the effectiveness and durability of drug delivery systems.