What is the micelles?

A micelle is a tiny particle or aggregate of  moleculess in a colloidal solution. Colloidal solutions are systems consisting of a dispersed phase (micelles) and a continous phase (the solvent).

 

The structure of Micelles

Micelles are typically formed surfactant molecules, which are molecules that have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) parts. The surfactant molecules orient themeselves in a way such that the hydrophilic "head" face outward and interact with the water, while the hydrophobic "tails" face inward, away from the water. This results in a spherical formations, which is the micelle.

 

The Driving Force Behind Micelle Formation

The primary force driving the formation of micelles is the minimization of the system's free energy, due to the hydrophobic effect. When the concentration of surfactant molecules in a solution exceeds a certain critical value, known as the critical micelle concentration (CMC), micelle begin to form.

Micelles in Our Everyday Lives

Micelles have various applications in different fields, including the food industy, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics, to name just a few. They are also an important part of biological systems, for example, in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and the digestion of dietary fat.