Additive-Driven Micellar Growth and Morphological Transitions in Tetronic Block Copolymers: Insights from Experimental and Computational Study Tushar Patel, R. Bhattacharya, Vijay I. Patel, Sugam Kumar, Jigisha K. Parikh, Virendra Prajapati, Ketan Kuperkar, Rakesh Sharma, V. K. Aswal, Mehul Khimani, Paresh Parekh Journal of Physical Chemistry B, 2026 The self-assembly of Tetronics® block copolymers is strongly influenced by additives that modify hydration and interfacial packing within micellar structures. Here, we investigate how octanoic acid (OA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) alter the solution behavior of Tetronics® T1304 and T1307 using a combination of cloud point (CP), relative viscosity (η rel ) small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), pyrene fluorescence, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In the presence of OA, T1304 exhibits pronounced micellar growth, progressing from spherical to ellipsoidal aggregates and, at higher concentrations, to vesicular structures. These changes arise from OA-induced dehydration of the PEO corona and enhanced packing of PPO domains, as confirmed by increases in aggregation number, low-Q scattering intensity, and a marked decrease in the pyrene I 1 /I 3 ratio. In contrast, PFOA produces only modest changes in micellar size while preserving spherical topology over the same concentration range. Although DFT analysis indicates stronger electronic stabilization for Tetronics®–PFOA complexes than for OA, the rigid and lipophobic nature of the fluorocarbon chain limits its ability to penetrate the PPO core and drive curvature changes. The combined experimental and computational results show that additive-induced dehydration and steric compatibility, rather than electronic affinity alone, determine the structural evolution of Tetronics® micelles.
Role of unsaturation in governing synergistic micellization and interaction energetics in ionic liquid–fatty acid systems P. Rajput, J. Kashiyani, V. Prajapati, U. Dani, J. K. Barot, V. Patel, M. Khimani, J. K. Parikh, K. Kuperkar, P. Parekh Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2026 Self-assembly of C 10 C 10 mim Cl with sodium oleate and sodium linoleate forms stable mixed micelles with enhanced hydrophobic domains, leading to improved micellization behavior and efficient ibuprofen solubilization in aqueous medium.
Synergistic Micellization and Vesicle Formation in Bile Salts and Dihexadecyldimethylammonium Bromide Mixed Systems J. Kashiyani, V. Patel, M. Khimani, J. K. Parikh, K. Kuperkar, S. Kumar, V. K. Aswal, P. Parekh Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 2025 The design of tunable self-assembly systems is increasingly important for the development of advanced nanostructures in biomedical applications. Single-surfactant assemblies often suffer from limited stability and adaptability, whereas mixed surfactant systems, particularly those combining biologically relevant bile salts with double-tailed cationic surfactants, offer enhanced physicochemical properties. However, comprehensive experimental investigations into their micellar interactions, thermodynamic stability, and aggregation morphologies remain limited. In this study, the self-assembly behavior of sodium cholate (NaC) and sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) with dihexadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DHDAB) in aqueous solution was systematically examined. Surface tension and conductivity measurements across varying mole fractions were analyzed using the Clint, Rubingh, and Rosen models to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface excess concentration (Γ max ), minimum molecular area (A min ), and interaction parameters (β m, β o ), along with the thermodynamic characteristics of micellization. Negative interaction parameter values and consistently low CMCs across all compositions confirmed strong synergistic interactions between the amphiphilic constituents. The thermodynamic stability of micellization is governed by electrostatic complementarity, hydrophobic chain disparity, intermolecular hydrocarbon interactions, and ion–dipole forces. Complementary structural analyses using dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the formation of vesicular micelles, consistent with predictions of the packing parameter and cooperative self-assembly. Thermodynamic analyses further confirmed that micellization is spontaneous and predominantly driven by entropy. Overall, these findings demonstrate that bile salt–cationic surfactant mixtures can generate stable and tunable vesicular assemblies, providing a molecular framework for nanocarrier development, controlled drug release, and sustainable material formulations, while emphasizing the need for further studies on their biocompatibility and functionalization for targeted delivery.
Addressing the Interaction of Ether-Functionalized Pyrrolidinium-Based Surface-Active Ionic Liquid with Anionic Surfactants: A Tensiometric and Computational Simulation Study Axay Dodiya, Mayursing Girase, Kinal Patel, Paresh Parekh, Ketan Kuperkar, Jigisha Parikh, Vijay I. Patel, Kamlesh Prajapati Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 2025 The present study addresses the aggregation behavior of an ether-functionalized pyrrolidinium-based surface-active ionic liquid (hereafter abbreviated as SAIL) and its interaction with analogous anionic surfactants with minimal structural difference. The aggregation pattern of cationic SAIL has been investigated in the presence of sodium linoleate and sodium oleate by using surface tension (γ) measurements. Various theoretical models for mixed binary systems have been used to analyze γ data. The information about the variation in surface activity and critical micelle concentration (CMC) driven by the alteration in the composition of the binary mixture has also been evaluated. The contributions of the electrostatic interaction, H-bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and van der Waals interaction in mixed micellization behavior have also been discussed. Various thermodynamic and interfacial parameters for mixed systems at different mole fractions of SAIL have been computed and analyzed. Different optimized parameters obtained from a computational simulation approach have been employed to correlate the molecular orbital energy level of sodium oleate or sodium linoleate and SAIL. Changes in size and architecture of SAIL aggregates have also been estimated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) study. The outcome of the present study offers an additional route to formulate mixed nano aggregates from pyrrolidinium-based SAIL and analogous anionic surfactants.
Clouding and hydrodynamic behaviour of Triton X-100 in aqueous media in the presence of linear and cyclic glycols, their oligomers and ethers Indian Journal of Chemistry Section A Inorganic Physical Theoretical and Analytical Chemistry, 2015
Cloud point and thermodynamic parameters of a non-ionic surfactant heptaoxyethylene dodecyl ether (C12E7) in presence of various organic and inorganic additives Indian Journal of Chemistry Section A Inorganic Physical Theoretical and Analytical Chemistry, 2013
Sustainable Biosurfactants Examining for Replacement of Chemical Surfactants J Barot, N Mistry, U Sheth, V Patel, P Parekh, M Khimani Industrial Applications of Individual and Mixed Surfactant Systems—Volume 2 … , 2026 2026
Application of Biosurfactants in the Preparation of Sustainable Agrochemicals U Sheth, J Barot, CB Mistry, P Parekh, V Patel, M Khimani Industrial Applications of Individual and Mixed Surfactant Systems—Volume 2 … , 2026 2026
Synergistic Micellization and Interfacial Behavior in Anionic–Cationic AOT–DDAB and AOT–DHDAB Systems J Kashiyani, P Rajput, T Desai, U Dani, JK Barot, V Patel, M Khimani, ... Surfaces and Interfaces, 109357 , 2026 2026
Additive-Driven Micellar Growth and Morphological Transitions in Tetronic Block Copolymers: Insights from Experimental and Computational Study T Patel, R Bhattacharya, VI Patel, S Kumar, JK Parikh, V Prajapati, ... The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 130 (13), 3776-3795 , 2026 2026
Structural remodeling of cationic micelles through methyl salicylate encapsulation: insights from SANS and cryo-TEM N Patel, K Patel, S Kumar, SD Choudhury, U Dani, M Girase, K Kuperkar, ... Journal of Molecular Liquids, 129316 , 2026 2026
Polyoxometalate-driven structural reorganization in PNIPAM-grafted tetronic® T1107: from micelles to vesicle-like morphologies R Bhattacharya, T Patel, T Nguyen, S Yusa, V Patel, J Parikh, D Ray, ... Journal of Molecular Liquids, 129207 , 2025 2025
Decoding additive-triggered self-assembly in HS-15 micelles: Insights from scattering and fluorescence probing N Patel, K Patel, S Kumar, SD Choudhury, U Dani, J Barot, P Parekh, ... Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 138906 , 2025 2025
Synergistic Micellization and Vesicle Formation in Bile Salts and Dihexadecyldimethylammonium Bromide Mixed Systems J Kashiyani, V Patel, M Khimani, JK Parikh, K Kuperkar, S Kumar, ... Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 64 (42), 20122-20136 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Addressing the Interaction of Ether-Functionalized Pyrrolidinium-Based Surface-Active Ionic Liquid with Anionic Surfactants: A Tensiometric and Computational Simulation Study A Dodiya, M Girase, K Patel, P Parekh, K Kuperkar, J Parikh, VI Patel, ... Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 64 (25), 12483-12499 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Understanding the urea-mediated self-assembly of Triton X–114 in aqueous medium: Investigating the role of urea in morphological changes of TX-114 micelles A Patel, S Kumar, N Patel, M Girase, P Parekh, J Parikh, K Kuperkar, ... Journal of Molecular Liquids 422, 126976 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Perfluorooctanoic acid-mediated self-assembly behaviour of linear and star block copolymers: the impact of intermolecular interactions on polymer micelles A Patel, D Ray, P Parekh, LJ Chen, M Khimani, K Kuperkar, VK Aswal, ... Journal of Materials Chemistry C 13 (39), 20094-20104 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
2 Adsorbent Materials N Mistry, V Patel, P Parekh Materials from Natural Sources: Structure, Properties, and Applications, 20 , 2024 2024
Adsorbent materials N Mistry, V Patel, P Parekh, P Naik, NS Kumar, R Vekariya, M Khimani Materials from Natural Sources, 20-45 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Exploring the impact of cresols on aggregation characteristics of non-linear PEO-PPO-PEO block copolymers in aqueous solution C Patel, V Patel, P Parekh, D Ray, VK Aswal, RL Vekariya, CB Sangani, ... Journal of Molecular Liquids 408, 125406 , 2024 2024 Citations: 4
Synergistic self-assembly in a surface-active ionic liquid and an anionic surfactant mixed system: A comprehensive physicochemical analysis T Pathan, M Girase, K Patel, SA Pillai, S Pathan, P Parekh, K Kuperkar, ... Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 63 (22), 9688-9700 , 2024 2024 Citations: 17
Scrutinizing micellar transitions and interfacial properties in mixed micelles comprising sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium oleate: A tensiometric and scattering insight T Pathan, M Girase, D Ray, S Padsala, P Parekh, M Khimani, S Pathan, ... Journal of Molecular Liquids 397, 124138 , 2024 2024 Citations: 19
Functionalized nanosilica-based polymer nanocomposites R Bhattacharya, N Mistry, P Parekh, VI Patel, S Padsala, JJ Gami, ... Advances in Functionalized Polymer Nanocomposites, 577-623 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Thermal behavior and thermokinetic studies of functionalized polymer nanocomposites R Bhattacharya, P Parekh, VI Patel, S Padsala, M Khimani, NH Patel, ... Advances in Functionalized Polymer Nanocomposites, 233-273 , 2024 2024
Self-assembly modulation in star block copolymers by amphiphilic diol: A scattering insight A Patel, D Ray, P Parekh, K Kuperkar, B Bharatiya, VK Aswal, P Bahadur, ... Journal of Molecular Liquids 380, 121726 , 2023 2023 Citations: 10
Pluronics® based Penta block copolymer micelles as a precursor of smart aggregates for various applications: A review V Patel, P Parekh, M Khimani, S Yusa, P Bahadur Journal of Molecular Liquids 372, 121140 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Anionic–cationic mixed surfactant systems: micellar interaction of sodium dodecyl trioxyethylene sulfate with cationic gemini surfactants P Parekh, D Varade, J Parikh, P Bahadur Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 385 (1-3 … , 2011 2011 Citations: 146
Surface activity, micellization and solubilization of cationic gemini surfactant-conventional surfactants mixed systems U Patel, P Parekh, NV Sastry, VK Aswal, P Bahadur Journal of Molecular Liquids 225, 888-896 , 2017 2017 Citations: 83
Micellization and solubilization of a model hydrophobic drug nimesulide in aqueous salt solutions of Tetronic® T904 P Parekh, K Singh, DG Marangoni, P Bahadur Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 83 (1), 69-77 , 2011 2011 Citations: 60
Self-assembly of stimuli-responsive block copolymers in aqueous solutions: an overview M Khimani, H Patel, V Patel, P Parekh, RL Vekariya Polymer Bulletin 77 (11), 5783-5810 , 2020 2020 Citations: 53
Cloud point and thermodynamic parameters of a non-ionic surfactant heptaoxyethylene dodecyl ether (C12E7) in presence of various organic and inorganic additives P Parekh, UR Yerramilli, P Bahadur Ind. J. Chem. A 52, 1284-1290 , 2013 2013 Citations: 51
Effect of alcohols on aqueous micellar solutions of PEO–PPO–PEO copolymers: a dynamic light scattering and 1H NMR study P Parekh, K Singh, DG Marangoni, P Bahadur Journal of Molecular Liquids 165, 49-54 , 2012 2012 Citations: 51
Room temperature sphere-to-rod growth of Pluronic® P85 micelles induced by salicylic acid P Parekh, R Ganguly, VK Aswal, P Bahadur Soft Matter 8 (21), 5864-5872 , 2012 2012 Citations: 46
Phenol solubilization in aqueous Pluronic® solutions: Investigating the micellar growth and interaction as a function of Pluronic® composition R Ganguly, K Kuperkar, P Parekh, VK Aswal, P Bahadur Journal of colloid and interface science 378 (1), 118-124 , 2012 2012 Citations: 44
Self-assembly of bile salts and their mixed aggregates as building blocks for smart aggregates PY Parekh, VI Patel, MR Khimani, P Bahadur Advances in Colloid and Interface Science 312, 102846 , 2023 2023 Citations: 37
Solubilization and location of phenol and benzene in a nonlinear amphiphilic EO–PO block copolymer micelles: 1H NMR and SANS studies P Parekh, K Singh, DG Marangoni, VK Aswal, P Bahadur Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 400, 1-9 , 2012 2012 Citations: 26
Solubilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PEO-PPO-PEO type linear and star block copolymers C Chakrabarti, M Khimani, V Patel, P Parekh, S Pillai, J Mata, RL Vekariya, ... Journal of Molecular Liquids 325, 115177 , 2021 2021 Citations: 24
Solubilization and release of a model drug nimesulide from PEO–PPO–PEO block copolymer core–shell micelles: effect of size of PEO blocks A Parmar, P Parekh, P Bahadur Journal of Solution Chemistry 42 (1), 80-101 , 2013 2013 Citations: 22
Modified calcium alginate beads with sodium dodecyl sulfate and clay as adsorbent for removal of methylene blue P Parekh, A Parmar, S Chavda, P Bahadur Journal of dispersion science and technology 32 (10), 1377-1387 , 2011 2011 Citations: 22
Scrutinizing micellar transitions and interfacial properties in mixed micelles comprising sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium oleate: A tensiometric and scattering insight T Pathan, M Girase, D Ray, S Padsala, P Parekh, M Khimani, S Pathan, ... Journal of Molecular Liquids 397, 124138 , 2024 2024 Citations: 19
Dynamic light scattering studies on the effect of 1-alkanols, alkanediols and alkoxyethanols on the micelles of a moderately hydrophobic/hydrophilic PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymer P Parekh, P Bahadur Journal of Surfactants and Detergents 14 (3), 425-432 , 2011 2011 Citations: 18
Synergistic self-assembly in a surface-active ionic liquid and an anionic surfactant mixed system: A comprehensive physicochemical analysis T Pathan, M Girase, K Patel, SA Pillai, S Pathan, P Parekh, K Kuperkar, ... Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 63 (22), 9688-9700 , 2024 2024 Citations: 17
Butanol solubilization in aqueous F127 solution: Investigating the enhanced micellar solvation and consequent improvement in gelation characteristics P Parekh, J Dey, S Kumar, S Nath, R Ganguly, VK Aswal, P Bahadur Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 114, 386-391 , 2014 2014 Citations: 17
Pluronics® based Penta block copolymer micelles as a precursor of smart aggregates for various applications: A review V Patel, P Parekh, M Khimani, S Yusa, P Bahadur Journal of Molecular Liquids 372, 121140 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
Surface and Aggregation Behavior of Pentablock Copolymer PNIPAM 7 -F127-PNIPAM 7 in Aqueous Solutions P Parekh, S Ohno, S Yusa, EV Lage, M Casas, I Sández-Macho, ... The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 120 (30), 7569-7578 , 2016 2016 Citations: 13
Unveiling the microstructures of micelles from polyoxyethylene alkyl ether-based multi-responsive nonionic amphiphile A Patel, D Ray, P Parekh, VK Aswal, P Bahadur, VI Patel Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 630, 127531 , 2021 2021 Citations: 12