n-Octyl-�-D-thioglucoside, a green surfactant derived from sugars, is a molecule forming lyotropic liquid crystalline phases in the presence of water. The binary temperature-composition phase diagram of this molecule in water was determined by means of fluorescence spectroscopy and polarized light microscopy. A fluorescent probe, prodan, was inserted into samples of fixed composition, and its fluorescence measured across a range of temperatures. The peak wavelength of prodan's fluorescence depends on the polarity of its surroundings, allowing for the determination of the phases present. The n-octyl-�-D-thioglucoside and water system was found to form five different phases above 0�C, including an isotropic micellar phase, of particular interest, as it can be used for drug delivery, a cubic phase, a lamellar phase, a gel phase, and a crystal phase.

Determination of the binary lyotropic liquid crystal phases formed by n-octyl-β-D-thioglucoside in water

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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