Biological relevance of micelle formation by drug molecules

3 Biological relevance of micelle formation by drug molecules 

It is in homologous series of anaesthetics (and many other drugs) that a decrease in biological activity is seen at higher hydrocarbon chain lengths. While some have ascribed this decreased activity to limitation of aqueous solubility it may also arise from micelle formation, as Fig. 4.27 shows. 

It is probably best to separate two distinct events that occur on micelle formation the change in the properties of the monomer and the change in the properties of the solution. Both have biological significance. To this can be added the importance of the presence of a micellar phase in relation to solubilization of active molecules or membrane components and to the direct involvement of the micellar phase in catalysis of reactions. 

There is in medicine a growing need for systems which control the release of drugs, systems such as polymer (Silastic ) implants and microcapsules. Use of 

The influence of micellar diffusion coefficient on the flux is shown in Fig. 4.29c diffusion coefficient of the micellar species can be decreased by addition of salt, formation of large mixed micelles, etc., as discussed in Chapter 3. The profiles obtained in this theoretical analysis can be compared with the experimental results shown in Fig. 4.28 and in Fig. 4.30 which shows the dialysis rate of 

---

The biological relevance of micelle formation by drug molecules is not as clear as their surface activity, since the drug is usually applied at concentrations well below... 

---