Cloud Point and Dye Solubilization Studies of Amphiphilic Drug Solutions: The Effect of Electrolytes and Nonelectrolytes

The effect of electrolytes and nonelectrolytes on the micellar behavior of amitriptyline (AMT), an amphiphilic drug, has been investigated using cloud point (CP) and dye solubilization techniques. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of AMT determined by the Wilhelmy plate method was about 40mM in the presence of 10mM sodium phosphate, and it reduced to about 20mM in the presence of 500mM sodium phosphate. Interestingly, the CP phenomenon was observed even below the cmc in cationic AMT solutions. Increasing AMT concentration reduced the CP below the cmc, while it had the opposite effect above the cmc. An increase in the pH of the AMT solutions from 6.2 to 6.8 at a given AMT concentration decreased the CP and increased the AMT micellar size. Addition of an electrolyte such as sodium chloride to 100mM AMT in water increased both the CP and the AMT micellar size. On the other hand, added nonelectrolytes such as dextrose, sucrose, and urea decreased both the CP and the micellar size. Experimental results have been interpreted in terms of electrostatic effect and interactions between additives and AMT head groups.