Microemulsions Formed by Lecithin

Abstract

Microemulsions solubilizing large amounts of water and hexadecane were found present in a water/alcohol/lecithin/hexadecane system (20°C).
The addition of ethanol and propanol lessened the hydrophobic effect between hydrocarbon chains of lecithin and water by changing the solvent properties of water and promoted the migration of lecithin molecules. Therefore, lecithin can easily swell in water and hexadecane, leading to the formation of a microemulsion (Organized one phase).