Associa on colloids, also known as micellar colloids, are a type of colloidal system formed

by the associa on or aggrega on of small molecules or ions in a specific solvent. These

colloids are par cularly relevant in physical pharmaceu cs due to their wide applica ons in
drug delivery systems and formula on development.
In associa on colloids, the dispersed phase consists of aggregates or micelles formed by the
self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules, such as surfactants or lipids. These molecules
possess both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) regions, which
drive their associa on into organized structures in an aqueous or non-aqueous medium.
Examples of associa on colloids in physical pharmaceu cs include:
1. Micellar solu ons: Micellar solu ons are formed when the concentra on of
surfactants in an aqueous or non-aqueous medium exceeds a certain threshold,
known as the cri cal micelle concentra on (CMC). Above the CMC, surfactant
molecules self-assemble into micelles, with their hydrophobic tails oriented towards
the center and the hydrophilic heads facing the solvent. Micellar solu ons are widely
used as solubilizing agents for poorly water-soluble drugs and in drug delivery
systems like micellar encapsula on.
2. Vesicular systems (liposomes): Liposomes are self-assembled vesicular structures
formed by the associa on of amphiphilic lipids in an aqueous medium. They consist
of one or more concentric lipid bilayers enclosing an aqueous core. Liposomes are
extensively used as drug delivery carriers for various therapeu c agents, including
small molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids.
3. Microemulsions: Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable, isotropic colloidal
dispersions composed of water, oil, and surfactants (some mes also co-surfactants).
They are formed by the spontaneous self-assembly of surfactant molecules at the oil-
water interface, resul ng in nanometer-sized droplets dispersed in the con nuous
phase. Microemulsions are employed as drug delivery systems and in various
pharmaceu cal and cosme c formula ons.
4. Polymeric micelles: Polymeric micelles are self-assembled structures formed by the
associa on of amphiphilic block copolymers in an aqueous medium. The hydrophobic
core of the micelle can encapsulate poorly water-soluble drugs, while the hydrophilic
shell provides colloidal stability and biocompa bility. Polymeric micelles are widely
explored as nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery and controlled release
applica ons.