Department: Pharmaceutics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Date: 1/19/2026
INTRODUCTION
In this lecture, we will cover:
Examination of surface tension and interfacial tension
Measurement of surface tension
Explanation of why certain molecules can lower surface and interfacial tension
Classes of surface active agents (SAA)
Properties of common surfactants used in pharmacy
Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC)
Reasons for micelle formation
Structure of ionic and non-ionic micelles
Factors influencing micelle formation
Uses of SAAs
Solubilization of water-insoluble compounds by surfactant micelles and applications in pharmacy
Consideration of hydrotropy and detergency
Complexation
INTERFACE AND SURFACE PHENOMENA
Definition of Interface:
Boundary between two phases
Can be liquid interfaces or solid interfaces, depending on the states of adjacent phases (solid, liquid, gas)
Liquid Interface Types: Liquid-liquid or liquid-gas
Solid Interface Types: Solid-gas or solid-liquid
Definition of Surface:
Used for gas-solid or gas-liquid interfaces
Surface/Interfacial Phenomena:
Physical and chemical changes at surfaces and interfaces
Examples include:
Adsorption of drugs onto solid adjuncts in dosage forms
Penetration of molecules through biological membranes
Emulsion formation and stability
Granulation of powder particles
Film coating of tablets
Dispersion of insoluble particles in liquid media
Additional examples discussed in relation to surface phenomena.
BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANES
Fluid Mosaic Model of Biological Membranes:
Illustration of molecule penetration through biological membranes, displaying hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions including glycoproteins, carbohydrates, integral proteins, and phospholipids.
SURFACTANT/INTERFACIAL PHENOMENA
Surfactants Orientation:
Surfactants in water orientate such that hydrophobic regions are shielded from water, lowering surface tension by occupying surface area previously occupied by water molecules, leading to weaker attractive forces.
The orientation reduces contraction forces because of amphiphile distribution at the solution-vapor interface and hydrocarbon-solution interface.
Surface Tension and Free Energy:
Molecules experience balanced forces in the liquid bulk but are subject to net attractive forces inward at the surface, leading to unique surface tension characteristics.
Hydrophobic drugs face multiple challenges (poor wettability and low solubility), however, their lipophilic nature aids in absorption through lipid membranes.
SURFACE TENSION MEASUREMENT
Measurement Techniques:
Ring Method (du Nuoy Tensiometer):
Measures force required to detach a platinum ring from a surface; detachment force is surface tension multiplied by liquid perimeter.
Drop Weight/Volume Methods:
Uses the weight or volume of a drop detached from a tip of known radius to calculate surface/interfacial tension.
Capillary Rise Method:
Measures the height liquid rises in a capillary tube under certain conditions; noted for high accuracy.
Wilhelmy Plate Method:
Employs a plate balanced with surface tension measured against the perimeter of the surface area.
Jaeger’s Method (Max Bubble Pressure Method):
Method to determine surface tension based on pressure required to sustain a bubble.
Stalagmometer:
Measures the number of drops or the weight of drops to determine surface tension.
APPLICATIONS OF SURFACTANTS
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Role of Surface Active Agents (SAAs):
Emulsifying agents for formulations
Aid solubility and stability of active ingredients in drugs
Modify release rates in ointment and suppository bases
Micellar Solubilization:
Micelles, formed from amphiphilic compounds, can solubilize hydrophobic substances in an aqueous environment.
Micelles and solubilized drugs exhibit thermodynamically stable solutions.
CRITICAL MICELLE CONCENTRATION (CMC)
Definition of CMC:
The concentration at which amphipathic compounds begin to aggregate, forming micelles.
Statistical Properties of CMC:
At low concentrations, significant surface tension reduction occurs, plateauing past the CMC, suggesting molecular organization changes from dispersion to micelle formation.
Measurement of CMC:
Observed through shifts in surface tension, optical properties, diffusion coefficients, etc.
FACTORS AFFECTING CMC
Molecular Structures of SAAs:
Hydrocarbon chain length increases lead to logarithmic decreases in CMC; branching dainty increases CMC.
Unsaturation in the chain increases CMC, impacting the micelle formation.
Effect of Additives:
Simple electrolytes can decrease CMC; addition of alcohols or hydrocarbons can alter micellar behavior.
Temperature Effects:
Higher temperatures often increase solubility and decrease effective surface tension.
APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Solubilization for Drug Formulations
Increasing systemic absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs for oral or topical use (e.g., Vitamin A, steroid hormones).
Use of amphiphilic compounds for more effective drug delivery and stability in formulations.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall Impact and Importance of Understanding Surface Phenomena: Spans numerous applications within pharmacology, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive understanding for drug formulation, efficacy, and delivery systems.
KEY TERMINOLOGY
Surface Active Agents (SAA):
Substances in solution that reduce the surface tension of a solvent by localizing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.
Amphiphilic:
Molecules containing both hydrophilic and lipophilic parts, contributing to their behavior at liquid interfaces.
Surface Tension (γ):
The force per unit length acting parallel to the surface of a liquid, characterized in units of m/N.
Defined mathematically: extSurfaceTension(au)=LF where F is the force acting on the liquid surface, and L is the length of the surface.
Application note on measurement validity; align methodologies with physiochemical properties to achieve reliable data.