Solution Properties of Fibrous Chains Constructed of Amphiphilic Molecules

Gel-like solutions of N-acyl-L-aspartic acids (CnAsp) and N-dodecanoyl-β-alanine (C12Ala) were investigated by infrared absorption spectroscopy and optical microscopy. The structures of fibrous assemblies and their construction mechanisms were discussed. Examination was also carried out on the addition of 2-ethylhexylamine (2-EHA) as a stabilizer, and its effects on fibrous assemblies were examined. C18Asp fibers were stabilized over long periods by the addition of 2-EHA. Amide bonds in amino acid surfactants played an important part in the formation of high-order structures such as fibrous assembries, globular particles, and crystals. Globular particles produced at high temperature were transformed into fibrous assemblies at room temperature. To models for this mechanism were proposed.