Micelle formation

Micelle formation is a spontaneous physicochemical process in which amphiphilic molecules, such as bile salts and phospholipids, aggregate in aqueous solutions to form structures with a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic surface. In human physiology, this process occurs primarily in the small intestine, where bile salts form mixed micelles to solubilize dietary lipids and fat-soluble vitamins, facilitating their transport across the unstirred water layer to the intestinal epithelium for absorption (StatPearls, NBK470300). While micelle formation is a biological process rather than a specific protein or receptor target, it is a critical mechanism modulated by various therapeutic interventions. Drugs such as bile acid sequestrants bind to bile acids to prevent micelle formation and promote cholesterol excretion, while others like Orlistat indirectly affect the process by inhibiting lipid breakdown into micelle-forming components (StatPearls, NBK549890). Additionally, micelle formation is extensively utilized in pharmacology as a drug delivery system to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of hydrophobic pharmaceutical agents.

Other names

MicellizationMixed micelle formationAmphiphilic aggregation

Bile acid sequestration to prevent micelle-mediated cholesterol absorption; inhibition of gastric and pancreatic lipases to prevent the breakdown of fats into micelle-forming components.