Vesicle gel formed by a self-organization process

For the first time the formation of a gel phase of densely packed unilamell ar vesicles that is prepared by simple mixing of a surfactant solution and a cosurfactant (octanol) has been observed. This striking process of self-o rganization of a law viscous micellar phase into a vesicle phase with solid like properties was monitored with respect to the structural and the macros copic properties. The originally present micelles first grow in size and th en form small unilamellar vesicles, which are finally monodisperse enough t o form a highly ordered state. This opens a very easy way to form well-defi ned colloidal structures by a simple mixing process which could be of much interest for potential applications where one intends to incorporate active agents into such a vesicle phase.