A series of new gemini-type surfactants based on a sugar-linked dicationic head group was prepared by alkylation of long chained imidazole derivatives with dibromo-propyl glycosides. The surfactants exclusively assembled in micelles and exhibited high water solubility. Strong ionic interactions of the head group favored interactions with anionic co-surfactants, like SDS or fatty acid salts, leading to lamellar aggregates. This behavior enabled an easy approach for the preparation of vesicles by mixing micellar solutions of the gemini surfactants and SDS. Small vesicles with narrow size distribution were obtained. The high water solubility of the surfactants and the co-surfactant-induced micelle-vesicle transition suggest application potential for a delivery system focusing on an easy but effective encapsulation of water-soluble drugs. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
