Interactions of tryptophan and serotonin with biomembrane models: Binding to reversed micellar systems of ionic and non ionic surfactants

The interactions of Tryptophan (TRP) and Serotonin (5-HT), with water-containing sodium bis (2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT), didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) and tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12E4) reversed micelles have been investigated by UV absorption spectroscopy. Our results suggest that independently of the nature of the surfactant and the amount of the water encapsulated into the micellar core, TRP and 5-HT are solubilized in the micellar phase, preferring to be located in a shallow region constituted by the hydrated surfactant head groups. This is due to the amphiphilic nature of TRP and 5-HT and the biological implications are discussed.