Towards the application of a high-throughput microplate reader methodology for determining critical micelle concentrations of novel compounds.

This thesis demonstrates the use of high-throughput microplate reader methodologies for determining critical micelle concentrations (CMC) for four supramolecular self-associating amphiphilic salts, and how optical density and UV-Vis absorption can selectively identify the concentration at which micelles begin to form in solution (EtOH: H2O 1:19). The significance in contrasting temperatures was investigated on the optical density for each compound, demonstrating CMC dependence on temperature. The critical micelle concentrations of each compound were also gathered using a tensiometer demonstrating how accuracy, ease of use, data collection/interpretation as well as how promptly data can be collected are better via the microplate reader. Additionally, the self-association properties of two novel compounds were studied in solution using a range of physicochemical studies. These experiments included: electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry, quantitative 1H NMR, diffusion ordered spectroscopy, dilution studies, tensiometry, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. Both compounds have also been tested for their antimicrobial properties, displaying bacterial growth inhibition for MRSA. In addition, one of these compounds has been found to be an effective broad spectrum anti-microbial SSA (Supramolecular self-associating amphiphile).