The interaction of hemoglobin with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide

The interaction of hemoglobin (Hb) with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is investigated by UV–vis absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra method. CTAB monomer can convert methemoglobin (metHb) to hemichrome, and CTAB molecular assemblies, such as micelle, microemulsion and lamellar liquid crystal, can induce heme monomer to leave the hydrophobic cavity of Hb. TEM results show that Hb maintains the spherical structure in CTAB microemulsions while it is unfolded in CTAB lamellar liquid crystals. The existence of proton in the above systems can increase the stability of metHb.