The structure can be represented in several different ways. The surfactant molecules thereby organize themselves into 3-dimensional spheres called micelles which have a hydrocarbon core and sulfate groups around the outer surface. Without detergent, we can not remove a greasy oily stain from clothing because grease and oil are large, non-polar, hydrophobic molecules. However, the interior core of a micelle is quite greasy just like an oily stain. When we add detergent to our wash water, the oil or grease on our clothes can dissolve in the interior of the micelles and thereby go into solution.
Surfactants can also form other structures.
Rather than form a sphere, some surfactants can coat the surface of the water to form a layer one molecule thick, a molecular monolayer . The human body does not start to produce lung surfactants until late in fetal development. Therefore, premature babies are often unable to breathe properly, a condition called Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Untreated, this is a serious illness and is often fatal, but administration of artificial surfactants virtually eliminates this health problem. All rights reserved.