5.1.3. Determination of Critical Aggregation or Micelle Concentration

The critical micelle concentration (CMC) can be used as a measure of the stability of self-assembling NC or NCC systems including polymeric or surfactant stabilized NCM systems. The CMC is defined as the concentration at which self-assembled particles may form. This is a quantitative measure of the physical stability of NCM in solution. A relatively low CMC is indicative of more stable NCM systems than those in which a high CMC is likely. In other words, NCM prepared using stabilizers with a low CMC are more likely to maintain state as a consequence of dilution in the blood [164–168].
