Dissolution of cholesterol in bile salt solutions: effect of a nonionic surfactant [triton X-114]

A nonionic surfactant, Triton X-114, was shown to increase the dissolution rate of cholesterol in bile salt solutions, the effect being concentration dependent. The dissolution data obtained with Triton X-114 using a series of dihydroxy and trihydroxy bile salts and those obtained with cetrimIde indicate that the accelerating effect of the nonionic surfactant may involve the formation of bile salt-nonionic surfactant systems of higher solubilizing capacity for cholesterol which enhances the dissolution process. The results obtained provide information on this class of compOunds as potential cholesterol dissolution enhancers