micelles

Micelles are tiny, spherical structures formed when certain types of molecules called surfactants or detergents are in water. These molecules have two parts: a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. In water, the tails hide away from the liquid by clustering together in the center, while the heads face outward, interacting with the water. This arrangement creates a micelle, which can trap oils, grease, or other non-water-soluble substances inside its core, allowing them to be rinsed away. Micelles are essential in cleaning processes and help in natural functions like digestion.