Also known as reversed micelle or inverted micelle. A spheroidal structure formed by the association of a number of amphipathic (i.e., bearing both polar and nonpolar domains) surfactant molecules dissolved in organic, nonpolar solvents such as benzene, hexane, isooctane and oils such as com and sesame. The structure of an RM is the reverse of that of a micelle. Reverse micelles may be characterized by a structure in which the polar groups of the surfactant and any water present are centrally located with the surfactant hydrocarbon chains pointing outwards into the surrounding hydrocarbon medium. Reverse micelles may be used to solubilize polar molecules (i.e., water, enzymes) in organic nonpolar solvents and oils.